Getting injured through someone else’s fault is distressing as it is, but seeking compensation for those injuries can add even more unwanted stress. It’s essential to get the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer if you’re seeking full recovery for your damages. Illinois, however, has no shortage of injury attorneys, each touting their qualifications and promises. How do you even begin to find the best personal injury attorney for your Chicago injury claim?
To guide people in the right direction, here are three outstanding personal injury lawyers in Chicagoland who have extensive experience, superior legal performance, and genuine client service.
Top 3 Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys
- David Baez – Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago
- Matthew Willens – Best Catastrophic Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Chicago
- David Menchetti – Best Workplace Injury Lawyer in Chicago
Let’s dive into the background, track record, and case results of each of these injury lawyers to see what makes them first-rate at their job.
David Baez – Top Personal Injury Attorney in Chicago
Before becoming an injury lawyer, David Baez worked as an insurance defense attorney. He has since found his personal mission to help the injured instead, using his insider experience as an advantage in the injury cases he handles.
David’s skillful work in personal injury soon earned notice in the legal community. In 2017, he was named among the Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, an accolade that fewer than 2.5 percent of Illinois lawyers receive. He made the prestigious list year after year, until in 2024, he was selected as one of the elite Illinois Super Lawyers.
Through his personal injury representation, David has obtained millions of dollars on behalf of his clients every single year. One of his notable cases, just this past year alone, was a $1.5 million award in a dog bite claim – the largest-ever dog-bite outcome in Illinois history.
Proficient in English and Spanish, David makes sure to treat each client with kind consideration. David prides himself on developing genuine and deep relationships with all his clients, as he believes it to be the key differentiator between being just a good attorney and being an elite advocate. Clients often thank him for his knowledgeable representation, constant updates, and family-like understanding throughout their legal process. This, on top of the successful case results he has secured, proves his high caliber as a personal injury attorney.
Matthew Willens – Top Catastrophic Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Chicago
With nearly three decades of law experience, Matthew Willens is among the most seasoned injury attorneys in the Chicago area. He also has a particular background, previously working for a major insurance company. Gaining insight into the inner workings of insurers, he now combines his unique experience with his legal proficiency to build strong cases for his injured clients.
Over his decades of practice, Matthew has developed the sharp legal skills needed for victims of catastrophic injuries and medical negligence. He is competent in complex and high-stakes claims. Among his numerous successes are a $15.8 million verdict in a car accident case, a $12.25 million settlement in a birth injury case, and a $2.34 million settlement in an asbestos exposure case.
It’s no wonder why he has received many accolades from the legal community. Since 2012, Matthew has been voted yearly into the “Best of the Best – Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyers,” an honor given to fewer than 1 percent of Illinois attorneys. He was also lauded by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of the 10 Best Attorneys in Illinois. In addition, he earned the highest possible ratings from lawyer review bodies like Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo.
Matthew’s clients consistently describe him as an assertive yet sympathetic lawyer. He aggressively advocates for his clients’ fair compensation while providing them with patience and personal attention. Many Chicagoans now thank him for the favorable results and peace of mind they achieved after their injuries.
Visit Matthew Willens’ website.
David Menchetti – Top Workplace Injury Attorney in Chicago
Few lawyers are more qualified to handle workers’ compensation cases than David Menchetti. For decades now, he has actively advocated for better laws to protect Illinois workers and was one of the drafters of the amendments to the historic 2005 and 2012 Workers’ Compensation reform.
Employees in Chicago and beyond approach David when they need compensation for their job-related injuries. The workers’ comp lawyer adeptly navigates the rules of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, allowing his clients to receive their full injury benefits. He is also ready to bring claims to the Circuit Courts, Appellate Court, and Supreme Court, if necessary.
For his excellent legal work, David is highly regarded in the legal community. He has consistently placed on the Super Lawyers list since 2005 and has been named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America. He is also a recipient of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association – President’s Award.
David’s clients are thankful for his no-nonsense and hardworking approach that makes him effective for workers’ comp claims. Though he pours his time into his cases, he always makes sure to stay in touch with each client, helping them feel at ease as they recover from their work injury.
Visit David Menchetti’s website.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney
You’re likely looking at websites and advertisements, hoping to find an injury lawyer who can obtain a settlement for you and not waste your time and money. Take these steps to find the right lawyer for your personal injury claim:
- Research their credentials. Check if they’re licensed and experienced in your county. Look for their firm’s ratings from third-party review sites such as Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, and Super Lawyers. Ideally, the attorney should also have writings in established publications, demonstrating that they’re a trusted leader in the industry.
- Look for past case outcomes. Personal injury is quite broad, encompassing various case types. You’ll want a lawyer who has specifically won cases similar to yours. Take a look at each attorney’s featured case results and see if you find an identical situation.
- Consider what other clients say. Client reviews tell you what it would be like to work with the attorney. Injury lawyers often post client testimonials on their websites, but it’s a good idea to also look at reviews on independent sites. You may also ask your friends and family for any referral or attorney experience they’ve had.
- Pay attention to their communication. Trustworthy law firms will always communicate with you, provide clear answers, and not leave you waiting for callbacks. Try calling your top lawyer candidates to get an idea of how they deal with people.
- Get a consultation. Many personal injury firms offer a free initial consultation without hiring them yet. Take this opportunity to speak with your lawyer candidates, ask for their initial opinions, and get a sense of how comfortable you’d be working with them. You can interview multiple attorneys during your search period.
Finding the ideal injury lawyer may not always be instantaneous, especially in Illinois where there are hundreds of firms. The steps above can help you narrow down your choices and pick a reliable attorney who can deliver efficient, competent service.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my claim?
Illinois does not require you to have a lawyer for a personal injury claim, but many claimants quickly discover they need one anyway. This is because injury claims are often disputed by defendants and their insurance companies. Insurers are particularly known to use tactics that downplay claimants’ injuries and result in poor settlements.
To protect yourself from insurance tactics and assert your fair compensation, a personal injury attorney will be indispensable.
How much will I receive in my personal injury claim?
This depends on many factors such as the severity of your injury, the actions that led to the injury, any impairment you suffer, and more. Cases of extensive injuries or long-lasting disability can reach six or seven figures. Note, however, that claim outcomes vary widely. You’ll have a good idea of how much your case is worth if you discuss it with your injury lawyer.
What kinds of injuries does a personal injury attorney handle?
Personal injury lawyers handle a wide array of injury cases resulting from the negligence or recklessness of another party. Examples are injuries from car accidents, motorcycle or bicycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, truck wrecks, slipping or tripping on someone’s premises, dog bites, recreational accidents, medical negligence, and more.
Are there Spanish-speaking injury lawyers in Chicago?
Yes, there are personal injury lawyers in Chicagoland who speak Spanish. An example is David Baez, who has been a proficient Spanish speaker for many years.
Will I have to go to court for my personal injury claim in Chicago?
The majority of successful personal injury claims in Chicago don’t reach court trials but are instead settled out of court. In some cases, however, insurance negotiations break down and it becomes more advantageous to litigate (pursue a court trial). An experienced injury lawyer like Matthew Willens can determine the best strategy for your case and is equipped to go to court if necessary.
How much does an injury lawyer cost in Chicago?
Chicago personal injury firms like Willens & Baez charge you nothing upfront. Their lawyer fee will only be a percentage of whatever amount they win for you. This is called contingency billing, and it allows you to hire their services without risking your hard-earned money.