Robert J. Bingle

Top rated Personal Injury attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Wise Law Offices LLC
Robert J. Bingle
Wise Law Offices LLC

Practice areas: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Transportation & Maritime; view more

Licensed in Illinois since: 1982

Education: Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2005 - 2026
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Wise Law Offices LLC

161 North Clark Street
Suite 3250
Chicago, IL 60601 Visit website
Details

Attorney Robert J. Bingle is a partner at Wise Law Offices, LLC, in Chicago, Illinois. Over his four decades of practice, Attorney Robert Bingle has been involved in nearly every type of personal injury and wrongful death case and has obtained dozens of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients, including verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million each in over 60 cases. In 2021, he acquired a record-setting $90 million dollars for an injured worker, which was the largest award in Illinois history for a disputed liability pre-trial settlement.

Robert Bingle’s other notable results include:

Over $25 million in a case stemming from the collision of a train and school bus in Fox River Grove.
$22.5 million for the family of a Rockford woman killed in a train derailment.
$18 million for the family of a Mexican national killed by a piece of falling glass from Chicago’s CNA Tower.
$10 Million for the family of a man killed by a weapon stolen from defendant’s premises.
$10 million for the families of three men killed in a collision at a Union Pacific rail yard.
Over $20 million in a case stemming from the Quantum Chemical explosion.
$6.6 million verdict for a family injured in an automobile collision.
$6.8 million verdict in a railroad negligence case, the highest amount ever awarded at the time in Illinois to an individual for the loss of his leg.
$4.5 million for a young man burned at a chemical refinery.
$3.9 million verdict for the family of a 10-year-old girl who drowned at a municipal water station.

In addition to his trial work, Robert Bingle is active in bar association work. He is a past President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) and is now on its Board of Managers. He served as a Chairman of ITLA’s Membership and Legal Education Committees and Co-Chairman of its Legislative Committee. By appointment of the Illinois Supreme Court, Bob Bingle served from 2004-2014 on the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions in Civil Cases. He also served as a member of the Illinois Supreme Court Character and Fitness Committee.

Robert Bingle has also been a faculty member at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and a member of the Loyola University of Chicago School of Law Alumni Board of Governors.

Robert Bingle lectures extensively throughout the United States at bar association and interest group seminars and has published chapters and articles in legal books, periodicals and newspapers. He is frequently called upon by the media to comment on legal issues involving civil litigation and has appeared nationally and locally on television and radio news broadcasts and news talk programs.

Robert Bingle is a member of the Leading Lawyers Network, awarded to the top 5% of all Illinois attorneys. He is also an Illinois Super Lawyer – an award he has received every year since its inception – and has attained an AV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory – the highest level awarded for professional excellence.

In addition to his involvement in the legal profession, Bob Bingle is also deeply engaged with his community. He has served on the Board of Trustees for Christ the King Jesuit Preparatory School in Chicago and on its Jobs Committee, the Board of Trustees for Fenwick High School in Oak Park, the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, the Board of Directors for CARPLS Legal Aid in Chicago, and on the School Board for St. Isaac Jogues School in Hinsdale.

Practice areas

Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Transportation/Maritime

Focus areas

Birth Injury, Brain Injury, Construction Accident, Delayed or Incorrect Diagnosis, Informed Consent, Medical Malpractice, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Railroad Accident, Transportation Law, Trucking Accidents, Wrongful Death

  • 50% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
  • 30% Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff
  • 20% Transportation/Maritime

First Admitted: 1982, Illinois

Professional Webpage: https://www.wiselawoffices.com/our-legal-team/robert-j-bingl...

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chairman, Membership Committee
  • Loyola University, Chicago School of Law Alumni Board, Member  
  • Illinois Supreme Court, Appointed, Committee on Character and Fitness
  • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Chairman, Legal Education Committee
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Co-Chair, Legislative Committee
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Grade Crossing Section, Member
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Railroad Law Section, Member
  • Illinois, 1982
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, 2005
  • The Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America
  • American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly known as Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), Railroad Law Section, 1991-present; American Bar Association (ABA), Section on Litigation Chicago Bar Association (CBA), House Committee, Chairman, 1992-1993, 1993-1994; DuPage County Bar Association, 1990-present; Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Standing Committee on Judicial Appointments, 1994-1995; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), President, 2002; Board of Managers, 1987-Present; Legislative Committee, 1985- present; Executive Committee, 1995-2005; President-Elect, 2001; Long Range Planning Committee, Chairman, 1999-2000, 2001; Journal, Editorial Board, 1999; Chairman, Legal Education Programs, 1995-1997; Co-Chairman, Legislative Committee, 1994-1996; Chairman, Membership Committee, 1988-1990, 1992-1994; Public Relations Committee, 1985-1987; Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions in Civil Cases, 2004-present; National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA).
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 2004
  • Member, Illinois State Bar Association Standing Committee on Judicial Appointments, ISBA, 1994-1995  
  • Executive Committee - Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2011-2012
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1983
  • Member, Railroad Law Section of AAJ, 1991-2003

