Personal Injury Lawyer in Carbondale, IL

Burger Law defends the rights of people who are injured because of negligent and reckless actions. When you or someone you love has been injured all because someone else behaved recklessly or irresponsibly, Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers in Carbondale, IL demand the recovery you are owed and fight for you every step of the way. Reach out to Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.

If you want to know how much compensation you may be owed in Carbondale, or anywhere in Illinois, fill out our free personal injury calculator.

Those who injured you have an obligation to compensate you for all of your damages, but they will not do it willingly. Burger Law’s personal injury lawyer team fights back for the injured against whoever is standing in the way of justice. That includes anything from suing drunk drivers, holding negligent doctors, product manufacturers, business owners accountable, taking the fight to the government, to securing justice and financial security for Carbondale residents after the wrongful death of a loved one. If you have questions about your case, what compensation you are owed or other questions regarding personal injury claims, call our personal injury lawyers in Carbondale, IL as soon as possible at (314) 500-HURT.

Why Burger Law Is The Carbondale, IL Personal Injury Law Firm For You

It can be difficult to know how to choose the right personal injury lawyer for you. You want someone with a history of winning similar cases and who you know will not back down from a fight. In order to gauge the abilities of an injury law firm, you need to take into account the cases they have won, and what their clients and peers say about them:

Award-Winning Carbondale, IL Personal Injury Lawyers

The numerous awards and accolades Burger Law has received from other attorneys include:

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a notable achievement awarded to not more than 5 percent of all lawyers in the country
• Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Honor — Members of the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor only given to 1 percent of attorneys in the United States.
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers Honor — Selected to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only award that is comprised of the most qualified lawyers in each state.
• Board Certified By the National Board of Trial Advocacy — Board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Less than 4 percent of all practicing lawyers are certified by an American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Personal Injury Lawyer Carbondale, IL – Cases We Have Won

Our Carbondale, IL personal injury lawyers have a demonstrated history of getting great results. We fight all who have injured our clients, and we insist on nothing but full compensation. Our lawyers are dedicated to giving our clients the highest standard of legal representation, and we take tremendous pride in our well-deserved victories. Read about our case results in personal injury claims below:

• $5 Million Settlement – Father Killed By Reckless Truck Driver
• $3 Million Judgment – Son Murdered by Pam Hupp
• $2.5 Million Settlement for Father’s Fatal Car Accident
• From $0 to $2 Million Car Accident Settlement
• $2 Million Settlement – Injured Woman Settles Highway Crash Lawsuit
• $1.435 Million Settlement For Deck Collapse That Injured Couple
• $1 Million Settlement to Family of Man with Sepsis Infection
• Medical Malpractice Case Settles for Over $1 Million
• $900,000 Medical Malpractice Settlement
• $765,000 Settlement After Fatal Collision
• $600,000 Tractor-Trailer Crash
• $600,000 Settlement – Widow in ATV Accident Settles with Property Owner
• Class Action $600,000 Settlement Against the State of Illinois
• $495,000 Uninsured Motorcycle Verdict
• $400,000 Settlement in Employment Discrimination Case
• $350,000 Settlement in Ladder Case

It is worth pointing out that every injury comes with its own set of circumstances, and what you may be eligible to recover is going to be based entirely upon the circumstances of your claim. We calculate the full extent of your damages so that we get the maximum amount of compensation possible.

Burger Law Client Testimonials

Beyond the videos below, you can see our full list of client testimonials here.

What Is a Personal Injury Claim in Carbondale, IL?

Under Illinois and U.S. law, you have a right to file a personal injury claim to get financial compensation for the injuries done by another person’s negligence, and to hold them accountable for breaking the rules. The objective of insurance settlements and civil litigation is to make you whole. The idea is convert all the ways an injury affected you into a dollar amount.

In some cases, no lawyer or financial award can fully “put back” all the things you lost in an injury. While we can get compensation for medical expenses, time spent off work recovering and other financial losses, other damages are harder to quantify. If you lost a loved one, you lost a limb, are permanently scarred or will have to live the rest of your life in chronic pain, no one can truly change that. What empathetic and talented personal injury lawyers like those at Burger Law are able to do is secure you fair compensation in order to provide a sense of justice and recognition, and to give you financial security as it relates to your injuries.

Is it Worth Hiring Personal Injury Lawyer in Carbondale, IL?

