Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Rights view more
Licensed in Illinois since: 2001
Education: DePaul University College of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2017 - 2025 
Free Consultation The Herbert Law Firm
53 W Jackson Blvdsuite 964
Chicago, IL 60604 Phone: 312-655-7660 Email: Daniel Q. Herbert Visit website
Details
Daniel Q. Herbert is a Chicago attorney who has been recognized for his accomplishments in the courtroom by multiple distinguished organizations. Born and raised on Chicago’s Northside, Dan followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a Chicago police officer and working as a member of the Chicago Police Department for nearly ten years. He received numerous awards, including a Distinguished Service Award for his role in the shooting apprehension of a dangerous offender. Dan was named after his father’s first partner, Daniel Quinnan, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1966. During his tenure in the CPD, he attended night school and earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Lewis University, then enrolled in law school and earned his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law.
After earning his law degree, Dan left the CPD and went to work as a Cook County Prosecutor for the ensuing four years. As an assistant state’s attorney, he began by prosecuting DUIs, and his continuous hard work and success saw him promoted to the Felony Narcotics Unit, where he handled street level and long-term conspiracy cases. He spent his final year in the Felony Trial Division prosecuting violent crimes, including armed robberies, criminal sexual assaults and murders, serving as lead attorney in over 100 trials and further developing his expertise as a litigator and an aggressive advocate.
Given the opportunity to serve as in-house counsel for the Fraternal Order of Police, Dan left the state’s attorney office and presided over Chicago Lodge #7 for the ensuing five years. His diverse practice involved the representation of hundreds of officers in criminal, civil, labor and administrative proceedings throughout his tenure.
Dan was selected by his peers as a 2016 Leading Lawyer in Illinois and named to the 2017 and 2018 Illinois Super Lawyers & Rising list. In addition, Dan was selected to the prestigious list of the 2015 Global Directory of Who’s Who, Top Lawyer. In 2014, Dan was named to the prominent list of “Top 100 National Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association for all his success. He was also selected for a Lifetime Achievement by America’s Top 100 Attorneys®. Less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the US receive this honor. He was also named by his peers as a Leading Lawyer to the Business Hall of Fame.
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 2001
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2005
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Trial Bar, 2005
U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2012
U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 2019
Memberships
Certified in physiology of police officers involved in deadly force Force Science Institute
National Employment Labor Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Community
Commissioner and Board member of Edgebrook Sauganash Athletic Association
Founding member of St. Margaret Mary Wrestling Program
Founding member of Rambler Wrestling Program
Volunteer Coach for Thunder Travel Baseball Program
Volunteer Coach for Loyola Academy Football
Volunteer Coach for Loyola Academy Wrestling
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Civil Rights, Employment & Labor: EmployeeFirst Admitted: 2001, Illinois
Professional Webpage: https://danherbertlaw.com/about/
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Rambler Wrestling Club: Founding member, head coach of a wrestling Club for kids aged 5-14.
- Edgebrook Saugansh Athletic Association: Commissioner for girls softball and boys baseball youth leagues; Coach for Storm Travel Softball team; Assistant Coach for Thunder Little League Team
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Monthly column on police-related topics, Writer, Illinois Cops Magazine
Representative Clients:
Educational Background:
- DePaul University, College of Law, 2001
- Lewis University, Masters of Science, Criminal Social Justice, 1998
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- The Force Science Institute: Certified in Force Science Analysis, Physiology of Officers involved in deadly force situations. Force Science is the study of human dynamics of police officers and civilians involved in high stress, rapidly unfolding force encounters. , 2014
Honors/Awards:
- Best of 2018 Chicago - 3 Consecutive Years, Best Services Law Firm, Chicago Award Program, 2018
- In 2014 Dan was named to the prominent list of “Top 100 National Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association for all his success., Top 100 National Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association, 2014
- Expertise looked at 599 criminal defense lawyers in Chicago and picked the top 20. Herbert made the list., 20 Best Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers List, Expertise, 2017
- Dan Herbert was named on the list of 10 Best in Client Satisfaction for 2 consecutive years by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys., 10 Best, Client Satisfaction 2 Years, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 2016
- In 2016 Dan Herbert was named TOP LAWYER - LIFETIME MEMBER., Top Lawyer, Lifetime Member, The Global Directory of Who's Who, 2016
- Dan Herbert was selected to the prestigious list of the 2015 Global Directory of Who’s Who, Top Lawyer., 2015 Global Directory of Who’s Who, Top Lawyer, Global Directory of Who’s Who, Top Lawyer, 2015
- The Law Offices of Daniel Q. Herbert & Associates was named "Best Business Services Law Firm in Chicago 2016" , "Best Business Services Law Firm in Chicago 2016" , Chicago Award Program, 2016
Bar/Professional Activity:
- U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois, 2019
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 2012
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 2005
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Trial Bar, 2005
- Illinois, 2001
Videos:
