Personal Injury Lawyer in Frankfort, IL

Burger Law fights on behalf of those who get hurt because someone else broke the rules. When you has been injured in an accident or incident caused by another person’s actions, Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers in Frankfort, IL demand the recovery you are owed and fight for you every step of the way. Call Burger Law today at (573) 500-HURT or contact us online.

To calculate the value of your personal injury claim in Frankfort, or anywhere in Illinois, fill out our free personal injury calculator.

The negligent people that harmed you are financially and legally responsible for taking care of your injuries and paying you 100 percent of what you are owed, but that does not mean they will do it willingly. Burger Law’s personal injury lawyer team fights hard for the injured against whoever is standing in the way of justice. We handle a litany of cases, including making claims against large trucking companies, holding negligent doctors, product manufacturers, pet owners responsible, suing the government, to getting justice and financial security for Frankfort residents after a loved one passed too soon. 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 Frankfort, IL as soon as possible at (573) 500-HURT.

Why Choose Burger Law’s Frankfort, IL Personal Injury Lawyers For Your Claim

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your claim is of utmost importance. You want someone who has won your type of case before 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 their previous victories, and what their clients and peers say about them:

Acclaimed Frankfort, IL Personal Injury Lawyers

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

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a remarkable achievement awarded to less than 5 percent of all attorneys in the United States
• 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 honor that is made up 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 Frankfort, IL – Recent Successes

Our Frankfort, IL personal injury lawyers fight for the full rights and recoveries of our clients. We fight all who have hurt our clients, and we insist on nothing but full compensation. Our firm is devoted to offering our clients amazing legal advocacy, and we have great pride in our hard-fought 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 case is unique, and what you may be eligible to recover is going to be based entirely upon the your specific injuries. We calculate the full extent of your damages so that you are given what you deserve.

Burger Law Reviews

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

Definition of a Personal Injury Claim in Frankfort, IL

Under Illinois and U.S. law, you have a right to file a personal injury claim to get a financial recovery for the wrong done by another person’s negligence, and to hold wrongdoers accountable. The recovery you receive is meant to make one whole. The goal is to put you in the same position you were in before sustained the damages caused by another’s negligence.

In some cases, no attorney or financial award can fully “put back” all the things you lost in an injury. While we can get compensation for the financial losses you sustained, other damages cannot truly be expressed through dollar signs. If a family member died, you are permanently disabled, are disfigured or will have to live the rest of your life in chronic pain, no legal process can change that. What compassionate and skilled 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 provide you with financial security as it relates to your injuries.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Frankfort, IL?

That depends on the specifics of your case, but most of the time, yes, you will need a personal injury lawyer to ensure no money is left on the table in Frankfort, IL. The question to ask when considering whether or not you need a lawyer is, will I get more money with them? If your injuries were not significant, you have minimal lost wages and the other party’s fault is clearly established, you may not need an attorney. But, you will need legal representation in Frankfort, 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 extensive medical treatment
• There are multiple parties at fault
• Your damages are more than an insurance company’s policy limits

We offer consultations for free, and we are always honest about how much we can help your claim. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you only pay after you have received the full compensation you are owed, and we have no reason to accept you as a client if we do not think we can significantly increase your final payout.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Frankfort, IL?

While state statutes can be hard to navigate, whether or not you have a claim generally depends on one specific question: did another person’s negligence cause you injuries? If so, legally speaking you must prove the five elements of negligence:

1. Duty of care — You first need to demonstrate that the person you are making a claim against had an obligation to keep you safe. In some cases this is automatic, as motorists all owe everyone on the Frankfort, IL roads a duty of care, or dog owners owe it to others not to let their dog injure anyone. Other times, a particular relationship must be established, such as the relationship between a doctor and patient or between a vendor and a buyer.
2. Breach of duty — Did the liable party fail in that obligation? Did a driver hit you while they were running a red light? Did a doctor 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 incident led to your injuries. For instance, 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 ultimately is to blame. If you were injured in an auto accident, the liable party is usually the driver that hit you. But if the brakes were defective, a manufacturer or mechanic may be the one who is ultimately liable.
5. Damages — Lastly, you need to demonstrate that the accident caused economic harm. In personal injury cases, this is usually medical expenses and wages you could not earn while you were not able to work. With access to your medical records, an attorney will be able to establish your financial losses with an insurance company. Once we establish financial losses, we can also pursue a financial recovery for pain and suffering damages.