That depends on the specifics of your case, but most of the time, yes, you will need a personal injury lawyer to get the full compensation you deserve in Carbondale, IL. The thing to ask yourself is, can they increase my compensation? If your injuries were not significant, you did not miss much time off work and the insurance company is being mostly fair, you may not need an attorney. But, you should hire legal representation in Carbondale, IL under the following circumstances:

• There is a dispute over who is to blame, or you are being blamed for your injuries
• The insurance company is denying they have to cover certain damages
• Your injuries are serious and require ongoing medical treatment
• There more than one party at fault
• Your damages are more than an insurance company’s policy limits

Our initial conversations and investigations are free, and we are always straightforward about whether or not it is in your best interest to hire our services. Our personal injury lawyers take on cases based on a contingency-fee, meaning you only pay after you have received the full compensation you are owed, and there is no reason for us to accept you as a client if we do not think we can get you substantially more money.

How Do I Know if I Have a Personal Injury Claim in Carbondale, IL?

While legal doctrine can be hard to navigate, whether or not you have a claim depends on the answer to one specific question: were you injured because someone else was negligent? From a legal standpoint, you must prove the five elements of negligence:

1. Duty of care — You first need to show that the liable party had a responsibility to care for your safety. In some cases this is automatic, as motorists all owe everyone on the Carbondale, IL roads a duty of care, or store owners need their properties to be reasonable safe for anyone who legally enters. Other times, a particular relationship must be established, for instance a doctor-patient relationship or a vendor-buyer relationship.
2. Breach of duty — Did the other party fail in that duty? Did a driver crash into you you while they were not following the rules of the road? Did a physician not take into account your medical history? Did a trucking company force their employee to drive longer than regulations allow?
3. Cause-in-fact — You must prove how the accident led to your injuries. For example, you sustained a whiplash injury after being rear ended, or were burned by a defective product when it overheated.
4. Proximate cause — This determines who needs to be held accountable. If you were injured in an auto accident, the liable party is usually the driver that hit you. But if the tires were not safe, a manufacturer or mechanic may be the one who is ultimately liable.
5. Damages — Lastly, you have to show that you sustained some form of financial loss as a direct result of your injuries. In personal injury cases, this is usually medical expenses and lost wages. If you keep solid records of your medical expenses, this last part will be fairly easy to prove with the help of an attorney. Once we establish financial losses, we can also seek compensation for pain and suffering damages.

The only way to know for certain if you have an injury claim is to speak to an attorney who has handled your type of claim in Carbondale, IL before. Call a personal injury lawyer today at (314) 500-HURT.

Types of Cases Our Carbondale, IL Personal Injury Lawyers Handle

Being a personal injury lawyer in Carbondale, IL requires that your lawyers and firm have a vast knowledge of the different types of cases that people deal with. Knowing the difference between a car accident case and a truck accident case seems simple, but there are many different laws and statutes concerning truck accidents that play a large role in whether or not the case is successful. A lawyer who only knows how to deal with car insurance companies may not have the experience to take on other cases. At Burger Law, we know how to hold the liable party accountable no matter the circumstances. We have won millions for our Carbondale, IL clients in the following types of cases:

Auto Accidents

Statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicate that there are about 400,000 personal injury claims annually. About 52 percent of those result from auto accidents, including:

• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries because of the amount of force they carry in an accident, and motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians are all at increased risk of being severely injured due to their relatively limited protection. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, anyone behind the wheel must “exercise due care” to keep everyone else on the road safe. If a driver is negligent, causes an accident and injures you, you can file a claim.

In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer, construction company or governmental entity may have at least contributed to your injuries. Your Burger Law personal injury lawyer will perform a full investigation into your claim to find out who and what exactly caused your injuries.

Premises Liability

Proprietors have a duty to take reasonable measures to make sure their property does not carry any risks for people who are legally on it. If you are injured in a slip and fall because a property was unsafe, you may have a premises liability claim. 740 ILCS 130/, also referred to as the Illinois Premises Liability Act, stipulates that property owners owe a duty of care to people who legally enter their property that is “of reasonable care under the circumstances regarding the state of the premises or acts done or omitted on them.” Essentially, if something that is not obvious makes the property unsafe, the owner has a responsibility to either fix the condition, post signage or rope it off. Examples of hazardous conditions are:

• Spills
• A recently mopped floor
• Broken concrete on a walkway
• Broken stairs
• Broken decks and balconies
• Potholes
• Sudden changes in surface level
• Ledges
• Poorly lit stairs and walking paths
• Black ice
• Wet concrete
• Debris such as litter, fallen leaves and branches, rocks, etc
• Rugs that are not flat
• Electrical cords
• In-ground sprinklers or hardscape features hidden in the grass
• Absence of safety rails

Not all injuries on a property lead to a valid premises liability claim. If you were trespassing, ignored warning signs, such as a “wet floor sign,” or were running or not behaving in a safe manner, you likely do not have a slip and fall claim. The following must be true in order to make a claim:

• The owner or manager created the dangerous conditions; or
• The owner or manager knew about the hazard and neglected to repair it; or
• The owner or manager tried to fix the condition and repaired it negligently; or
• The owner or manager should have known about the condition, either because it happens often, had been there for an extended length of time or due to other complaints

A property owner or insurance company in Carbondale, IL may try to convince you that they are not liable for your slip and fall injuries because they should not have been reasonable expected to repair or warn against the accident or because you are to blame. Do not believe them, and always speak with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement.

Medical Malpractice

Based on data from John Hopkins University, medical errors are responsible for over a quarter of a million deaths each year. While not every error amount to negligence, when it does, a physician needs to be held accountable for breaking your trust.

Your medical malpractice cases will come down to what is called the standard of care. The standard refers to how a prudent healthcare professional, in the same area and with the same training as the one you are suing, would treat whatever ailment you saw them for.

According to 735 ILCS 5/2-622, any medical malpractice claim must be accompanied by an affidavit from a health professional who:

• is knowledgeable in the relevant issues of the claim
• practices or teaches the same field as the doctor you are suing, or has practiced or taught in that field within the last six years
• is qualified to review the facts of your case, and determines your claim is “reasonable and meritorious”

It is imperative that the doctor who writes the affidavit has the same training and practices in the same area as the health professional you are suing. An anesthesiologist in Chicago has a different standard of care than a pediatrician in Decorah, Iowa. Burger Law relies on a network of expert witnesses in Carbondale and all over Illinois who can help verify that your medical malpractice suit is valid.

Common examples of medical malpractice in Carbondale, IL include:

• Nursing home abuse
• Birth injuries
• Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnosis
• Forgetting to remove objects during surgery
• Hospital communication errors
• Lack of consent
• Failing to order tests that a prudent doctor would
• Blowing off a patient’s complaints
• Not sending you to a specialist or recommending a different treatment plan when theirs is not working
• Prescription errors

Dog Bites

Every day, almost 1,000 people seek emergency medical treatment for dog bites, and every year dog bites lead to about 12,480 hospitalizations. According to a Chicago Tribune article, Illinois has the second-highest rate of dog bites in the country.

510 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Animal Control Act, states that the owner of a dog is strictly liable for your the injuries their dog causes, as long as you did not provoke it and were not trespassing. “Strict liability” means that the owner is liable as a matter of law and you do not have to prove negligence. This means, the owner cannot get out of paying you by saying they did not know the dog was aggressive, or that it was not their fault the animal got free.

While some dog bites are minor, others can lead to expensive surgeries or permanent disfigurement. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you likely need an experienced and skilled Carbondale, IL personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the best possible compensation you deserve.

Product Liability

Strict liability also applies to anyone involved in the chain of distribution of a defective product. There are typically three theories a personal injury lawyer will use to make a product liability claim in Carbondale, IL:

1. Design defect — This is a defect that occurs even if the product is manufactured correctly. This could include tables or furniture that naturally tip over, or an electrical appliance that melts when turned on high.
2. Manufacturing defect — This type of defect usually occurs to only one or several individual products, instead of an entire line of products. Examples include a bug getting caught in packaging, or a seatbelt with a loose screw that comes undone during impact.
3. Marketing defect — This refers to labeling that does not mention certain risks when the product is put to foreseeable use. For example, an electric shaver not mentioning that shock can occur if used in the shower.

In order to have a successful claim, you must demonstrate that the product carried inherent risks when used in a foreseeable manner, that it caused your injuries and that you had not significantly altered the product.

Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers will take on any case in which someone was injured through no fault of their own. One of the benefits of choosing a Burger Law Carbondale, IL personal injury lawyer is that we are not limited to any one type of claim, and have won your type of claim before. We understand that case types often overlap, and having experience with each type of claim gives our team the perfect understanding of how to fight for our clients’ rights and recoveries.

What Is the Personal Injury Claims Process in Carbondale, IL?