- Law enforcment in Chicago and Cook County are receiving a new type of support, which is designed to improve their mental health and repair relationships with the community. It's a tense, trying time for local police with protests, high levels of violence and frayed ties with the public. "Law enforcement officers are up against challenges that are unprecedented. Chicago police officers struggle with several things from alcohol addiction, family trauma that ends in divorce, as well as mental health that all too often ends in suicide," said Jeffrey Salvetti, a retired police officer. A group of business leaders with links to law enforcement launched Bank the Blue, which is a nonprofit organization where officers can get mental health services, plus training and programs aimed at repairing the relationship between police and the people they serve. “The mission of Bank the Blue is in short to help police officers so they can better help the community. It is to heal the fractured relationship between police community and the communities in which they serve . It's a lofty goal we recognize that - we accept the challenge,” said Dan Herbert, Bank the Blue founder. There are programs to help officers at their departments, but one psychologist with Bank the Blue says officers are more willing to open up away from work. “Sometimes they need to walk away from the police department and come somewhere that doesn't feel like a part of the institution or it doesn't feel clinical. So we provide a very comfortable setting for them,” said clinical psychologist, Dr. Robin Krollis. The Bank the Blue team says this is a ground breaking plan and they hope it could become a national model. Visit https://banktheblue.com/ to learn more, Cook County law enforcement receives new type of support from nonprofit, Consumer Products, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Automobile, Law Enforcement, Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Local Government, Municipalities, 2020
- CPS calls allegations 'deeply disturbing’ after suit says boy, 9, forced outside in cold at West Woodlawn school in March By MADELINE BUCKLEY CHICAGO TRIBUNE, Consumer Products, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Automobile, Law Enforcement, Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Local Government, Municipalities, 2019
- Chicago businesses are backing police officers in Cook County who need help with their mental health. A new nonprofit organization launched Thursday called Bank the Blue will offer mental health support programs outside of officers’ departments. The group says the Chicago area needs healthy law enforcement officers working in partnership with communities to reduce crime and violence in our neighborhoods. “The police and community relationship is fractured. It has never been more broken than what it is today,” said attorney Dan Herbert. The nonprofit will offer a program training both officers and community members on how to better communicate with each other. , Chicago Businesses Launch Nonprofit Offering Police Mental Health Support, Consumer Products, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Automobile, Law Enforcement, Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Local Government, Municipalities, 2020
- The family of a Fiske Elementary School student has filed a lawsuit against the Chicago Board of Education.The family is claiming their 9-year-old student was treated unfairly by school staff members and bullied by other students at the Chicago South Side school. Video from a surveillance camera at Fiske Elementary of an incident at the school back in March has prompted a lawsuit.In the video, it appears to show a security guard pushing a boy toward a door, while the school's principal and another adult look on.The lawsuit alleges the boy was left out in the cold by himself without a coat for about a half an hour."He went to all of the doors to see if they were open and all of the doors were locked," said the boy's mother Yvonne Pinkston, "so he just sat there and he said he cried."The lawsuit filed against the City of Chicago, the Board of Education and three Fiske employees focuses mostly on the March incident, but also alleges the boy experienced harassment and bullying at Fiske until he was transferred to a charter school in April."The principal didn't like the fact that his mother and grandparents were doing what they were supposed to do, and that is hold the school accountable," said the family's attorney Dan Herbert.According to the lawsuit the incident began when the boy and another student got into an argument that turned physical. Both boys were sent to the school counselor but claims the 9-year old was targeted when the security guard was told to drag him outside. The lawsuit then states a school employee was told to call 911 to say the boy walked out of the school and was missing."This was constantly told to me that they were advocating for my grandson and he ran out of the building to see that he was actually kicked out of the building and it was 40 degrees that day," said the student's grandfather Billy Pinkston.Chicago Public Schools released this statement that read:"Every CPS student deserves access to a safe and welcoming school environment, and the district takes seriously all allegations of student harm. These allegations are deeply disturbing, and we are fully committed to holding accountable any adult whose actions could have endangered a student."A CPS spokesperson said district leadership was made aware of the allegations as of Tuesday and that the security guard has been removed from his position. The district is also reviewing the principal's actions related to the incident.The boy's family said he attended school in Indiana where he had no history of disciplinary problems before transferring to Fiske last year., Family claims student targeted, bullied at Fiske Elementary School, files lawsuit, Consumer Products, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Automobile, Law Enforcement, Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Local Government, Municipalities, 2019
- A 9-year-old boy was shoved out of an South Side school and into the cold by staff, who minutes later called 911 to report the boy was missing, according to a lawsuit filed this week. A school surveillance video included as evidence in the suit shows a security guard at Fiske Elementary, yanking and shoving the boy, who was in fourth grade, toward an exit March 26 as the school’s principal and a school counselor looked on. The school is located at 6020 S. Langley Ave., a few blocks southwest of the University of Chicago Medical Center, in the Woodlawn neighborhood. Minutes earlier, the boy had been in a fight but was not the instigator, according to the suit. The boy’s mother asked that his name not be published. School staff called 911 a second time minutes later to request an ambulance be sent because the fourth-grader had been scratching, biting and kicking, according to the suit. “They lied,” family attorney Dan Herbert said at a news conference Tuesday. An officer arrived and found the boy, who’d sat down outside the school and cried after finding every door to the school was