Managing Partner Stephen D. Phillips, has been recently rated by Avvo.com as the top Trucking Accident Lawyer in Illinois. Mr. Phillips was also ranked by Avvo.com as highest rated Personal Injury Lawyer, Brain Injury Lawyer and Birth Injury Lawyer in Illinois.

Near Goshen - This month alone there have been seven accidents on Interstate Five near Goshen where a major construction project is underway.

Though the accidents have not all been caused by the work on I-5 some drivers say that area can be a bit tricky to navigate.

We drive cars every day through that area, but what about semi trucks? Today we decided to see what it’s like for a trucker to maneuver through that area.

The size and weight of trucks also affects how they interact with cars. Big trucks take longer to stop, are prone to rollovers and jackknifing, need more room to make turns, and have large blind spots. In slippery conditions, the trailers can sometimes swing out into the lanes of other vehicles.

Because of their inherent dangers to people in passenger vehicles and motorcycles, large commercial trucks are regulated by federal interstate trucking safety laws as well as by Illinois laws.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a collision with a large truck, please contact our trucking accident injury attorneys for legal assistance as soon as possible. Our lawyers will find out if the trucking company, driver, or the owner of the trailer is responsible for causing the accident and, if so, seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future wages, pain and suffering, disability, and for other damages. We also represent family members in fatal truck accidents.Just complete the simple form at the Phillips Law Offices website and tell us the details of your case.

The greatest risk of rollover occurs in SUVs. Unlike cars, which tend to slide sideways when they go out of control, SUVs are more likely to flip over because they have a higher center of gravity.

SUV rollovers typically occur because of a defective SUV design. SUV designs can lead to a rollover during normal driving conditions, or because of a slight swerve to avoid an accident or hitting an animal or person.

Just complete the simple form at the Phillips Law Offices website and tell us the details of your case.

“When presenting a case during trial, I take cues from the plays that I studied in English literature. First, you have to develop the characters. When you have all of that information in your head you start the presentation, which is the opening statement. Next, you develop the pieces of evidence and you come to the conclusion, which is your final argument. Then it’s in the jury’s hands. So I try to approach cases that way to make them come alive and make sense, and to try to make it an interesting experience for the jury.”

“I think what I’m most passionate about in my work is being a convincing advocate and a warrior for the people that I’m representing.”

Before joining our firm Charles distinguished himself as a malpractice defense attorney and was known for his especially convincing courtroom presence. This wealth of prior experience gives him a unique and comprehensive perspective. Interestingly, during that time he was often told that he was “on the wrong side” and advised that he would make a great plaintiff’s attorney. “I’ve really enjoyed being here,” he says of his choice to join Phillips, “It’s just a great place.”

In addition to his courtroom prowess, Charles also excels as a triathlon athlete, and has done the particularly grueling Ironman race twice. He feels that the strength and focus it takes to succeed in a race is very similar to what it takes to win a case. “I’m determined,” he explains. “Doing Ironman, you’re out there for over 140 miles, and if you don’t have that strength of focus you’re not going to finish the race. And that’s what I bring to my cases is that strength of focus.”

A 1981 graduate of DePaul University College of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review, Charles is currently licensed to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and before state courts in Illinois. He has lectured around the country on medical malpractice, trial practice and trial advocacy, and has also published extensively on these topics.

Terry Quinn, Partner

“I like helping people. That’s what I think attracts a lot of people to plaintiff’s work. My parents are social workers, so I come from that background. I think knowing that you have people who are relying on you whose lives are impacted

adversely, you’re really working to make their lives easier, and that’s what keeps you going.”

Terry Quinn clerked for our firm during law school, and joined us as an attorney after his admission to the bar. Terry was mentored by our firm’s founder John Phillips. Terry often plays a support role as our more senior attorneys prepare for large cases, and his devotion to the study of law as well as his excellent writing, research and analytical skills have made him an invaluable asset.

Terry has also had numerous successful results on his own cases.

Jill M. Webb, Partner

Curriculum Vitae

Jill joined our firm in 2005. She brought with her nine years of experience as a Plaintiff’s trial lawyer. “I have always worked as a Plaintiff’s trial lawyer. I love what I do and cannot imagine doing any other type of work. It gives me great pride to know that each day I help an individual or a family through a difficult time when an unexpected injury has caused such loss and devastation in their lives. Much of what we do is fight insurance companies for benefits and compensation to which our clients are entitled.”

