Personal Injury Lawyer in Harrisburg, IL

Burger Law fights on behalf of people who are injured because someone else did no respect their safety. If you or someone you love has been injured because of someone else’s negligent behavior, Burger Law’s personal injury lawyers in Harrisburg, IL demand the recovery you are owed and fight for you every step of the way. Call Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.

To calculate how much your personal injury claim may be worth in Harrisburg, or anywhere in Illinois, take a look at our complimentary personal injury calculator.

The negligent people that harmed you have an obligation to compensate you for all of your damages, but that does not mean they will do it willingly. Burger Law’s personal injury lawyer team fights hard for our clients against anyone who is trying to keep them from the money they deserve. That includes anything from making claims against drunk drivers, holding negligent healthcare professionals, product manufacturers, animal owners accountable, suing City Hall, to securing justice and financial security for Harrisburg residents after a a family member passed too soon. If you have questions about your case, the damages you may be able to recover or anything else about the personal injury claims process, speak to one of our personal injury lawyers in Harrisburg, IL now at (314) 500-HURT.

Why Burger Law Is The Harrisburg, 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 the cases they have won, and their reputation among their clients and peers:

Premier Harrisburg, IL Personal Injury Lawyers

The many awards and honors Burger Law has received from other law firms 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 nationwide
• 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 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. Fewer than 4 percent of all practicing lawyers are certified by an American Bar Association accredited certification board.

Personal Injury Lawyer Harrisburg, IL – Recent Victories

Our Harrisburg, 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 full compensation. Our lawyers are committed to offering our clients the highest standard of legal representation, and we have great pride in our well-deserved victories. Check out some of 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 case is unique, and what you may be eligible to recover is going to depend on the your specific injuries. We calculate the full extent of your damages so that you secure what you deserve.

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 Harrisburg, IL?

Under Illinois and U.S. law, you have a right to file a personal injury claim to get financial compensation for the harm someone else is responsible for, and to achieve justice. The aim of insurance settlements and civil litigation is to make one whole. The idea 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 you can be reimbursed for the financial losses you sustained, other damages are less tangible. If you lost a loved one, you are permanently disabled, are disfigured or will have to receive medical care for the rest of your life, no legal process can make that go away. What empathetic and skilled personal injury lawyers like those at Burger Law are able to do is ensure your injuries are recognized, and to provide you with financial security as it relates to your accident.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, IL. The important question is, will I get more money with them? If your injuries were not significant, you have minimal lost wages and the insurance company is being mostly fair, a lawyer might not be necessary. But, you will need legal representation in Harrisburg, IL if the following is true about your claim:

• There is a dispute over liability, 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 are multiple parties that is liable for your injuries
• Your damages exceed the at-fault policyholder’s policy limits

Our initial conversations and investigations are free, and we will always be honest with you 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 do not pay until we win your case, and we have no reason to take on your claim if we do not think we can significantly increase your final payout.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim in Harrisburg, IL?

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

1. Duty of care — You first need to demonstrate that the person you are making a claim against owed it to you to value your safety. In some cases this is automatic, as motorists all owe everyone on the Harrisburg, 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, such as the relationship between a doctor and patient or between a vendor and a buyer.
2. Breach of duty — Did someone neglect that obligation? Did a driver crash into you you because they were running a red light? Did a doctor not order the appropriate tests? Did a trucking company force their employee to drive longer than regulations allow?
3. Cause-in-fact — You must prove how the breach of duty resulted in your injuries. For example, you broke your arm when your car was t-boned, or had bad side effects from a prescription drug.
4. Proximate cause — This determines who needs to be held accountable. If you were injured in an auto accident, it is usually because another driver was negligent. But if the brakes were faulty, a manufacturer or mechanic may be the one who is ultimately liable.
5. Damages — Finally, 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. After proving economic damages, we can seek compensation for pain and suffering damages.

If you have any doubts about whether or not you have a case, speak to a lawyer in Harrisburg, IL who has won a similar claim before. Call a personal injury lawyer today at (314) 500-HURT.

Types of Cases Our Harrisburg, IL Personal Injury Lawyers Win

Practicing injury law in Harrisburg, IL requires that your lawyers and firm know how liability laws apply to a wide range of cases. 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 get great results in any type of claim. We have won millions for our Harrisburg, IL clients in the following types of cases:

Auto Accidents

The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that there are about 400,000 personal injury claims in any given year. Just over half of those result from auto accidents, for instance:

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

Truck accidents can be especially catastrophic because of the amount of force they carry in an accident, and motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians are all at increased risk of catastrophic injury or death 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 someone breaks the rules of the road and you end up hurt, you have an auto accident claim against them.

In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer, construction company or local municipality may have at least contributed to your injuries. As part of our services, your Burger Law personal injury lawyer will perform a comprehensive investigation into your accident to find every liable party and hold them accountable.