locked, Herbert said. CPS spokeswoman Emily Bolton said CPS leadership was made aware of the “deeply concerning allegations” Tuesday and moved within hours to remove the security guard from his position at the school. Officials at CPS are also reviewing the principal’s actions and why the matter was not brought to the attention of leadership earlier, Bolton said in an email. “Every CPS student deserves access to a safe and welcoming school environment, and the district takes seriously all allegations of student harm,” Bolton said. “These allegations are deeply disturbing, and we are fully committed to holding accountable any adult whose actions could have endangered a student.” After the incident, the boy’s mother, Yvonne Pinkston, got a call from school staff telling her to come to the school, but she was in class at Purdue University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeMTMZ5oQbI#action=share, Video shows school security yanking, pushing boy out of South Side school into cold weather — CPS launches investigation, 2019
- Chicago Attorneys that Will Fight for Your Rights in Personal Injury and Criminal Defense CasesChicago Police Officer Attorneys who are dedicated to protecting the rights of those who serve and protect the residents of Illinois, the lawyers at Herbert Law Firm provide legal defense to law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders and their families in criminal, civil, workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Led by a former police officer and Cook County prosecutor, our team offers a unique perspective when providing legal advice and services to Chicago’s finest workers. Armed with first-hand experience in law enforcement, a thorough understanding of police policy and procedure, the knowledge that comes with civil and criminal defense in both simple and complex litigation, and a strong drive to pursue justice, the defense and injury attorneys at Herbert Law Firm have developed a proven track record of success. Former Decorated Police Officer and Cook County Prosecutor, Attorney Daniel Q. Herbert Leads the WayFormer decorated law enforcement officer Daniel Herbert brings integrity, a passion for the truth and a drive for success to the table. During his tenure with the Chicago Police Department, Dan received numerous awards, including a Distinguished Service Award for his role in the apprehension of a dangerous offender. His experience in law enforcement puts Dan at an advantage in police misconduct and civil rights cases, disciplinary hearings and the overall protection of police officer rights. After earning his law degree from DePaul University College of Law, Dan accepted a position as a Cook County Prosecutor. Beginning with the prosecution of DUI cases, he was soon promoted to the Felony Narcotics Unit, and then to the Felony Trial Division. He served as the lead attorney in more than 100 trials and prosecuted a wide variety of complex cases. His four years of service enabled him to expand his skills as a litigator. Dan later served as an in-house attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police and spent five years representing hundreds of police officers in civil, labor, administrative and criminal proceedings. Our Diverse Team of Chicago Attorneys Make a Difference in All Types of Injury, Civil and Criminal CasesChicago is filled with people from all walks of life, the circumstances that surround each of their cases vary significantly. It only makes sense, then, that Chicagoans should be represented by Illinois attorneys who offer varying types of knowledge, skills and talents. At Herbert Law Firm, our attorneys bring a wide array of abilities, experiences and techniques to the courtroom to ensure that our clients’ best interests and rights are always protected. From simple legal matters to complex litigation involving expert testimony, in-depth discovery, jury trials and more, our Illinois police officer attorneys offer the competence and dedication necessary to help you achieve a successful verdict. Our attorneys have provided legal services in a wide range of cases to thousands of Illinois residents. We have supplied clients with legal advice and representation in criminal defense cases, when facing allegations of misconduct or civil rights violations, and while pursuing financial compensation for personal injury claims. Serving on hundreds of bench and jury trials and a large number of administrative hearings, our lawyers have helped Chicago’s finest workers obtain satisfactory verdicts in both state and federal courts., Dan Herbert’s introduction to the Herbert Law Firm, Consumer Products, Local Government, Insurance, Banking, Transportation, Retail, Corporate, Law Enforcement, Automobile, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Municipalities, 2015
- Attorney Daniel Herbert discusses the release of the Laquan McDonald shooting video, Consumer Products, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Automobile, Law Enforcement, Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Local Government, Municipalities, 2015
- In a post-verdict news conference Friday, Jason Van Dyke’s defense attorney Daniel Herbert made an incendiary charge. “I think that anyone that is familiar with this city and familiar with the criminal court system in Cook County knows beyond any doubt that [Van Dyke] was an absolute sacrificial lamb,” Herbert said shortly after his client was convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the fatal shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald in 2014. Herbert has been Van Dyke’s defense attorney since criminal charges were first filed in 2015. The former Chicago cop and Cook County prosecutor also reiterated his unhappiness with Judge Vincent Gaughan’s refusal to move the trial outside of Cook County, where media coverage of the high-profile case, the defense claimed, was “blatantly prejudicial” and “inflammatory.” Dashcam video of the fatal shooting, released in 2015, led to the first murder charges against an on-duty Chicago police officer in more than three decades and a political firestorm that still smolders. Van Dyke was “sacrificed by his leaders,” said Herbert. “By political leaders and our supposed community leaders and it was all for one reason: to save themselves.” Herbert, a onetime in-house attorney for the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, has built much of his practice representing police officers over the past decade. His father was also a police officer and Herbert says he was named after Daniel Quinnan, his dad’s first partner who was fatally shot in the line of duty. For Herbert, the Van Dyke trial has not only been his most high-profile case, but, as he told the Chicago Reader last year, it was also his first murder trial. But he said the odds were stacked against his client from the start.