She serves on the Board of Directors of Public Justice, a national public interest law firm. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board of an organization that act’s solely in the public’s interest, fighting against discrimination, environmental pollution, and increasing access to the courts for all individuals.”

In addition to Public Justice, Jill devotes time to the American Association for Justice, where she serves on numerous committees and frequently attends its seminars and conventions. On several occasions she has lobbied the U.S. Congress on behalf of AAJ to fight against legislation which would impair our client’s access to the courts in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Jill is also a frequent speaker at AAJ conventions.

Steve has also been recognized in International Who’s Who of Professionals, and is a member of the prestigious Society of Trial Lawyers. Steve is an adjunct professor of law at Loyola Law School Chicago, where he teaches Civil Procedure Prior to Trial. He serves on the Scholarship Committee of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, and he has received the highest possible ratings for legal ability and ethics from Martindale-Hubbell.

He has served consecutive terms on the executive committee of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, where he also co-chairs the publications committee and the medical negligence committee. He has been elected governor for the Illinois State Bar Association and has served in the State Bar assembly for three (3) terms.

When asked what it was like to follow in his father’s footsteps Steve replies, “I had big shoes to fill when I was a young lawyer straight out of law school. So I was always prepared, I always knew the law. I never took shortcuts ever, ever, ever.” Steve began to establish himself right out of school, turning seemingly dead cases into surprising wins through his persistence and dedication. He has maintained his no holds barred work ethic throughout his more than 22 years of law practice.

If you ask Steve how many years he’s been practicing law, he may answer, “Twenty-two going on sixty.” If he could do anything else for a living, he would probably work in the boating industry or as a fishing guide. But he would still represent a handful of clients every year.

Curriculum Vitae

CURRICULUM VITAE
UNDERGRADUATE: University of Iowa Bachelor of Arts 1981
LAW SCHOOL AND YEAR: Loyola University - Juris Doctor 1985
LICENSURE: Illinois 1985
ADMITTED: Northern District of Illinois, United States District Court 1985
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF PRACTICE: Personal Injury, Tort Law, Catastrophic Injury, and Wrongful Death.
Emphasis: Automobile and Truck Accidents, Construction Liability, Medical Malpractice,, Aviation, Products Liability.

BAR ASSOCIATIONS:
ILLINOIS STATE BAR ASSOCIATION:
1985 to 1987 Member
1993 to ____ Member
1995 to 1996 Board Liaison - Young Lawyers Division
1995 to 1997 Board Liaison - South Suburban Bar Association
1995 to 1997 Board Liaison - Justinian Society of Lawyers
1995 to 1997 Board Liaison - Admiralty & Maritime Section
1996 to 1997 Board Liaison - Arab American Bar Association
1996 to 1997 Board Liaison - Justinian Society of Du Page County
1996 to 1997 Board Liaison - Tort Law Section Council
1996 to 1997 Member - Ad Hoc Committee for Judicial Advisory Polls
1995 to 1997 Assembly member
1995 to 1997 Elected Governor (Cook County under Age 37)
1996 to 1997 Member - Standing Committee on ISBA Properties
1997 to 1998 Member – Standing Committee on Legislation
1999 to 2004 Assembly Member

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
1984 to 1996 Member
1991 to ____ Chairman - Expert Testimony Exchange
1992 to 1994 Sustaining Member
1993 to ____ Elected Manager - Board of Managers
1993 to ____ Member - Medical Negligence Committee
1994 to 2003 Co-Chairman - Publications Committee
1994 to ____ Contributing Member
1995 to 1996 Parliamentarian
1996 to 1997 Treasurer
1996 to 1997 Member - Special Advisory Committee to the Constitutional
Challenge Committee
1996 to 2003 Member - Legislative Committee
1997 to 1998 Executive Committee
1998 to____ Editorial Board—ITLA Journal
1999 to 2000 Treasurer
2000 Nominating Committee for ITLA Officers
2002 to 2004 Executive Committee
2003 - 2007 Co-Chairman Medical Negligence Committee
2004 – 2007 Co-Chairman Publications Committee

American Trial Lawyers Association
Member since 1985
Member Birth Trauma Litigation Group

American Bar Association
Member 1985 – 1997

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS AND HONORS:
Fellow - Illinois Bar Foundation
Justinian Society of Lawyers - Mentor for Mentor Program
Justinian Society Scholarship Committee
John G. Phillips Scholarship Chairman
Loyola University - Presidents Club
University of Iowa Alumni Association - Lifetime Member
Elected to Consumer Guide Book - Leading Attorneys in Illinois 1995 –present (Determined by a state-wide survey of lawyers.) Published by American Research Corporation.
International Who’s Who of Professionals (1995), Published by Gilbralter Marketing
Strathmore’s Who’s Who Registry (1999 -2000 Edition)
Society of Trial Lawyers (1999)
Illinois Network of Leading American Attorneys (2000 to present)
Recognized in the Chicago Lawyer Magazine as resolving the most million dollar plus cases than any other lawyer in Illinois in 1999 survey.