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • Obtained a $48 million verdict on behalf of a 41-year-old factory worker who became a paraplegic after falling off a ladder at work.  It was one of the largest personal injury verdicts in Indiana in 2008.
  • Obtained settlements of over $31 million when the Quantum Chemical Company in Morris, Illinois, exploded and caught fire following a leak of flammable ethylene. Corboy & Demetrio attorneys represented eight families of workers who were either seriously injured or killed in the explosion. 
  • Obtained $25 million for victims of the Fox River Grove school bus-train crash.
  • Obtained a $22.5 million settlement for the family of a Rockford woman killed in a fiery train derailment and explosion, 2011
  • Obtained a settlement of $18 million in the death of a mother who was killed by a piece of falling glass from Chicago's CNA Tower in 1999.
  • $10 Million for the family of a man killed by a weapon stolen from defendant’s premises.
  • $10 million for the families of three men killed in a collision at a Union Pacific rail yard.
  • Obtained a $6.8 million verdict in a railroad case that was the highest amount ever awarded in Illinois to an individual who suffered the loss of his leg. 
  • $4.5 million for a young man burned at a chemical refinery.
  • $3.9 million verdict for the family of a 10-year-old girl who drowned at a municipal water station.

Pro bono / Community Service

  • Former Member of Fenwick High School Board of Trustees
  • Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School - Former Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Jobs Committee
  • Former St. Isaac Joques School Board
  • Former Fenwick High School Board Member
  • Former CARPLS Board of Trustees

Honors

  • Golden Gavels Award for CARPLS, Co-Chairman
  • Golden Gavels Award for CARPLS, Member, Board of Directors
  • Illinois Super Lawyer - Top 5% of all Illinois attorneys, 2019
  • Super Lawyers list, 2005 - 2025, superlawyers.com
  • Illinois Super Lawyers list, 2009 - 2019
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Attorneys, 2019
  • Irish Legal 100 Leading Lawyers in America, 2015-present
  • Best Lawyers in America, 2015 to present
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, 2016 to present  
  • AV rated - Highest level awarded for professional excellence - Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

Educational Background

  • University of Chicago, M.A., 1975
  • University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1973