“I told Jason Van Dyke: ‘You just went into a heavyweight boxing match against Mike Tyson and you went in there with both of your hands tied behind your back and you’re still standing,’” Herbert said. “We don’t believe that the evidence supported the conviction. But at the end of the day, with the Cook County jury and with the pressure that we had with this case we started this case 50 yards behind the starting line.” Herbert also suggested that the verdict marked “a sad day for law enforcement” and would alter the way police officers approach their job. “We’ve all heard about the Ferguson effect,” said Herbert. “If police officers think that they can never fire against someone that is acting the way Laquan McDonald did 12 feet away from him I think that what we are going to have is that police officers are going to become security guards. There will not be a police officer getting out of a car to confront somebody. Maybe that’s what everyone wants. I don’t know. We’ll have to see how it plays out.” Herbert joins Paris Schutz to discuss the trial, the verdict and the possibility of an appeal., DEFENSE ATTORNEY DANIEL HERBERT SAYS VAN DYKE WAS ‘SACRIFICIAL LAMB’, Consumer Products, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Automobile, Law Enforcement, Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Local Government, Municipalities, 2018
- (1) Personal Injury Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm with a Proven Track Record of SuccessIf you have suffered injuries caused by the negligence of another party, our injury lawyers work aggressively on your behalf to ensure that all responsible entities are held accountable. We have a proven track record of obtaining highly successful settlements and verdicts. Our law firm is led by a decorated former officer from the Chicago Police Department, and we initially established our practice to defend Chicago police officers and other emergency responders in all matters requiring legal defense. Herbert Law Firm expanded to become one of the most highly sought after personal injury law firms in Chicago, eventually serving as General Counsel for the Fraternal Order of Police. Helping Chicago Accident Victims Hold Negligent Parties AccountableWhether you’re an emergency responder or simply a victim who has been injured in Illinois, our injury lawyers will fight on your behalf to ensure that all responsible entities are held accountable. Like other injured Chicago residents, police and other emergency responders have the right to bring an individual civil damage claim against a party who injures them. The law even allows officers to bring such a claim against their own employer for injuries the employer caused. Our attorneys serve the needs of injured victims in cases involving:Car accidentsBicycle and motorcycle collisions Other incidents related in any way to a motor vehicle Injuries while responding to calls or during pursuits Injuries while flagging or directing traffic Injuries while working off-duty assignments Injuries from hazardous conditions on someone else's property Arrest-related accidents Assaults Parking Enforcement Officer injuries Employer’s disclosure of confidential information/Breach of privacy Medical malpractice, wrongful death, dog bites, slip/trip and falls, other insurance claims, and claims and lawsuits directly against the employerProtecting the Rights of Injured Police Officers in ChicagolandOur law firm understands that injured officers have unique concerns: work restrictions, lost overtime, retirement and other benefits, off-duty assignments, fitness-for-duty and safety concerns, injury aggravation from ordinary work duties, permanent injury, and loss of seniority can wreak havoc on an officer’s future. Law enforcement officers and other emergency responders have the right to bring an individual civil damages claim against any party whose wrongful acts or negligence injures them. The law also allows officers to file such claims against their own employer for injuries the employer caused.(2) Personal Injury | Car Accidents Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Fights for the Compensation You DeserveWhen you’re injured in a car accident, you may be offered significantly less than what your claim is worth. Our car accident attorneys will: perform in-depth investigations of crashes interview witnesses gather evidence to support your claim ensure that all injuries and medical treatment are documented negotiate settlements that are generally far more than what insurance companies initially offer If an accident case goes to court, our injury lawyers will ensure that your rights are protected. We will help you obtain financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages to which you may be entitled.Chicagoans spend hours on highways and city streets throughout Illinois each day. When you share the road with distracted drivers, inexperienced motor vehicle operators, and reckless or impaired motorists, your safety and well-being can be jeopardized in the blink of an eye. In 2018 alone, Illinois saw more than 319,000 motor vehicle accidents that caused over 94,000 serious injuries. That same year 1,035 victims lost their lives in car crashes. Car Accidents Result in Serious ConsequencesWhen people become victims of serious motor vehicle crashes they are often faced with a number of physical and emotional challenges, financial burdens and other hurdles that make putting their lives back together difficult. They often face mounting medical bills, the inability to work and provide for their families, pain and suffering and mental distress, the loss of physical abilities and property damage. Our car accident attorneys can help victims and their families find relief from the financial stressors that occur after a crash. Factors that Contribute to the High Number of Car Accidents in IllinoisOur attorneys have achieved successful outcomes for victims who have suffered car accident injuries due to a variety of causes. Some of the most common contributing factors in the rise of vehicle crashes and fatalities in the state include: Drunk or Drugged Driving: The consumption of alcohol or medications can significantly affect a motorist’s ability to drive safely. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, about 25% of car accident fatalities involve a drunk or drug-impaired driver. Speeding: Crashes involving speed accounted for 33.7% of auto accidents in 2018. Distracted Driving: Despite increased regulations, drivers still continue to talk, text on cell phones, eat and drink, and perform other distracting behaviors while operating motor vehicles. Legal Representation Makes a DifferenceContact Herbert Law Firm today at 312-655-7660 for a free consultation about your car accident case. (3) Personal Injury | Construction AccidentsOur Attorneys Get to the Bottom of Construction Accidents in ChicagoOur injury lawyers represent victims in Chicago and the surrounding communities who have suffered significant injuries in construction accidents. While workers’ compensation insurance in Illinois is designed to cover some of the costs associated with worksite injuries regardless of fault, the coverage is limited and often does not compensate victims for all of the damages incurred. Our attorneys are passionate about getting to the bottom of construction site accidents to ensure that victims receive full compensation from every liable entity. With the myriad of parties who are typically involved at construction sites, identifying all of the entities who played a part in the dangerous conditions that caused your injury requires ample amounts of experience, knowledge and dedication. General contractors, vendors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, managers and even delivery truck drivers are frequently regulars on a jobsite; their direct actions, faulty equipment or negligent acts are sometimes factors in serious accidents that cost victims much more than a workers’ comp claim will pay. We conduct thorough investigations to determine every factor that played a part in your injuries, establish who may be liable, and help you seek damages from those who should be held accountable. Some of the damages our construction accident clients receive include: Compensation for ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation Payment for special accommodations in the home Money for pain and sufferingConstruction Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries and FatalitiesConstruction sites are often filled with hidden dangers and hazardous conditions that put even the most safety-conscious workers at risk for serious injury or death. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 1,008 construction workers were killed on the job in 2018 alone. Additionally, Safety and Health Magazine reports that nearly every construction worker will experience at least one serious accident in his or her lifetime. And during a 45-year career in construction, a worker has about a 75% chance of suffering a disabling injury and a 1 in 200 chance of being killed on the job. The Fatal Four Causes of Construction AccidentsAccording to the Department of Labor, the four most common causes of construction accidents that lead to death were responsible for 58.6% of construction worker fatalities in 2018. OSHA asserts that the elimination of these “Fatal Four” causes would save about 591 lives and countless disabling accidents every year. FallsIn 2018, there were 338 deaths caused by falls at construction sites. With high-level scaffolding, ladders and fall hazards around nearly every turn, falls are a major risk for workers, inspectors and even property owners and managers.Being Struck by an Object11.1% of all construction worker deaths were caused by the victim being struck by an object in 2018. Electrocutions8.5% of construction site deaths reported in 2018, or 86 workers, were fatally electrocuted on the job. Caught In or BetweenIn 2018, 55 victims lost their lives on construction sites by becoming caught in or between objects, machinery, collapsing structures or material.Legal Options for Construction Accident VictimsIf you’ve been seriously injured while working at a construction site, a number of legal options may be available. In addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover damages from any third parties who played a role in your injuries. Contact our Chicago injury lawyers at Herbert Law Firm at 312-655-7660 today to learn more about recovering financial compensation for construction injuries. (4) Personal Injury | Dog BitesIllinois Dog Bite Attorneys Help Victims Obtain Financial CompensationDog bites can cause serious injuries that are often life-changing. Many victims suffer long term, and even permanent physical and emotional damages that significantly impact their lives, often resulting in ongoing medical treatment and/or the inability to work. Animal attacks can even be fatal. If you have been injured by a dog bite that is the result of the dog owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for past and future medical treatment, scarring and disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our personal injury lawyers can help you obtain financial compensation to cover the costs involved with your injuries.The Physical and Emotional Trauma of a Dog Bite AttackSerious dog attacks are not uncommon in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5 million people are injured by dogs every year. About 50% of injured victims are children. Approximately 885,000 people suffer dog bite injuries so severe that they require medical treatment, and almost 400,000 victims are treated in emergency rooms. On average, 27,000 people annually undergo reconstructive surgery as a result of their injuries. Each year, about 16 victims lose their lives to dog attacks. Those who face the highest risk for dog attacks include children between the ages of 5 and 9, the elderly, and mail carriers. While some dog bites result in small punctures, bruises and scratches that only require minor first-aid treatment, others can cause significant injuries that result in long-term damage. According to the CDC, victims most commonly suffer injuries to the arms, hands, legs, feet, head or neck. Common dog bite injuries sustained include: Cuts, scratches, tears and bruises Puncture wounds Dislocations and fractures Head injuries AmputationsTake Action After a Dog Bite AttackBy law, dog owners and other parties in Illinois can be held liable when dogs attack. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, owners are legally responsible for injuries sustained due to a dog attack when negligence can be shown as the cause and: the dog was not intentionally or unintentionally provoked the victim was not trespassing, and the victim was acting in a peaceful manner If you’ve been attacked by a dog, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of a successful personal injury claim. When possible, and without putting yourself at risk for additional injuries:Seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor should provide a thorough evaluation of the damages you’ve sustained and treat them accordingly. By obtaining immediate medical care you will have documentation to prove the extent of your injuries in court if necessary.Report the attack to police right away. A copy of the police report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.Get contact information. If possible, obtain contact information for any witnesses who might have seen the dog attack as well as for the dog’s owner or keeper.Take pictures. Provide photographs of the injuries you sustained as a result of the encounter.Keep track of evidence. Save any clothing or personal items/property that was damaged during the attack.Avoid communication with the owner and the insurance company. Chances are that dog owners and insurance companies will try to settle your personal injury claim out of court and likely for far less than you are entitled to receive. By accepting any type of compensation for your injuries or agreeing to an insurance settlement, you could unintentionally waive your right to sue for additional damages. If you are the victim of a dog bite, contact a personal injury attorney at Herbert Law Firm right away at 312-655-7660 for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options. (5) Personal Injury | Explosion, Fire and Burn Accidents Chicago’s Explosion, Fire & Burn Accident Attorneys Hold Negligent Parties AccountableFires, sudden explosions and severe burns can result in catastrophic injuries that can change the course of your life and the lives of your loved ones. These incidents often leave permanent scarring, disfigurement, and disability in their wake. Many victims find themselves overwhelmed by ongoing medical treatment and expenses, unable to work to support their families, and enslaved by countless financial burdens that make recovery difficult. At Herbert Law Firm, our injury lawyers provide legal advice and representation to help victims obtain the compensation they are entitled to receive and hold responsible parties liable. Our Injury Lawyers Uncover Every Stone to Determine LiabilityExplosion and fire accidents are often accompanied by complex situations in which more than one party can be held liable. Property owners and managers, product manufacturers and distributors, utility companies, contractors and service providers, and other entities may be liable for failing to comply with safety standards, not maintaining safe conditions, or other acts of negligence. Our injury lawyers perform thorough investigations of fire and explosion accidents that result in serious burns, significant injuries and death. We evaluate all of the evidence to identify every party who may be held liable. Our determination to uncover every stone helps to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. Fire, Explosion and Burn Victims Are Entitled to CompensationExplosions and fires can strike almost anywhere, including residential properties, businesses, worksites, automobiles and even the outdoors. They can be caused by defective products, chemicals, faulty wiring, flammable gases and more. Fire and explosion incidents often lead to painful burn injuries, amputations, respiratory problems and sometimes death. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 3,400 fire-related deaths in 2017 alone. Adults age 65 and older are 2.6 times more likely to die in a fire than any other age groups. Serious explosion and fire accidents are not always fatal. Burns and other injuries caused by explosion and fire accidents are generally extremely painful, incredibly difficult and expensive to treat, and often cause lasting physical and emotional trauma. Unfortunately, many victims suffer through months and even years of medical treatment, reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation only to be left with life-long disabilities. While no amount of money can take away the damages that you and your family members have suffered due to your accident, our injury lawyers can help you obtain monetary compensation to help relieve some of the financial burdens you face. You may be entitled to compensation for: Pain and suffering Emotional trauma Lost past and future wages Medical expenses Reimbursement for special equipment in your home Punitive damages Call our accident attorneys today at 312-655-7660 for a free consultation, or contact us online to learn more about your legal options. (6) Personal Injury | Premises LiabilityPremises Liability Attorneys Serving Illinois Accident VictimsIf you’ve been injured while on someone else’s property, Illinois premises liability laws provide you with legal options to hold negligent parties liable and help you collect monetary compensation for the damages you’ve sustained. Whether you suffered a slip and fall accident, or have been injured as a result of poor maintenance, inadequate security or other dangerous property conditions, an injury lawyer at Herbert Law Firm can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and out of pocket expenses. Our Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Full and Fair Recovery for Your InjuriesInsurance companies and property owners often attempt to deny responsibility or settle premises liability cases for far less than they are worth. Additionally, Illinois laws place the burden of establishing proof that negligence was the cause of the accident. To maximize your recovery, our injury lawyers will investigate every aspect of your claim, gather the evidence, and prepare your case for litigation. We gather medical bills and records, incident reports, photographs of the scene, statements from witnesses, and other relevant documentation to ensure that the evidence for your personal injury claim is presented in its entirety. Our meticulous preparation also helps uncover all responsible parties in your case so that each entity responsible for your injuries is held accountable. Cases that Fall Under Premises Liability LawOur injury attorneys represent clients who have been injured in all types of premises liability accidents. Dangerous property conditions can occur under a variety of circumstances, but some of the most common cases include:Slip and Fall Accidents. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) reports that more than 8 million hospital emergency room visits in the United States every year are attributed to slip and fall accidents. These types of incidents are the number one cause of accidental injury in the U.S. Most falls happen from ground level and are caused by slippery surfaces, cluttered or debris-filled walkways, inadequate lighting and poor maintenance.Defects and Disrepair. Poorly maintained sidewalks, dangerous stairways, worn or damaged furnishings, malfunctioning equipment, and missing safety devices like handrails are responsible for a large number of premises liability lawsuits.Inadequate Security. When criminal acts cause harm to victims, property owners and managers can sometimes be held liable. By failing to provide adequately trained security personnel, ample lighting, or functional security hardware like locks, for example, a property owner can be held liable for negligent security if a crime results in injuries.Dog Bites/Animal Attacks. If a dog or other animal bites or attacks a victim, the property owner can often be held liable for injuries. Since owners are obligated to ensure that their property is free from hazards, including dangerous animals, premises liability law may apply. To learn more about your legal options and how a premises liability attorney can help protect your rights, contact us today at 312-655-7660. Your consultation is free, and we won’t collect a fee for our services until we recover compensation for your case. (7) Personal Injury | Slip and Fall InjuriesIllinois Slip and Fall Lawyers Help Victims Get Back on their FeetSlip and fall accidents are a leading cause of unintentional injuries in the United States. In fact, about 8 million victims are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for injuries related to slips, trips or falls. In many cases, slip and fall accidents result in serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or even death. Although the risk for slips, trips and falls can be significantly reduced by taking the necessary precautions, many property owners and managers fail to take action. If someone else’s negligence has caused you to suffer injuries due to a slip or fall, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the responsible party. Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall AccidentsIn Illinois, property owners, managers and certain other entities are obligated to take reasonable steps to maintain a safe, hazard-free environment. Unfortunately, when an accident occurs it is up to the victim and his or her personal injury attorney to prove that the defendant owner was negligent. Not sure if you have a slip and fall injury case? Our slip and fall lawyers will start by determining two important questions: 1) What caused the fall that led to the injury? 2) How long had the hazard been there? These answers will go a long way toward telling us if you have a slip and fall case and exactly what needs to be done next. There are four elements that are essential to obtain a successful verdict in a slip and fall accident case. It must be established that:The defendant owed you a duty of care. A thorough evaluation of the case can help determine which parties were responsible for maintaining the property and addressing any hazardous conditions that were present, within reasonable means.A dangerous condition existed. Would a reasonable person have identified the condition as being dangerous? Did the defendant have the opportunity to remedy the situation before the accident happened? For example, by leaving hazardous debris in a walkway for an extended period of time, it was reasonably foreseeable that a person might trip and fall, which could result in injuries.The defendant had knowledge of the dangerous condition, or should have known about it. If the defendant failed to complete the typical industry practices regarding inspections, maintenance and repairs, it can often be proven that improper premises management resulted in the dangerous conditions that caused your injuries.The hazardous condition caused injuries or death. The injury victims must have suffered verifiable damages due to the dangerous condition.Experienced Slip and Fall Attorneys in ChicagoIf you’ve been injured in a slip or fall, our Chicago attorneys have the experience and resources to help you make your case. Adept at proving property owners liable, we act quickly, immediately investigating your case and securing evidence and witnesses before they become unavailable. Contact us today at 312-655-7660 for a free case evaluation. (8) Personal Injury | Trucking AccidentsChicago Truck Accident Attorney Helps Victims Navigate the Legal SystemOur injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal issues that arise in a personal injury case following an accident with a semi-truck or other heavy duty vehicle. While negligence will generally be the claim for this type of accident, federal and state regulations sometimes bring other claims into play as well. Semi-truck operators follow numerous federal and state regulations and are required to carry insurance with higher limits than standard vehicles. Additionally, parties other than semi-truck drivers may share financial responsibility for your injuries. This is where our experience matters. We work quickly to preserve evidence and reconstruct the accident scene to establish exactly what happened. Our team will conduct a thorough inspection of the heavy-duty vehicle, the maintenance records, black box information and driver logs. We leave no stone unturned to ensure that every responsible party is held liable for your injuries. We Deal with Insurance Companies So You Don’t Have ToTrucking companies, their attorneys and insurance representatives are quick to respond when an accident is reported, often arriving immediately after an accident has occurred They will use any means to discredit your claim or persuade you not to file one. It is always your right, and in your best interest, to avoid direct communication with the entities that represent the other driver. Our semi-truck accident lawyers are on your side, and we will handle the necessary negotiations to ensure you obtain a settlement or verdict in your favor. Trucking Companies Can Often Be Held Liable for Chicago Truck AccidentsTo keep with federal compliance, truckers, like all motorists, are obligated to operate their trucks in a careful and safe manner. Trucking companies must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Standards in every aspect of their operations. Truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, to drive a tractor trailer. If a trucking company or truck driver fails to comply with their obligations, they could be liable in a personal injury or wrongful death case. Trucking companies carry comprehensive insurance policies because their vehicles are often involved in severe accidents that cause serious injuries and fatalities due to the massive size of their trucks. In cases involving heavy trucks, unsafe equipment is a common issue. An action may include a vicarious liability claim against a carrier-lessee of a leased vehicle. Quick Action Required to File Trucking Accident Claims in ChicagoIf you or a loved one has been injured due to a truck driver’s negligence, time is not on your side. There are strict limitations on the amount of time you have to file a claim after a trucking accident in Illinois. Failure to act before these deadlines can result in you being responsible for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses resulting from your accident with a truck - even if the accident was not your fault. It’s important to contact