Personal Injury Lawyer in Galesburg, IL

Burger Law fights on behalf of those who get hurt due to negligent and reckless actions. When you or someone you love are seriously injured because of someone else’s negligent behavior, Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers in Glen Carbon, 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 fill out our online form.

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

Those who hurt you are responsible for compensating you for all of your damages, but that does not mean they will 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 making claims against drunk drivers, holding negligent healthcare professionals, product manufacturers, store owners responsible, taking the fight to the government, to getting justice and financial security for Glen Carbon residents after a loved one passed too soon. If you have questions about your case, the damages you may be able to recover or other questions regarding personal injury claims, speak to one of our personal injury lawyers in Glen Carbon, IL today at (573) 500-HURT.

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

It can be hard to know how to choose the best personal injury lawyer for you. 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 Galesburg, IL Personal Injury Lawyers

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

• Martindale-Hubbell Award — AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® from NexisLexis® – a noteworthy achievement awarded to less 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 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. Fewer than 4 percent of all practicing attorneys are certified by an American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Personal Injury Lawyer Galesburg, IL – Recent Successes

Our Galesburg, IL personal injury lawyers have a demonstrated history of getting great results. We fight all who harm our clients, and we insist on nothing but maximum compensation. Our attorneys are committed to giving our clients the highest standard of legal advocacy, and we have great pride in our well-deserved victories. Read about our case results for our personal injury clients 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 important to remember that every injury comes with its own set of circumstances, and what you may be eligible to recover is going to depend on the your specific injuries. We fight for you so that you are given what you are owed.

Burger Law Reviews

In addition to the videos below, you can see our full list of client testimonials here.

Definition of a Personal Injury Claim in Galesburg, IL

A personal injury claim is your right under Illinois law to get monetary reimbursement for the harm done by another person’s negligence, and to achieve justice. The aim of personal injury claims is to make you whole. The goal is to put you in the same position you were in before another person injured you.

In some cases, no outcome in your claim can fully return you to how things were before the injury. While we can get compensation for medical expenses, time spent off work recovering and other financial losses, other damages cannot truly be expressed through dollar signs. If a family member died, you lost a limb, are permanently scarred or will have to live the rest of your life in chronic pain, no amount of money can change that. What compassionate and talented personal injury lawyers like those at Burger Law can do is ensure your injuries are recognized, and to give you relief from the financial losses resulting from your injuries.

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

While some cases can be successfully navigated without a lawyer, most of the time you will need one to get the full compensation you deserve in Galesburg, IL. The important question is, can they increase my compensation? If your injuries were not severe, you did not miss much time off work and the other party’s fault is clearly established, a lawyer might not be necessary. But, you will need a lawyer in Galesburg, IL if the following is true about your claim:

• There is disagreement over who is at fault, 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 more than one party that is liable for your injuries
• Your damages are more than an insurance company’s policy limits

We offer consultations for free, and we are always straightforward about how much value we can add your claim. 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 we have no reason to accept you as a client if we do not think we can significantly increase your final payout.

What Do You Need to Prove to Win a Personal Injury Claim in Galesburg, IL?

While the legal specifics concerning negligence and liability can be hard to navigate, whether or not you have a claim generally depends on one essential question: were you injured because someone else was negligent? If so, legally speaking you need to prove the five elements of negligence:

1. Duty of care — You first need to show that the liable party had an obligation to keep you safe. In some cases this is automatic, as motorists all owe everyone on the Galesburg, IL roads a duty of care, or dog owners owe it to others to keep their dog from biting anyone. Other times, a unique relationship must be established, such as a doctor-patient relationship or a vendor-patron relationship.
2. Breach of duty — Did the liable party neglect that responsibility? Did a driver crash into you you because they were running a red light? Did a physician prescribe the wrong dosage? Did a product manufacturer not properly test their products?
3. Cause-in-fact — You must show how the incident led to your injuries. For example, you sustained a whiplash injury after being rear ended, or had bad side effects from a prescription drug.
4. Proximate cause — This determines who ultimately is to blame. If you were injured in an auto accident, it is usually because another driver was not driving properly. But if the brakes were faulty, a manufacturer or mechanic may be the one who is ultimately liable.
5. Damages — Lastly, you need to show that the incident caused financial losses. In personal injury cases, this is usually medical bills and wages you could not earn while you were not able to work. If you hold onto your medical bills, damages are easy to prove with the help of an attorney. Once we establish financial losses, we can also pursue a financial recovery for the other ways your injuries have affected you.

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 Galesburg, IL before. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer now at (573) 500-HURT.

Types of Cases Our Galesburg, IL Personal Injury Lawyers Win

Being a personal injury lawyer in Galesburg, IL mandates that you know how liability 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 who only knows how to deal with car insurance companies may not be the best choice to get you full compensation in a different claim. At Burger Law, we know how to secure justice for the injured in any type of claim. Cases we specialize in in Galesburg and throughout Illinois include:

Auto Accidents

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

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

Truck accidents can be especially catastrophic because trucks emit an incredible amount of force, and motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians are all at heightened risk of catastrophic injury or death 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 someone breaks the rules of the road, causes an accident and injures you, you have an auto accident claim against them.

In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer, construction company or local municipality may be at fault. Your Burger Law personal injury lawyer will conduct an exhaustive investigation into your claim to find every liable party and hold them accountable.

