Top 15 Personal Injury Attorneys in Chicago: Client Success Stories

Top 15 personal injury attorneys in Chicago are not hard to find — what’s hard is knowing which ones actually deliver results when it counts. Chicago is one of the most litigated cities in the country. Between busy expressways, aging infrastructure, and complex hospital systems, the city generates thousands of personal injury claims every year. Some of those cases settle quickly and fairly. Others drag on for years and end in disappointment — often because the injured person chose the wrong legal representation from the start.

This guide cuts through the noise. We researched court records, verified settlements, reviewed client testimonials, and examined firm track records to bring you a list of attorneys and firms that have genuinely changed outcomes for real people. Whether you were hurt in a car accident on the Dan Ryan, suffered a slip and fall on an icy Chicago sidewalk, or are dealing with the aftermath of medical malpractice, the right Chicago personal injury lawyer can be the difference between walking away with fair compensation and walking away with nothing.

Each attorney or firm on this list was selected based on settlement history, peer recognition, client feedback, and demonstrated courtroom performance. We’ve also included real-world success stories — because numbers on a website mean more when you understand the human being behind them.

What Makes a Personal Injury Attorney in Chicago Worth Hiring?

Before we get into the list, it’s worth understanding what separates a good personal injury attorney from a great one. This matters because Illinois has a specific two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. Once that window closes, your right to pursue compensation disappears regardless of how strong your case is.

Here’s what to look for when evaluating a Chicago personal injury lawyer:

• Trial experience: Many attorneys settle cases, but few are genuinely prepared to go to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys litigate and which ones cave. The ones willing to go to court often get higher settlements before the trial even starts.
• Case type specialization: A lawyer who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and slip and fall cases has broad exposure. That depth matters when your case involves overlapping issues.
• Contingency fee structure: Every firm on this list works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win. This is standard for personal injury work in Illinois, but it’s worth confirming before signing anything.
• Client communication: Injury victims often feel lost during the legal process. Attorneys who assign dedicated case managers and answer calls within 24 hours make a measurable difference in the client experience.
• Peer recognition: Awards from organizations like Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association carry weight because they’re based on peer nominations — other attorneys vouching for their colleagues.

Top 15 Personal Injury Attorneys in Chicago: Client Success Stories

1. Corboy & Demetrio

Firm at a Glance: Over 65 years of practice | Nationally recognized | $1B+ recovered

If you’ve followed Illinois personal injury law for any length of time, you know this name. Corboy & Demetrio has represented plaintiffs in a wide range of cases for more than 65 years, taking on some of the largest corporations, airlines, hospitals, manufacturers, and municipalities in the world.

Notable Client Story: One of the firm’s most publicly known cases involved Dr. David Dao, the passenger forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight in 2017. Thomas Demetrio appeared live on the Today Show to discuss Dr. Dao’s case and airline passenger rights. The settlement that followed sparked nationwide conversations about airline liability.

In another case, the firm secured a $25 million settlement in a railroad crossing crash, and separately obtained $6 million for the family of a dancer killed by an Amtrak train. These aren’t just big numbers — they represent families who would have received far less with lesser representation.

Why Clients Choose Them: Free remote consultations, no fee unless successful, and 24/7 availability. Thomas A. Demetrio has been ranked first by Illinois Super Lawyers for multiple consecutive years, which speaks to how seriously the legal community takes this firm’s work.

2. Clifford Law Offices

Firm at a Glance: Founded 1984 | $5 billion+ recovered | Aviation, medical malpractice, trucking

The award-winning legal teams at Clifford Law Offices have recovered over $5 billion in catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims through exceptional breadth of experience and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Notable Client Story: Among their most significant results, Clifford Law Offices secured a record $101 million verdict on behalf of a baby who sustained brain damage at birth at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Illinois. The child required lifelong, around-the-clock care — and now has the financial resources to receive it.

That verdict stands as one of the largest medical malpractice awards in Illinois history. But what makes it a true success story is the context: a family in crisis, facing a lifetime of caretaking costs and medical uncertainty, received justice that made long-term care possible.

Why Clients Choose Them: The firm has been named in the National Law Journal’s Top 50 “America’s Elite Trial Lawyers” — the only Chicago law firm to receive that honor. They specialize in high-stakes cases where the legal and factual challenges are immense.

3. Smith LaCien LLP

Firm at a Glance: $3.5 billion in verdicts and settlements | 100+ cases with $5M+ results

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Smith LaCien LLP have a long track record of achieving exceptional results for clients, with more than $3.5 billion in verdicts and settlements and more than 100 cases with results of at least $5 million.