an experienced injury attorney immediately. Schedule a free consultation with a trucking accident attorney at 312-655-7660 or fill out our free case review form today. (9) Personal Injury | Workers' CompensationChicago Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Work to Protect Your RightsIf you’ve been injured at work, retaining the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is in your best interest. Our Chicago law office provides legal advice and representation to injured workers throughout Illinois. We can help you navigate through the complex and often frustrating process of a workers’ compensation claim. Getting Workers’ Compensation Claims StartedOur workman’s comp lawyers are with you throughout the entire process. We’ll assist you with filing your claim, provide clarification and advice on what forms to sign (and what forms not to sign), keep track of medical bills and paperwork, pay all upfront costs and much more.Denied Workers’ Compensation ClaimsEmployment insurance companies routinely deny claims. Our attorneys have had immense success in appealing these denials and getting our clients the money they need to pay medical expenses and recover lost wages.Change or Loss of Workers’ CompensationIf you’ve received notice that your benefits are going to be modified, suspended or terminated, we can help you extend the length and terms of your benefits.Lump Sum SettlementsIf you’d prefer a lump sum payment for your workers’ compensation settlement, our injury attorneys will negotiate the best possible lump sum settlement with your employer’s insurance company. Do I Have a Workers’ Compensation Case?Our workers’ compensation attorneys hear it time and time again in our Chicago law office: “Do I have a workers’ compensation case?” The easiest way to find out is through a free consultation with our experienced work injury attorneys. We can make an adept assessment of your claim during your visit and let you know the next steps to take right away. What Rights Do Injured Workers Have in Illinois?The following rights are granted to workers who have been injured on the job in Illinois: You have the right to seek medical treatment from the provider of your choice and your employer must cover the cost of your care in full. You are entitled to receive financial compensation to cover 2/3 of your lost wages while you recover from your injuries. If you have more than one job, your combined wages are considered when determining the amount you will receive. When severe injuries result in permanent disability, workers may receive additional lump-sum compensation to pay for lost income opportunities. You have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against any third parties who may be responsible for your injuries. Our workers’ compensation attorneys will explore every legal option available to ensure that you recover maximum compensation for your claim. Call us today at 312-655-7660 for a free consultation. (10) Personal Injury | Wrongful DeathChicago Wrongful Death Attorneys Help Families RecoverOur personal injury lawyers in Chicago help family members of deceased victims recover financial compensation in wrongful death claims. Whether your loved one lost his or her life in the line of duty, as a result of a catastrophic accident, or due to the negligent or intentional behavior of someone else, our attorneys will be by your side throughout the entire wrongful death claims process to ensure that the responsible parties are held liable for your loss. While no amount of money can take away the grief, pain and paralyzing sense of loss that accompanies the unexpected loss of a loved one, monetary compensation can help provide relief from medical bills, lost future wages and benefits, funeral expenses and other death-related costs. In some cases, our wrongful death attorneys may be able to recover compensation for additional damages like loss of companionship and consortium, pain and suffering, anguish and grief and even punitive damages.Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in IllinoisWrongful death lawsuits or claims are generally filed by spouses and next of kin of the decedent. While Illinois does not require surviving family members to pursue damages in wrongful death claims on behalf of the deceased’s estate, these lawsuits are often filed in conjunction with survival claims to recover damages suffered by the decedent prior to death. The Illinois Wrongful Death Act states: “Whenever the death of a person shall be caused by wrongful act, neglect or default, and the act, neglect or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages in respect thereof, then and in every such case the person who or company or corporation which would have been liable if death had not ensued, shall be liable to an action for damages, notwithstanding the death of the person injured, and although the death shall have been caused under such circumstances as amount in law to felony. No action may be brought under this Act if the decedent had brought a cause of action with respect to the same underlying incident or occurrence which was settled or on which judgment was rendered.” You May Be Able to Collect Both Economic and Noneconomic DamagesSurviving family members may be able to obtain compensation for a variety of types of damages.Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium is the loss of a familial relationship due to injury, or in this case, wrongful death. In Illinois, both husband and wife may recover compensation for loss of consortium. A loss of consortium action must be joined with the principal action - in this instance, the wrongful death claim.Economic Damages: Economic damages are monetary costs like loss of financial support, medical expenses, and funeral expenses.Noneconomic Damages: These include the loss of love, care, comfort, supervision, guidance, household assistance and general society.Personal Grief and Anguish: Surviving family members may also be compensated for their own personal grief and suffering. The wrongful death attorneys at Herbert Law Firm will carefully evaluate every aspect of the incident that caused your loved one’s death to ensure that all responsible parties are held liable and that you receive appropriate compensation for your loss. If someone else was responsible for the death of your loved one, call our personal injury lawyers today at 312-655-7660 to learn more about your legal options. , Dan Herbert talks about Personal Injury at the Herbert Law Firm, Consumer Products, Healthcare; Real Estate; Hospitality; Construction; Financial Services, Automobile, Law Enforcement, Corporate, Retail, Transportation, Banking, Insurance, Local Government, Municipalities, 2018
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