Personal Injury Attorney in Cook County, Illinois
If you were injured because of someone else's negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation. We handle personal injury cases on contingency — there is no legal fee unless and until a recovery is made.
Available 24/7
For Criminal Defense Emergencies
Former Cook County Prosecutor
Solo Practice: Clients Work Directly with Steven
Free Consultation, No Time Limit
You Pay Nothing Unless We Recover
The contingency fee model means that the cost of legal representation is not an upfront expense. We do not charge a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. That structure exists specifically so that the cost of hiring an attorney is not a reason to leave a valid claim unpursued.
Illinois law also sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, measured from the date of injury. The sooner a case is evaluated, the more options are available.
What Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Skinner Law Firm represents personal injury clients across Cook County and the surrounding area. Below is an overview of the cases we handle and what each involves.
Compliance & Ongoing Counsel
Managing annual filings, record-keeping, and state or federal compliance. We often act as outside general counsel for companies without in-house legal staff.
DUI Defense
A DUI arrest in Cook County moves quickly. Your license can be suspended within days, and depending on your record and the circumstances of the stop, the charge can carry felony consequences. I've handled DUI cases from both sides of the courtroom and know exactly how the state builds its case — and where the defense lives.
Car Accidents
Car accident cases involve establishing fault, documenting damages, and navigating insurance negotiations with the at-fault party's carrier. We handle that process on your behalf — from the initial claim through litigation if the case requires it.
Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents frequently involve multiple liable parties — the driver, the trucking company, and potentially the cargo loader or vehicle manufacturer. These cases carry higher damages and more complex liability questions than standard car accident claims.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident victims face a specific challenge: bias. Insurers and opposing parties often attempt to shift fault to the motorcyclist regardless of the actual facts. We represent motorcycle accident clients and push back on that framing directly.
Wrongful Death
When a family member dies as a result of another party's negligence, Illinois law allows eligible survivors to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases involve both economic and non-economic damages and require careful documentation of the full impact of the loss.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims arise when a healthcare provider's negligence causes injury or worsens an existing condition. These cases involve detailed review of medical records, expert testimony, and a higher burden of proof than standard negligence claims.
How a Personal Injury Case Works in Illinois
Personal injury cases in Illinois follow a general process, though the timeline and specifics vary by case type and the extent of the injuries involved.
Step 1: Case Evaluation
We review the facts of the incident, the nature and extent of the injuries, and the available evidence. At this stage, we assess liability, identify responsible parties, and give a frank assessment of what the claim may be worth.
Step 2: Insurance Claim and Negotiation
In most personal injury cases, the first stage involves filing a claim with the at-fault party's insurer and negotiating a settlement. We handle all communications with insurance adjusters directly — clients do not negotiate with the other side on their own.
Step 3: Litigation When Necessary
When an insurer does not offer fair compensation, the case goes to court. We handle personal injury cases through the full litigation process in the Circuit Court of Cook County, not only through demand letters. Clients who need to go to trial have representation through every stage of that process.
Why Cook County Experience Matters in a Personal Injury Case
Personal injury cases in Cook County are litigated in the Circuit Court of Cook County, one of the largest trial courts in the country. Familiarity with how that court operates — its procedures, its judges, and how cases move through the system — is not a minor factor in how a case is handled.
We have represented clients in Cook County civil courts for 20 years. That experience informs how we evaluate cases, how we negotiate, and how we prepare for trial.
- Personal injury representation on a contingency fee basis — no recovery, no fee
- Full litigation representation through the Circuit Court of Cook County
- Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice
- Direct representation from Steven on every case
- All insurance communications handled on your behalf
- Free consultation with no time limit
Testimonials
I can’t thank Steve enough for the work he did on my criminal case. From day one, he was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and straightforward about everything. He responded quickly whenever I had questions and always kept me informed about what was going on. Most importantly, he got my case dismissed.
David Cortez
5 stars across the board! Mr. Skinner was a great help, very professional and knowledgeable. He did what he said he would! I would highly recommend him for all of your legal needs!
Jim Marino
Attorney Skinner handled my daughter’s traffic matter wonderfully! He was very professional and helpful throughout the process.
Keri Moritz
Quick and concise service. Applying for law enforcement, needed to clean up my past ASAP, Mr Skinner ensured the job got done in time for the next hiring cycle. A blessing no doubt!! Knowledgeable and professional, well mannered, I recommended highly.
Steven Quiroz
Common Questions About Personal Injury Cases in Illinois
How does a personal injury case work in Illinois?
A personal injury case begins with an evaluation of the facts — who was at fault, what injuries resulted, and what evidence is available. From there, most cases proceed through an insurance claim and negotiation process. If the insurer does not offer fair compensation, the case moves to litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of the injuries.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Illinois?
Illinois imposes a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, measured from the date of injury. Missing that deadline generally bars the claim entirely. There are exceptions in limited circumstances, but the safest approach is to have a case evaluated as early as possible.
What does it mean that you handle personal injury cases on contingency?
A contingency fee arrangement means there is no upfront legal fee. We are paid a percentage of the recovery if and when the case is resolved in your favor. If no recovery is made, no fee is owed. This structure allows clients to pursue a claim without the cost of legal representation being a barrier.
Do I have to go to court for a personal injury case?
Not always. Many personal injury cases are resolved through insurance negotiations before a lawsuit is filed. When an insurer does not make a fair offer, litigation becomes necessary. We handle cases through the full court process when that is what the situation requires.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company after an accident?
You are not required to, and doing so without legal counsel can affect your claim. Insurance adjusters work on behalf of their company, not on your behalf. Once we are retained, we handle all communications with the other side directly.
Steven Skinner is a personal injury attorney licensed in Illinois with 20 years of experience representing clients in Cook County courts. Skinner Law Firm, P.C. handles car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis throughout Cook County and the surrounding area. The firm holds a 4.9-star Google rating (28 reviews) and a 5.0 Avvo rating (18 reviews). Learn more on the About page.
Understanding Your Options Costs Nothing
A free consultation is exactly that — a direct conversation about what happened, what your claim may be worth, and what the realistic options are. There is no obligation and no fee to find out where you stand.
Call or text 312-852-9937 to schedule your free consultation. We are available after hours and on weekends.