Premises Liability

Property owners and managers have an obligation to ensure their property does not carry any risks for invitees and licensees. If you sustain damages in a slip and fall because a property was unreasonably dangerous, you can make a premises liability claim. 740 ILCS 130/, also referred to as the Illinois Premises Liability Act, mandates that proprietors 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.” Essentially, if something that is not obvious makes the property dangerous, the owner has a responsibility to either repair 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
• Uneven rugs
• Electrical cords
• In-ground sprinklers or hardscape features hidden in the grass
• Absence of safety rails

You do not automatically have a claim just because a property had a dangerous condition. If you were in a part of a property you were not allowed to be, did not pay attention to warning signs, such as a “wet floor sign,” or were running or not acting 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 danger and neglected to repair it; or
• The owner or manager tried to fix the risk 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 store or insurance company in Galesburg, IL may tell you 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 the accident was your fault. Do not believe them, and always speak with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement.

Medical Malpractice

Based on research from John Hopkins University, medical errors cause more than a quarter of a million deaths each year. While not all of those constitutes negligence, when it does, you can make a medical malpractice claim.

Proving a medical malpractice claim will come down to what is called the standard of care. The standard refers to how a prudent doctor, in the same area and with the same training as the one you are suing, would treat a specific condition.

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 vital that the doctor corroborating your allegations has the same training and practices in the same area as the health professional you are suing. A neurologist in Chicago is held to a different standard of care than a family doctor in Rockland, Maine. Burger Law relies on a network of expert witnesses in Galesburg and all over Illinois who can help verify that your medical malpractice suit is valid.

Common instances of medical malpractice in Galesburg, 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
• Ignoring a patient’s complaints
• Not seeking a second opinion or recommending a different treatment plan when theirs is not working
• Prescription errors

Dog Bites

Every day, almost 1,000 people require emergency medical treatment for dog bites, and annually about 12,480 people are hospitalized. 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 a dog owner is strictly liable for your damages if it bit you, assuming there was no provocation and you were legally allowed to be where you were. “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 result in reconstructive surgeries or lifelong scarring. In any case, trust in a Burger Law Galesburg, IL personal injury lawyer to secure you the maximum financial recovery you are owed.

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 Galesburg, 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 a power tool whose guard rails do not prevent injuries.
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 improperly attached electrical outlets.
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 show that the product was “unreasonably dangerous” when used in a foreseeable manner, that it was the proximate cause of injuries and that the product had not been “substantially” changed from its state at the initial sale.

Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers know how to get great results whenever someone was injured due to another’s negligence. One of the benefits of choosing a Burger Law Galesburg, IL personal injury lawyer is that our team takes on all types of personal injury claims, and this actually gives our lawyers exceptional experience that they can use towards their clients’ advantage. 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.

How Does the Personal Injury Claims Process Work in Galesburg, IL?

The path to getting maximum compensation for your injuries can be long and complex. While some cases only take a few months, others go completely through to a jury trial. In total, the personal injury claims process consists of:

• Getting Medical Care — Seek medical care as soon as possible after an injury, and follow your doctor’s treatment plans to a “T.” If you delay, it could bring complications to your claim, and not attending all your sessions will lower your final payout. Our personal injury lawyers know experienced Galesburg, 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, you need to know what your options are as soon as possible. A good attorney will tell you bluntly what your legal recourses are.
• Investigation and Documentation — Once you have retained a lawyer’s services, your personal injury lawyer will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injuries, ascertain every liable party and obtain the evidence needed for the best possible financial recovery. You can help by keeping 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 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 demand a financial recovery for all the ways your injuries have affected you. Usually, the insurance company will counter our offer with a lower number, and there will be several back-and-forths until they agree to pay for all of your damages.
• Filing a Lawsuit — If negotiations do not result in fair compensation, we will file a lawsuit in court, which begins the formal process of your claim going to trial. During this time, we will continue negotiating in an effort to avoid a trial.
• 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 unbiased third party listens to arguments from both sides and tries to break the stalemate.
• Pre-Trial — If mediation still does not result in a fair settlement, the “discovery” phase begins. In this phase, we take depositions of eyewitnesses and expert witnesses, gather more evidence and share with and request documentation with the other side.
• Trial — Most personal injury claims are settled before trial. In fact, many times we have gotten 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:
  • Voir dire
  • Opening statements
  • Testimony and cross-examination
  • Closing arguments
  • Jury instruction
  • Jury deliberation and verdict

Most of our Galesburg, IL clients have never been through the personal injury claims process before, and do not know what to expect. Burger Law will be your advocate from our initial consultation to full compensation, be there to answer all of your questions and manage all the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your physical recovery.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim in Galesburg, IL Worth?

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

• Economic damages compensate you for your financial losses related to your injuries, for instance:
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity 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 put a dollar figure on, 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 at-fault party’s conduct was purposefully harmful or incredibly reckless. 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 We can to get you the best possible financial recovery.

What Is the Time Limit for Personal Injury Claims in Galesburg, 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 when the injury occurred, you have two years to file a claim after your 18th 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 could reasonably have been expected to discover 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 your 22nd birthday.

While two years may seem like a long time, 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 (573) 500-HURT.

Other types of claims we win in Galesburg, IL include:

• 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 Galesburg, IL Now

Burger Law’s Galesburg, IL personal injury lawyers hold ourselves to the standard of zealous representation. That means we get started on your case the moment you hire us, pursue every legal option we have, stand up to insurance companies on your behalf and do not let down until you get the maximum compensation you are owed. We only give our clients the highest level of legal representation; all of our advice will be sincere and in your best interest, but we always leave the ultimate decisions on your claim to you and your Galesburg, 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 Galesburg, 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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