Notable Client Story: The firm handled one of the most complex product liability cases in automotive history — a settlement related to the Takata airbag litigation, the largest U.S. auto-related recall ever recorded. They also secured a settlement for a medical malpractice case where a college student suffered severe brain damage during heart surgery, as well as a verdict for the wrongful death of a 29-year-old tow truck driver in a truck collision.

That last case stands out. The victim was a young father working a dangerous job. Smith LaCien’s team investigated the crash, identified negligence in the trucking company’s maintenance records, and brought a case that held the company accountable — and provided for his family going forward.

Why Clients Choose Them: They handle everything from aviation accidents and pharmaceutical injuries to medical negligence and catastrophic injury. Their depth across case types means complex claims with multiple liable parties don’t overwhelm them.

4. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Firm at a Glance: Nearly 25 years in practice | $450M+ recovered | 99% success rate

For nearly 25 years, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has secured more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts for Chicago motor vehicle accidents, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, sexual abuse, workplace accidents, and other personal injury cases.

Notable Client Story: One of the firm’s most emotionally significant practice areas is nursing home abuse. Jonathan Rosenfeld has built a national reputation representing victims of elder neglect and abuse — people who cannot always speak for themselves. Families who discover their loved one has been harmed while in a care facility often don’t know where to turn. Rosenfeld’s team investigates quietly and thoroughly, building evidence-based cases that nursing home operators can’t easily deny.

To date, the firm has helped over 5,000 clients in the aftermath of serious injuries. That volume reflects consistent performance over time, not lucky outcomes.

Why Clients Choose Them: They focus exclusively on personal injury — it’s not one practice area among many. That specialization produces better outcomes. Representation is on a contingency fee basis, and initial consultations are free.

5. McNabola & Associates

Firm at a Glance: $300M+ recovered | 98% success rate | Named Top 100 Attorneys in Illinois

McNabola & Associates has recovered over $300 million for clients facing life-altering injuries from car accidents, truck collisions, and medical malpractice, with a 98% success rate and recognition among Illinois’ top trial lawyers.

Notable Client Story: Ted McNabola recently obtained a record-breaking $27 million settlement on behalf of the family of a Chicago woman who was injured and died as a result of a motor vehicle collision. That case involved years of investigation, expert testimony, and dogged negotiation. The result set a precedent in wrongful death recovery for the family.

A client review sums up the firm’s approach clearly: “Ted and his team are intelligent, quick-working, and determined when it comes to fighting for their clients.”

Why Clients Choose Them: They investigate every detail — from traffic camera footage and witness statements to accident reconstruction reports. Every client receives a “no fee unless we win” guarantee and 24/7 access to their legal team.

6. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys

Firm at a Glance: Two Chicago-area offices | Available 24/7 | Trusted by thousands of Chicagoans

Lerner and Rowe has built a reputation not just on results, but on how clients feel during the process. The most valuable non-legal service they provide is carrying the emotional burden of clients so those clients can focus on recovery.

Notable Client Story: One client wrote: “I was hit by a drunk driver and from that moment, the team at Lerner and Rowe was with me every step of the way.” That kind of testimonial — focused on responsiveness and care rather than just the settlement number — reflects a firm that understands injured people are dealing with far more than a legal problem.

The firm offers 24-hour availability and ensures all calls and emails are returned within 24 hours. For someone dealing with mounting medical bills and missed work, that response time matters enormously.

Why Clients Choose Them: Accessible locations across Chicagoland, multilingual staff, and a track record of handling everything from slip and fall injuries to complex car accident claims.

7. VanDerGinst Law

Firm at a Glance: 99.5% success rate on personal injury cases | Licensed in multiple states

VanDerGinst Law has a success rate of over 99.5% on personal injury cases, with hundreds of clients helped and millions of dollars recovered, and never charges a fee unless they win.

Notable Client Story: Firm president Dennis VanDerGinst earned his law degree from DePaul University and has represented clients across nearly every state in the U.S. His firm has handled cases involving severe truck accidents, workplace injuries, and catastrophic crashes — often against corporate defendants with deep pockets and large legal teams.

Why Clients Choose Them: The 99.5% success rate is meaningful because it represents decades of consistent performance. Attorneys who settle weak cases just to pad statistics don’t maintain numbers like that. VanDerGinst’s team is selective and thorough from intake, which means clients get honest assessments upfront.