Martindale-Hubbell Rating
AV - Legal Ability Very High to preeminent.
Ethical Standards - Very High.
Highest Rating for Both

2005 – ITLA President’s Award

Law and Leading Attorneys Statewide Survey Lawyers.
Advisory Board – Top 5% of Lawyers in the State of Illinois

Recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer in a statewide survey of lawyers.
2006 – Loyola University School of Law – Adjunct Professor – Illinois Civil Litigation Prior to Trial

LECTURES/PRESENTATIONS:
05/02/92 - ITLA - Young Lawyers Seminar - “Obtaining and Presenting Expert Witnesses”
09/12/92 - ITLA - Civil Practice “Update and Review Seminar” - Moderator
09/11/93 - ITLA - Civil Practice “Update and Review Seminar” “Settlement/Kotecki Update/Confidentiality Order”
02/20/95 - ITLA - “The Nuts and Bolts of Handling Automobile Accident Cases” - “Preparing Your Case For Trial”
12/02/95 - ITLA - Medical Malpractice Seminar - “Combating Defense Tactics”
03/13/96 - CBA - Countdown to Trial - “Preparing Your Case For Trial”
09/07/96 - ITLA - Update and Review Seminar - “Structural Work Act and Construction Negligence”
11/11/96 - ISBA - Trial Techniques Seminar - Getting a Case Ready; Getting A Verdict - “Opening Statements”
12/07/96 - ITLA - Medical Malpractice Seminar - “Presenting the Plaintiff’s Expert for Deposition.”
2/17/97 - ITLA - Maximizing results through settlement and TRIAL - “Prosecuting the Negligence Case”. Opening statement and Closing Argument.
5/3/97 - ITLA – You’re on trial shotgun seminar. “Subsequent Remedial Measures”
9/6/97 - ITLA – Issues, Answers, and Legal Trends. “Liens”
1/29/98 - Valparaiso Law School – Litigation – Plaintiff vs Defense Practice.
2/16/98 - ITLA – Negotiating and Settling Personal Injury Cases—“Initial Settlement Considerations”
8/14/98 - Ross and Hardies Litigation Group Lectures—Preparing a Case for Trial
10/19/98 - John Marshall Law School—Preparation and Trial of a Product Liability Case—Plaintiff’s Perspective
12/5/98 - ITLA - Under the Microscope: The Anatomy of a Malpractice Trial — Jury Instructions
4/6/99 - IICLE - Modern Medical Malpractice Litigation — “Standard of Care”
10/11/99 - ITLA - Trial Techniques Seminar - Moderator
10/9/00 - ITLA - Anatomy of a Trial Seminar- Handling the Defense Experts
12/9/00 - ITLA – Medical Malpractice Seminar –Investigating the Defense Witnesses
11/29/01 - IICLE - How to Depose a Doctor - Moderator
12/8/01 - ITLA – Medical Malpractice Seminar – Cardiac Cases
1/19/02 - ITLA – Tort Litigation: From Intake to Verdict Seminar – Moderator
5/21/02 - Ross and Hardies Litigation Group Lectures—Preparing a Case for Trial
1/18/03 - ITLA – Overcoming Juror Bias Seminar – Trial Story – Presenting the Case
3/14/03 - American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine – Occupational Medicine: “Where Medicine Meets the Workplace”. How to Prepare to Testify.
5/22/03 - Wilmette Rotary Club, Wilmette, Illinois Tort Reform – What it Means.
12/6/03 - ITLA – Medical Malpractice Seminar – Obstetrics and Gynecology Malpractice.
3/11/05 - The American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Greater Miami Chapter, Miami Teaching Institute – How to Avoid the Deposition Jitters
4/7/05 - Tort Reform Debate Participant. Hellenic Bar Association.
5/7/05 - ITLA – Advocacy Showcase: The Art of Advocacy – A one day Trial. Cross Examination of Plaintiff’s Damage Exert Witness.
12/2/06 - ITLA – Medical Malpractice Seminar – Crunch Time 120 Days to Trial.