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

  • Illinois Causes of Action - Tort Actions, 2008, 2010
  • Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy  
  • Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 01.09.2012
  • Trial Journal: A Continuing Conundrum: The Elusive Definition of Discretionary Acts, Trial Journal, 2007
  • The Liability of Non-Operator Defendant, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 04.2002
  • Motor Vehicle Actions - Railroad, 2002, 2008
  • IICLE Publication: Illinois Causes of Action - Elements, Forms and Winning Tips: Tort Actions, Handbook, 2002, 2002
  • Trial Journal: When Can the Government be Sued Under the Illinois Tort Immunity Act? The Conundrum of Discretionary Versus Ministerial Acts, Trial Journal, 06.1999
  • How to Try a Personal Injury Case - Strategies and Techniques from the Experts, Practicing Law Institute, 10.1998
  • The National Law Journal: Winning the Verdict with Video and Virtual Reality, The National Law Journal, 06.1998
  • Author, Railroad Litigation, "Illinois Causes of Action: Tort Actions", 2014; "Pro Bono Work," Current Issues in Professional Responsibility Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2008; "Litigation Skills for Legal Staff in Illinois," Lorman Education Services, 2008; "Opening Statement - Storytelling with Emotion and the Use of Rhetorical Devices," Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 2007; "Selecting and Influencing Your Jury," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2006; "Mastering Your Opening Statement in a Jury Trial," Chicago Bar Association, 2006; "Opening Statements," President's Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2006; "Tort Reform Debate," Extension 720 Radio Show with Milt Rosenberg, WGN, 2005; "How Plaintiffs' Lawyers Perceive Insurance Companies," Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society, 2005; "Settlements - Problems and Solutions," President's Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2004; "Successfully Navigating Civil Litigation: Update and Overview of Civil Practice and Procedure Practical and Legal Considerations," Illinois State Bar Association, 2004; "Point-Counterpoint," Evidence Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2003; "Direct Examination," Trial Practice - Law Update and Practice Tips, Illinois State Bar Association, 2002; "What's New in Government Tort Immunity," Central Illinois Civil Seminar Update and Review Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2002; "Maximizing Damages in a Closed Head Injury Case," Point/Counterpoint Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2001; "Empty Chair Defense," Evidence Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2000; Federalist Society Debate, 1999; Moderator and Program Planner, Evidence Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1999; "Trial Practice," Civil Practice Update Seminar, Illinois State Bar Association, 1999; "Jury Selection," Bench/Bar Relations Committee Seminar, Chicago Bar Association, 1998; "How to Try a Personal Injury Case," Practicing Law Institute, 1998; ITLA Civil Practice Update and Review Seminar, September, 1998; Moderator and Program Planner, Enhancing Your Law Practice Through Public Speaking Seminar, Chicago Bar Association, 1997; "Mentoring," Tort Law Section Council Seminar, Illinois State Bar Association, 1997; "Opening Statement," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1997; "Expert Witness Foundations for Expert Opinions," Office of the Illinois Attorney General, 1997; "The Plaintiff's Perspective on Mass Tort Litigation," Illinois Association of Defense Counsel, 1997; "Trial Techniques Demonstration," Loyola University Chicago School of Law Dublin Health Law Conference, 1997; "Negotiation and Mediation - A Systematic Approach," National Institute of Trial Advocacy, 1997; "Trial Advocacy from Both Sides With Views From the Bench - Constructing and Presenting Plaintiff's Case-In-Chief," Point-Counterpoint Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1997; "Maximizing Results Through Settlement and Trial - Prosecuting the Negligence Case - Handling Coverage and Bad-Faith Issues to Maximize Settlement," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1997; Illinois Civil and Criminal Justice Inside Insights Panel Discussion, 1996; "The Art of Persuasion," Trial Practice Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1996; "The Settlement Dilemma," Practice Update and Review Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association,1996; DePaul University College of Law National Symposium on the Legal and Business Issues of Tort Reform, 1996; "Ten Reasons Why Lawyers are Hated - and Loved," Texas Trial Lawyers Association, 1994; Annual Convention Melvin Belli Seminar, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1994; "Evidence," Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1993 "Final Argument," Ultimate Trial Seminar II , New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, 1992; "Proof in Argument," Products Liability Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1992; "Products Liability," Law Education Series Civil Practice Seminar, Illinois State Bar Association, 1992; "Proof & Argument in the Courtroom, Loss of Consortium and Society," Products Liability/Wrongful Death Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1992; "Proving Injury: Pain & Suffering, Loss of Consortium and Earnings," Chicago Bar Association, 1991; "Slip and Fall - A Plaintiff's Perspective," Chicago Bar Association, 1991; "Voir Dire," American Bar Association, 1991; "Negligence," Civil Practice Update Review and Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1991; Committee on Professional Responsibility , Young Lawyers Section, Chicago Bar Association, 1991; "Comparative Negligence," Young Lawyers Section Seminar, Chicago Bar Association, 1991; "Negotiation," Aetna Insurance Company Claims Representatives Regional Conference, 1990; "Defending Auto Accident Cases - Proving One-Car Accident Cases," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1990; "Overcoming Governmental Tort Immunity - The Plaintiff's Perspective," Young Lawyers Section Seminar, Chicago Bar Association, 1990; "Personal Injury Litigation Practice in Illinois," National Business Institute Seminar, 1989; "Careful Habits, Reputation Evidence," Evidence Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 1988; Judge, Loyola Moot Court Competition, 1987;Judge, Loyola Moot Court Competition, 1986; Loyola Appellate Advocacy, 1986;"Negotiations: A Systematic Approach," National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Faculty Member, June 1996, June 1994, June 1993, June 1991, June 1990, June 1988, June 1987, December 1986, May 1986, December 1985.
  • Trial Journal: The Trial Attorney’s Guide to Representing Undocumented Clients, Winter 2014
  • Chicago Lawyer: Confidentiality: Strings Attached to a Settlement?, Chicago Lawyer, 10.2011
  • "Trial Practice from Voir Dire through Post Trial - Setting the Stage for Success," Illinois State Bar Association, CLE for Illinois Lawyers, 2010
  • "Zealous Advocacy - What Does It Mean?,” Ethics & Professionalism in the Personal Injury Practice Seminar, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, 2010
  • “Opening Statement,” Trial Preparation Seminar, Suisse Bancorp, 2010
  • “Caps on Medical Malpractice Awards Are Bad Policy,” Northwestern University Political Union, 2010
  • "Case Evaluation Conference, Managing the High Verdict Potential Case," Law Bulletin Seminars, 2009

Other Outstanding Achievements

  • Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions in Civil Cases, Member
  • Highest Reported Illinois Settlement for a Work Injury Case - $90,000,000 Work Injury Leads to Amputation of Both Arms JVR Trial Lawyer Lawyer Excellence Awards  , 2022
  • Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Managers
  • Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness, First District (1993-2001), 2001
  •  Lawdragon Magazine: Lawyer Limelight, December, 2016 
  • Personal Injury Attorney's Advice: Never Underestimate Intelligence of Jury, The Doings Newspaper, December 2007

Office location for Robert J. Bingle

161 North Clark Street
Suite 3250
Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-580-2040

Selections

22 Years Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers: 2005 - 2026

Attorney resources for Robert J. Bingle

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