The only way to know for certain if you have an injury claim is to consult with an attorney who has handled your type of claim in Frankfort, IL before. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer today at (573) 500-HURT.

How To Choose The Right Personal Injury Lawyer Near Missouri

Types of Claims Our Frankfort, IL Personal Injury Lawyers Handle

Practicing injury law in Frankfort, IL mandates that you know how negligence laws apply to a wide range of cases. Knowing the difference between the laws and defendants applicable to different types of claims is paramount. A lawyer that only specializes in a certain type of injury claim may not be the best choice to get you full compensation in a different claim. At Burger Law, we know how to get great results in any type of claim. We have won millions for our Frankfort, IL clients in the following types of cases:

Auto Accidents

Statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicate that there are 300,000 to 500,000 personal injury claims every year. About 52 percent of those result from auto accidents, for instance:

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

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries because trucks emit an incredible amount of force, and motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians are all at heightened risk of being severely injured due to their relatively limited protection. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, all motorist 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.

Sometimes, a vehicle manufacturer, construction company or local municipality may be fully or partially to blame for your injuries. Your Burger Law personal injury lawyer will perform an exhaustive investigation into your accident to find out who and what exactly caused your injuries.

Premises Liability

Proprietors have a responsibility to ensure their property is safe for people who are legally on it. If you sustain damages in a slip and fall because a property was unreasonably dangerous, you may have a premises liability claim. 740 ILCS 130/, also known as the Illinois Premises Liability Act, stipulates that property owners have a duty of care to people who lawfully enter their property that is “of reasonable care under the circumstances regarding the state of the premises or acts done or omitted on them.” Basically, if something that is not obvious makes the property unsafe, the owner has a responsibility to either repair the condition or warn against it. Examples of a dangerous condition on a property include:

• Spills
• A recently mopped floor
• Broken concrete on a walkway
• Broken stairs
• Broken decks and balconies
• Potholes
• Sudden changes in surface level
• Ledges
• Poor lighting
• 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 result in a premises liability claim. If you were trespassing, ignored warning signs, such as a “wet floor sign,” or were running or not acting in a safe manner, it might be hard to get compensation. 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 risk and neglected to repair it; or
• The owner or manager tried to repair the hazard and fixed 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 store or insurance company in Frankfort, IL may tell you they are not liable for your slip and fall injuries because they had no idea about the condition or because the accident was your fault. That is not true, and do not accept any settlement offer until you have spoken to a personal injury lawyer.

Medical Malpractice

According to a 2016 study from John Hopkins University, medical errors are responsible for over a quarter of a million deaths annually. While not every error amount to malpractice, when it does, a doctor needs to pay for hurting you.

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

Under 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 negligent doctor, 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 essential that the physician who writes the affidavit is in the same practice area and geographic region as the health professional you are suing. A thoracic surgeon in Chicago is held to a different standard of care than a pediatrician in Kadoka, South Dakota. Burger Law relies on numerous expert witnesses in Frankfort and all over Illinois who can help verify that your medical malpractice suit is valid.

Common examples of medical malpractice in Frankfort, 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 changing course when their treatment plan is not working
• Prescribing the wrong medication or the wrong dosage

Dog Bites

Each day, almost 1,000 people seek emergency care for dog bites, and every year about 12,600 people are hospitalized. According to a Chicago Tribune article, Illinois insurance companies pay out the second-most money for dog bites than any state in the country.

510 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Animal Control Act, stipulates that the owner of a dog is strictly liable for your the injuries their dog causes, assuming 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 only lead to minor injuries, others can lead to expensive surgeries or lifelong disfigurement. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, trust in a Burger Law Frankfort, IL personal injury lawyer to secure you the full compensation you deserve.

Product Liability

Strict liability also applies to anyone involved in the chain of distribution of a defective product. There are three categories of product liability claims in Frankfort, IL:

1. Design defect — This is a defect that was present when the product was initially conceptualized. 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 affects several individual products instead of every product with the same design. 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, a medication that does not include certain side-effects in the labeling.

In order to recover compensation, you must demonstrate that the product was “unreasonably dangerous” when used in a foreseeable manner, that it was the proximate cause of injuries and that you had not substantially modified the product.

Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers will take on any case in which a rule breaker injured someone else. One of the great parts of choosing a Burger Law Frankfort, 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 Frankfort, IL?

The journey to getting a financial settlement or verdict for your injuries starts the day you are injured. While some cases only take a few months, others can take several years before a jury finally renders a verdict. From beginning to end, the personal injury claims process consists of:

• Getting Medical Treatment — Get medical treatment immediately after an injury, and do not miss any appointments with your doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist. Waiting too long could bring complications to your claim, and not attending all your appointments will reduce your final payout. Our personal injury lawyers know reliable Frankfort, IL health professionals who can help you in your recovery.
• Consulting With an Attorney — Even if you do not know if you need an attorney, it is best to know what your options are as soon as possible. A good attorney will be straightforward with you about whether or not their services are needed.
• Investigation and Documentation — Once you have hired an attorney, your personal injury lawyer will carry out a full investigation into your claim, determine who we need to hold accountable and acquire the evidence required for the best possible financial recovery. You should also keep detailed records of your expenses related to your injuries, and how keeping a journal detailing how your injuries have affected your life.
• Settlement Demand and Negotiations — Once we know how much your claim is worth, we will send a settlement demand package to the liable party’s insurance company. In the package we will include full documentation of all of your damages, and demand a financial recovery for all the ways your injuries have affected you. Usually, they will respond with a lower offer, and there will be several back-and-forths until they offer full compensation.
• Filing a Lawsuit — If negotiations do not lead anywhere, we will proceed to litigating the case and setting up a trial. While the case is being litigated, both parties continue negotiating.
• Mediation — If a settlement agreement still has not been reached, your personal injury lawyer and the liable party will likely pursue mediation. In mediation, an objective third party will try to get each party to accept the merits of the other side’s arguments.
• Pre-Trial — If mediation fails, the “discovery” phase begins. In discovery, we take depositions of eyewitnesses and expert witnesses, gather more evidence and both parties will share with the other what they plan to use as evidence in trial.
• Trial — Only six percent of personal injury claims go to trial. In fact, we often finally get a fair settlement offer just before trial begins. However, if the insurance company still cannot see reason, the case will go in front of a judge and jury. Trial consists of:
  • Jury selection
  • Opening statements
  • Testimony and cross-examination
  • Closing arguments
  • Jury instruction
  • Jury deliberation and verdict

Most of our Frankfort, 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 by your side every step of the way, be there to answer all of your questions and oversee all the legal aspects of your case so you can spend your energy on healing.

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

In general, there are two types of compensation available in a personal injury claim: economic damages and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages compensate you for the economic harm related to your injuries, including:
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential if your injuries result in permanent disability
  • Medical bills, past and future
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that are harder to quantify, such as:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Loss of ability to enjoy life
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Inconvenience
  • Physical impairment
  • Loss of consortium

Though rare, you may also be eligible for punitive damages if the liable harmed you on purpose or they were grossly negligent. Examples can include a drunk driver, or a doctor who performs surgery after drinking. While punitive damages do not apply to most personal injury claims, your Burger Law personal injury lawyer will pursue every legal avenue available to get you the best possible financial recovery.

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

In Illinois, the statute of limitations is relatively short at two years for most personal injury claims, under 735 ILCS 5/. That means you must file a claim within two years of when the injury occurred. However, there are three important exceptions:

1. If you were under 18 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, your attorney will want as much time as possible to build your case. Do not hesitate to contact an attorney. Call a personal injury lawyer today at (573) 500-HURT.

Other cases we handle in Frankfort, IL include:

• Survival Action Lawyer in Illinois
• Truck Crash Lawyers in Illinois
• Wrongful Death Lawyers in Illinois
• Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Illinois
• Car Accident Attorney in Illinois

HIRE BURGER LAW

Speak to Personal Injury Lawyer in Frankfort, IL Now

Burger Law’s Frankfort, IL personal injury lawyers hold ourselves to the standard of zealous representation. That means we get started on your case immediately, pursue every legal option we have, fight back against insurance companies on your behalf and do not give up until you are awarded the maximum compensation you deserve. We only give our clients the highest standard of legal representation; 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 Frankfort, 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 Frankfort, IL personal injury lawyer now at (573) 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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