PUBLICATIONS:
1993 - Proving and Disproving Damages in Personal Injury Cases 1993 Illinois Institute for continuing Legal Education. Chapter 1 — Physical Injuries - Plaintiff’s Perspective.
1993 - Illinois Structural Work Act Practice 1993 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. Chapter 5 — Trial Practice - Plaintiff.
1995 - Illinois Politics December 1995 - Viewpoint “Why We Don’t Need a Law Prohibiting Jury Selection Consultants”
1996 - Illinois State Bar Association Bar News Volume 36, No. 14, February 1, 1996 - Jury Selection Consultants Are Needed
1996 - Proving and Disproving Damages in personal Injury Cases 1996; Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Chapter I - Supplement for Physical Injuries - Plaintiff’s Perspective
1996 - Letter to the Editor, “Unethical Conduct–Allstate Insurance”. Crain’s Chicago Business, June 3 - 9, 1996, pg. 23, Vol. 19.
1996 - Illinois Civil Discovery Practice, 1996 Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Chapter 2. “Limitations on Discovery”
1996 - Illinois State Bar Association Bar News Volume 37, No. 12, January 3, 1997 - Tort Reform Uninformed
1997 - ITLA Edition of the Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook-Learned Medical Treatises.
1998 - Letter to the Editor, Response to “Publishers’ Prerogative” on Tort Reform. Illinois Legal Times. Vol.12, No.131. March 1998.
1998 - ITLA Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook—Learned Medical Treatises Supplement
1998 - IICLE - Modern Medical Malpractice Litigation — “Standard of Care”
1999 - ITLA Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook-Learned Medical Treatises
2000 - ITLA Trial Journal — The Use and Abuse of Medical Literature, Volume 2, Number 1, Winter 2000.
2000 - IICLE Practice Handbook — Proving and Disproving Damages in Personal Injury Cases, 2000 Edition.
1998 - ITLA Trial Journal — Lost Pension Benefits in a Wrongful Death Action-a Wrong without a Remedy.
1998 - ITLA Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook Supplement.
1998 - ITLA Medial Malpractice Trial Notebook Supplement.
2002 - Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education “Development of the Case on Fact and Law.
2003 - Chicago Tribune – Voice of the People Letter to the Editor 2/17/03. Medical Malpractice Insurance Premiums.
2003 - Chicago Sun Times – Letter to the Editor 7-10-03 Medical Malpractice Premiums, Legal Malpractice Premiums and Boat Insurance Premiums.
2004-Present Justinian Society Newsletter From a Plaintiff’s Lawyer’s Desk—-Quarterly Columnist
2006 - ITLA Medical Malpractice Trial Notebook Supplement