8. Romanucci & Blandin

Firm at a Glance: Civil rights and personal injury | Diverse, multilingual team

This firm stands out for handling cases that intersect personal injury with civil rights litigation. When a client’s injury involves government negligence, police misconduct, or institutional failure, that dual expertise is invaluable.

Notable Client Story: Attorney Daisy at Romanucci & Blandin spent nearly a decade at a Chicago-area personal injury firm before joining, where she helped both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients navigate the legal system. That bilingual capability removes one of the biggest barriers injured clients face — being unable to communicate clearly with their own attorney.

Why Clients Choose Them: A team experienced in both personal injury and civil rights law, with deep roots in Chicago’s diverse communities. They’re particularly well suited for clients whose cases involve institutional or governmental negligence.

9. Kreisman Law Offices

Firm at a Glance: 50 years of experience | Medical malpractice, nursing home, product liability

Kreisman Law Offices is a Chicago-based personal injury firm with 50 years of experience that successfully uses a client-based approach to seek justice for victims nationwide.

Notable Client Story: Robert Kreisman has spent five decades handling cases where clients were failed by the medical system — botched surgeries, misdiagnoses, delayed treatment. These are some of the most technically demanding cases in personal injury law, requiring attorneys who understand both medicine and courtroom procedure. His firm has secured multi-million dollar verdicts in medical malpractice cases that other firms turned down.

Why Clients Choose Them: Half a century of experience means they’ve seen nearly every defense strategy insurance companies and hospital systems try. That experience translates to better case preparation and stronger negotiations.

10. Shammas Law Office

Firm at a Glance: 99.5% win percentage | Millions secured in settlements and verdicts

Shammas Law Office has a 99.5% win percentage and has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for clients. Michael Shammas’s results and his aggressive, passionate representation have earned him several awards.

Notable Client Story: Shammas handles cases that require aggressive courtroom posture. Where some firms default to settlement without fully developing a case, Shammas builds each matter as if it will go to trial — and insurance companies respond accordingly. Clients who were initially offered inadequate settlements have seen outcomes more than double after Shammas took over their cases.

Why Clients Choose Them: Located in the heart of the Loop, with a reputation for taking on difficult cases that other firms consider marginal. Results-focused from day one.

11. Schwaner Injury Law

Firm at a Glance: Since 2005 | $15M+ recovered | Vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation

Since 2005, Attorney David J. Schwaner has successfully collected $15 million-plus for his clients by fighting tirelessly with a focus on vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation claims.

Notable Client Story: A client review captured it well: “Dave did an outstanding job managing and settling my case. He clearly knows the law and brought a savvy, creative approach that significantly increased the odds of a successful outcome. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process.”

That word — communication — comes up constantly in Schwaner’s reviews. Clients who feel informed and included in their own cases make better decisions and end up more satisfied with outcomes.

Why Clients Choose Them: Boutique firm feel with serious results. Schwaner handles a manageable caseload, which means clients aren’t just a file number.

12. The Kryder Law Group

Firm at a Glance: 100+ combined years of experience | Full-service personal injury

The Kryder Law Group’s personal injury practice stands out from others on various grounds, bringing more than 100 years of combined experience to accident and injury cases.

Notable Client Story: The firm has handled serious trucking accidents, product liability cases, and complex multi-vehicle crashes across the Chicago metro area. Their experience with commercial vehicle litigation — where federal trucking regulations create additional liability pathways — gives clients access to recovery avenues they might not know exist.

Why Clients Choose Them: Well-established team with deep experience across the full spectrum of accident injury claims. Particularly strong in cases involving commercial trucks and corporate defendants.

13. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers

Firm at a Glance: Former insurance defense attorneys | Insider knowledge for injury victims

The attorneys at Willens & Baez used to work for insurance companies. Now they work against them, with insider knowledge that produces bigger results for injury victims.

Notable Client Story: That background is not a gimmick. Attorneys who spent years defending insurers know exactly what adjusters look for in claim files, what arguments move the needle in negotiations, and which tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts. When that knowledge shifts to the plaintiff’s side, it becomes a genuine strategic advantage.

A client who suffered a serious back injury in a rear-end collision had already been lowballed twice by the at-fault driver’s insurance company before retaining Willens & Baez. The firm identified documentation errors in the insurance company’s own file and used that leverage to secure a substantially higher settlement.

Why Clients Choose Them: Unique inside-out perspective on insurance company negotiation tactics. Ideal for cases where the insurance company is being particularly difficult.

14. Pavich Law Group

Firm at a Glance: Serious injury focus | Personal attention guaranteed

Anastasia Pavich and her team believe that if you are seriously injured, you need personal attention from a dedicated attorney — not a large factory firm that passes your file between associates.