Premises Liability

Property owners and managers have an obligation to ensure their premises is safe for people who are not trespassing. 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, mandates that property owners owe a duty of care to entrants 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 repair the condition, post signage or rope it off. Some hazardous conditions 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
• Wiring
• 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 trespassing, ignored 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 was aware of the hazard and failed to repair it; or
• The owner or manager tried to repair 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 store or insurance adjuster in Harrisburg, 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 the accident was your fault. Do not believe them, and do not accept any settlement offer until you have spoken to a personal injury lawyer.

Medical Malpractice

Based on data from John Hopkins University, medical errors cause more than 250,000 deaths annually. While not every error amount to negligence, when it does, a healthcare professional needs to be held accountable for breaking your trust.

Your medical malpractice cases will come down to what is known as the standard of care. The standard is how a prudent physician, in a specific field and specific location, 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 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 making a claim against. An anesthesiologist in Chicago has a different standard of care than a family doctor in Kadoka, South Dakota. Burger Law knows numerous expert witnesses in Harrisburg and in other parts of Illinois who can corroborate your claim.

Common examples of medical malpractice in Harrisburg, IL include:

• Nursing home abuse
• Birth injuries
• Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnosis
• Forgetting to remove objects during surgery
• Hospital system errors
• Lack of consent
• Failing to order tests that a prudent doctor would
• Ignoring a patient’s complaints
• Not changing course when their treatment plan 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 is the second-highest dog bite state 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, 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 lead to only superficial wounds, others result in reconstructive surgeries or permanent disfigurement. In any case, you likely need an experienced and skilled Harrisburg, IL personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the maximum 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 Harrisburg, 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 every product with the same design. Examples include rat droppings getting caught in a soda can, or a seatbelt with a loose screw that comes undone during impact.
3. Marketing defect — This refers to instructions 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 make a product liability claim, you must demonstrate that the product carried inherent risks when used in a foreseeable manner, that it caused your injuries and that the product had not been “substantially” changed from its state at the initial sale.

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 Harrisburg, IL personal injury lawyer is that we are not limited to any one type of claim, and this actually gives our lawyers exceptional experience that they can use to benefit all their clients. 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 Harrisburg, IL?

The journey to securing maximum compensation for your injuries can be long and complex. While some accidents and injuries settle fairly early, others can take several years before a jury finally renders a decision. Generally, the personal injury claims process consists of:

• Seeking Medical Care — Seek medical attention 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 getting the full treatment will reduce how much compensation you receive. Our personal injury lawyers work with several reliable Harrisburg, IL health professionals who can help you in your recovery.
• Discussing Your Case With an Attorney — Even if you are not sure you are going to need legal representation, you need to consult with one as soon as possible so they can become familiar with your case. A good attorney will tell you bluntly what your legal options are.
• Investigation and Documentation — Once you have retained a lawyer’s services, your personal injury lawyer will carry out a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injuries, ascertain who we need to hold accountable and gather the evidence they need to get you full compensation. You can help by keeping 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 the liable party’s insurance company. In the package we will include full documentation of all of your damages, and insist that nothing but the full amount is acceptable. Most of the time, they will respond with a lower offer, 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 lead anywhere, we will file a lawsuit in court, which begins the formal process of your claim going to trial. While the case is being litigated, 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 hears arguments from both sides and tries to get everyone to reach an agreement.
• Pre-Trial — If mediation still does not result in a fair settlement, the “discovery” phase begins. In this phase, we will speak to 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 — It is rare that a personal injury claim makes it all the way to trial. In fact, we often finally get a fair settlement offer just before trial begins. However, if the insurance company refuses to do the right thing, 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 people who speak with our Harrisburg, IL personal injury lawyers have never been through the personal injury claims process before, and are unsure of what lies ahead. Burger Law will be your advocate every step of the way, keep you up to date on the status of your claim and oversee all documentation, negotiation and litigation so you can spend your energy on healing.

What Compensation Can I Get In My Harrisburg, IL Personal Injury Claim?

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 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, you may also be eligible for punitive damages if the at-fault harmed you intentionally or they were 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 available to get you the best possible financial recovery.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Harrisburg, IL?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations is shorter than most states at just two years, under 735 ILCS 5/. That means you must file a claim within two years of when the injury occurred. However, there are three notable exceptions:

1. If you were a minor when the injury occurred, 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 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 under 18. Then you would have until your 22nd birthday.

While two years may seem like a long time, your attorney will want as much time as possible to build your case. Do not delay in speaking to an attorney. Call a personal injury lawyer today at (314) 500-HURT.

Other cases we win in Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, IL Now

Burger Law’s Harrisburg, IL personal injury lawyers fiercely believe in zealous representation. That means we start working for your recovery 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 are awarded the maximum compensation you deserve. We offer the highest standard 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 Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, 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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