REPRESENTATIVE CASES:
Kamalia vs. Tomasik et. al.
Court No. 02 L 04984, recovery of $7.4 million
Bowdish vs Loyola University Hospitals
Court No. 96 L 04665, recovery of $7 million
Kamalia v. Suburban Lung Associates, et al.
Court No.: 02 L 4984, recovery of $7 million
Smith vs. Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, et al.,
Court No. 90 L 6080, recovery of $5.6 million
Farrelly vs. Watts, et. al.
Court No. 93 L 04210, recovery of $5.1 million
Meltzer v. Frezza, M.D., et. al.
Court No. 02 L 008907, recovery of $5 million
Stevens vs. St. Francis Hospital of Evanston, et al.,
Court No. 86 L 11283, recovery of $4.25 million
Schultz v. FSC Paper Corp., et. al.
Court No. 00 L 6154, recovery of $4.032 million
Solorio vs. Rush Trucking and Gary Turner et al,
Court No. 97 L 5791, recovery of $4 million
Lee vs. Pace Suburban Bus Co., et al.,
Court No. 96 L 2566, recovery of $3.5 million
Poyner vs. Metrick,
Court No. 84 M4 273126, recovery of $3.45 million
Smith vs. Little Company of Mary Hospital, et al.,
Court No. 85 L 18457, recovery $3.4 million
Weber v. Stephen Behnke, M.D., et al.,
Court No. 02 L 002309, recovery $3,052,283
Thomas v. Columbia Michael Reese Hospital, et al.,
Court No. 99 L 03453, recovery $2.8 million
Orseno vs. Circle W Tractor & Equipment, et al.,
Court No. 91 L 2014, recovery of $2.8 million
Batjes v. Pace
Court No. 01 L 012443, recovery of $2.7 million
Costantini v. Children’s Memorial Hospital, et, al.
Court No. 04 L 008717, recovery of $2.5 million
Fortson v. Holy Cross Hospital, et. al.
Court No. 96 L 13007, recovery of $2.5 million
Dornbusch vs. Shipley Co.
Court No. 87 L 22709, recovery of $2.5 million
Collier vs. Zadeh, et. al.
Court No. 95 L 00840, recovery of $2,425,000.00
Logalbo vs. Harrison, et al.,
Court No. 91 L 2014, recovery of $2,000,000.00
Kimbriel vs. Loyola, et al.
Recovery of $1,875,000.00
Scharm vs. Moore, et al.,
Court No. 86 L 02240, recovery of $1.8 million
Malinowski vs. St. Francis, et al.,
Court No. 81 L 28974, recovery of $1.75 million
Laschinski v. Brown, et. al.
Court No. 96 L 12855, recovery of $1.575 million
Karabis v. Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center
Court No. 93 L 02134, recovery of 1.35 million
O’Rourke v. Abrams, et al.
Court No. 01 L 05374, recovery of 1.3 million
Lupee vs. Miczuga, et al.,
Court No. 84 L 25597, recovery of $1.25 million
Morreale v. Gardner, et. al.
Court #99 l 141251, recovery of 1.125 million
Sawka vs. Rosi, et al.,
Court No. 90 L 10323, recovery of $1,085,000.00
Fox vs.Cohen
Court No. 81 L 3025, recovery of $1.1 million
Habada vs. Werner Troesken, et al.,
Court No. 91 L 2014, recovery of $1,090,000.00
Williams/Matthews v. Foreman, et al.
Court No. 00 L 14678, recovery of $1,025,000.00
Blutcher v. Roseland, et al.
Court No. 01 L 14480, recovery of $1 million
Ratliff vs. Ahmadian,
Court No. 93 L 9802, recovery of $1 million
Crull vs. Todd, et. al.
Court No. 94 L 14442, recovery of $1 million
Boateng vs. St. Joseph’s Hospital
Court No. 95 L 05838, recovery of $1 million
Atansio v. Clark
Court No. 98 L 02047, recovery of $1 million
Branch v. Subramanian
Court No. 97 L 02951, recovery of $1 million
Nolte v. Deerbrook Medical Associates
Court #00 L 44, recovery of $1 million

Click here to download complere Curriculum Vitae in PDF format.

Click here to tell us about your case and request a free consultation.

Some of the common reasons a dump truck accident may occur are:

• Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Drivers that are under qualified /under trained
• Lack of adequate sleep and rest
• Truck cargo overload
• Driving too closely to other vehicles
• Blind spots

Have you been involved in a dump truck accident? Contact us to speak to a dump truck accident attorney today!

There are safety regulations that are intended to help prevent trucking accidents. Violations of safety recommendations greatly increase the risk of trucking catastrophes. Truck drivers must assume responsibility to take all measures to avoid trucking accidents and putting other drivers on the road in risk of becoming injured because of an accident.

Due to the large size of trucks, an accident involving a truck can greatly endanger the lives of other smaller vehicles unnecessarily when truck operators fail to consider proper trucking accident prevention measures.

If involved in a trucking accident, file a report to have documentation of the accident occurring and obtain all necessary information. Avoid discussing the events of the incident because whatever you say or document may later be used against you.

If you been involved in a dump truck accident, call (312) 346-4262 or complete this form to get in touch with a truck accident attorney today!

Large truck accidents are much different from other auto accidents. Truck accidents are often caused by violations of the many regulations that are imposed on 18-wheelers and their drivers, from log book regulations to rules determining how much weight a big rig is allowed to carry at a time.

Many large truck crashes occur in good weather, on dry roads, during the daytime, and on weekdays. Only a small amount of large truck drivers in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level at or above 0.08 grams per deciliter, compared to twenty-three percent of car and light truck drivers and twenty-nine percent of motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes.

It is very possible that the semi truck accident that so severely hurt you or your family member was due to outstanding or repeated violations of one of one or more of the regulations relating to 18-wheelers or other specialized trucks. If so, you will need a lawyer on your side that understands these regulations, and has experience in tackling challenging cases and getting clients the compensation they need.

The law limits the amount of time in which a plaintiff may file an action for injuries. This time limit varies with the type of injury, the nature of the claim, and the state within which the plaintiff files suit. If you believe that you have suffered an injury or the loss of a family member as the result of a large truck accident, it is imperative that you contact a qualified attorney in order to ensure that you maintain and protect your rights.