Notable Client Story: The firm has represented clients in traumatic brain injury cases, spinal cord injuries, and catastrophic accident claims. In one case involving a construction worker who suffered permanent disability, the team worked with life care planners and economic experts to calculate the full scope of long-term damages — well beyond what the insurance company initially offered.

Why Clients Choose Them: Smaller caseload per attorney means genuinely individualized representation. Clients speak directly with experienced lawyers, not just paralegals.

15. Jay Paul Deratany / The Deratany Firm

Firm at a Glance: Licensed in Illinois and Florida | Record-setting single verdicts

Jay Paul Deratany has won some of the largest single verdicts in the Chicago-land area for people who have been seriously injured or victimized by medical negligence, foster care negligence, or adoption negligence.

Notable Client Story: Deratany has carved out a distinctive niche — cases involving systemic institutional failure. Foster care neglect, adoption fraud, and institutional abuse cases are among the most emotionally complex and legally difficult in personal injury law. He has secured results in cases that most attorneys would consider too risky or too unconventional.

Why Clients Choose Them: If your case involves institutional negligence, systemic failures, or unconventional liability theories, Deratany has the record and the willingness to pursue it aggressively.

How to Choose the Right Chicago Personal Injury Attorney for Your Case

Now that you have the list, the next question is obvious: how do you pick one? Here are the factors that should drive that decision.

Match the Attorney to Your Case Type

• Car and truck accidents: McNabola & Associates, Schwaner Injury Law, Lerner and Rowe
• Medical malpractice: Clifford Law Offices, Kreisman Law Offices, Corboy & Demetrio
• Wrongful death: Smith LaCien LLP, Corboy & Demetrio, McNabola & Associates
• Nursing home abuse: Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, Kreisman Law Offices
• Catastrophic injury / brain injury: Clifford Law Offices, Smith LaCien LLP, Pavich Law Group
• Civil rights intersection: Romanucci & Blandin
• Institutional negligence: The Deratany Firm

Ask the Right Questions in Your Free Consultation

Every firm on this list offers a free initial consultation. Use it. Come prepared with these questions:

1. How many cases like mine have you handled, and what were the outcomes?
2. Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed to a junior associate?
3. What is your contingency fee percentage, and are there additional costs?
4. What is a realistic timeline for my type of case?
5. Have you taken cases like mine to trial, or do you typically settle?

Understand Illinois Personal Injury Law Basics

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault for your own injury, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. An experienced attorney will anticipate this defense and build your case accordingly.

For further reading on Illinois personal injury statutes, the Illinois General Assembly’s compiled statutes provide the full legal framework that governs your claim. The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association is also a resource for finding vetted attorneys with demonstrated courtroom experience.

What Compensation Can You Actually Recover?

Personal injury compensation in Illinois falls into two broad categories:

Economic damages — these are quantifiable losses:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Home modification costs for disabilities
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Non-economic damages — these are harder to quantify but often represent the largest portion of a settlement or verdict:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with a spouse)

In cases involving egregious conduct — drunk driving, deliberate disregard for safety, gross negligence — punitive damages may also be available in Illinois, though they are subject to specific legal standards.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Not every attorney who advertises aggressive representation actually delivers it. Here are warning signs that should make you pause:

• Guaranteed outcomes: No ethical attorney promises a specific settlement or verdict. The law doesn’t work that way.
• Pressure to settle quickly: Early settlement offers from insurance companies are almost always low. An attorney who pushes you to accept without full evaluation of your damages is not working in your interest.
• Poor communication: If an attorney doesn’t return your calls during the intake process, that pattern won’t improve once you’ve signed.
• No trial experience: Ask directly. An attorney who has never tried a case to verdict has limited negotiating leverage.
• Vague fee structures: Get everything in writing. Know the contingency percentage, what happens if the case is lost, and who pays for litigation costs.

Conclusion

The top 15 personal injury attorneys in Chicago featured in this guide represent some of the most accomplished legal professionals in Illinois — firms that have collectively recovered billions of dollars for real people dealing with real hardship. From Clifford Law Offices’ $101 million birth injury verdict to Schwaner Injury Law’s personalized approach for accident victims, these attorneys share one common thread: they treat their clients’ cases as if they were their own.

If you or someone you love has been injured through someone else’s negligence, the most important step you can take is consulting a proven Chicago personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible. Illinois’s two-year statute of limitations is not flexible, evidence disappears with time, and the sooner an experienced attorney begins building your case, the stronger your position will be when it matters most.