The journey to securing a financial settlement or verdict for your injuries can be long and complex. While some cases only take a few months, others can take several years before a jury finally renders a decision. Generally, the path to getting compensation consists of:

• Seeking Medical Treatment — Seek medical care as soon as possible after an injury, and keep attending all treatments that your physician recommends. The insurance company will be harder to deal with if you wait, and not getting the full treatment will lower both your economic and noneconomic damages. Our personal injury lawyers know trustworthy Carbondale, IL doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists who can help you in your recovery.
• Discussing Your Case With an Attorney — Even if you do not know if you need an attorney, it is best to consult with one as soon as possible so they can become familiar with your case. A good lawyer will tell you bluntly what your legal recourses are.
• Investigation and Documentation — Once you have hired an attorney, your personal injury lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injuries, determine every liable party and gather the evidence required for maximum compensation. You should also keep detailed records of your expenses related to your injuries, and how they affect your day-to-day life.
• Settlement Demand and Negotiations — Once we have determined the full extent of your damages, we will send a settlement demand package to those who are liable for compensating you. In the package we will include how we calculated your damages, and insist that nothing but the full amount will be agreed to. Most of the time, the insurance company will counter our offer with a lower number, and we keep negotiating until they agree to pay for 100 percent of your damages.
• Filing a Lawsuit — If negotiations do not lead anywhere, we will proceed to litigating the case and setting up a trial. During this time, both parties continue negotiating.
• Mediation — Mediation is often the last chance for an agreement before trial. In mediation, an objective third party hears arguments from both sides and tries to get everyone to reach an agreement.
• Pre-Trial — If mediation fails, the “discovery” phase begins. In discovery, we take depositions of eyewitnesses and expert witnesses, obtain more evidence and share with and request documentation with the other side.
• Trial — Most personal injury claims are settled before trial. Indeed, we often finally get a fair settlement offer just before trial begins. However, if the insurance company still cannot see reason, we will defend your rights in court. Trial consists of:
  • Voir dire
  • Opening statements
  • Testimony and cross-examination
  • Closing arguments
  • Jury instruction
  • Jury deliberation and verdict

Most of our Carbondale, IL clients have never had to deal with seeking compensation for an injury before, and do not know what to expect. Burger Law will be your advocate from our initial consultation to full compensation, keep you up to date on the status of your claim and manage all the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on healing.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in My Carbondale, IL Personal Injury Claim?

In general, your compensation will fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages compensate you for the economic harm resulting from your injuries, including:
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity if your injuries do not allow you to earn a living as you used to
  • Medical expenses, past and future
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages compensate you for the less tangible aspects of your injuries, including:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Loss of ability to enjoy life
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Inconvenience
  • Physical impairment
  • Loss of consortium

Sometimes, we may also be able to pursue punitive damages if the liable harmed you intentionally or they were grossly negligent. Examples can include a drunk driver, or a doctor who performs surgery after drinking. While punitive damages are rarely awarded, your Burger Law personal injury lawyer will pursue every legal avenue We can to get you the best possible financial recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Carbondale, IL?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations is relatively short at two years for most personal injury claims, under 735 ILCS 5/. That means the clock starts ticking when your accident occurs, and expires after two years. However, there are three important exceptions:

1. If you were a minor at the time of injury, you have until your 20th birthday.
2. If you were under a “legal disability” when the injury occurred, you have two years from the date the disability was “removed.”
3. In medical malpractice cases, you have two years from the date you discovered the injury or should have discovered the injury. No medical malpractice claim can be made more than four years after the injury occurred, unless you were a minor at the time. Then you would have until four years after your 18th birthday.

While two years may not cause immediate concern, thoroughly investigating an injury and developing a legal strategy takes time. Do not delay in speaking to an attorney. Call a personal injury lawyer today at (314) 500-HURT.

Hire Burger Law

Speak to Personal Injury Lawyer in Carbondale, IL Now

Burger Law’s Carbondale, IL personal injury lawyers fiercely believe in zealous representation. That means we start working for your recovery immediately, pursue every legal option we have, stand up to insurance companies on your behalf and do not give up until you are awarded the full compensation you are owed. We offer the highest standard of legal advocacy; all of our advice will be based on the facts of the case and our experience, but we always leave the ultimate decisions on your claim to you and your Carbondale, IL family. You do not have to pay for someone else’s careless actions. To start on your road to true recovery, call a Burger Law Carbondale, IL personal injury lawyer now at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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