Personal Injury Lawyer Collinsville, Illinois (IL)

Founded by veteran trial attorney Ted Gianaris, Gianaris Trial Lawyers is dedicated to representing individuals and families in Collinsville and across Illinois who have suffered catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Ted’s extensive experience in high-stakes litigation has shaped the firm’s unwavering commitment to justice and accountability.

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we believe in preparing every case for trial from day one.

This approach ensures that our clients are positioned to achieve the maximum compensation they deserve, whether through settlement or verdict.

We understand that when an injury occurs, it can lead to overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

Our team is here to navigate the legal process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding.

Our track record speaks volumes.

We’ve secured significant verdicts and settlements for our clients, including multi-million-dollar awards in cases involving toxic exposures, defective products, and serious accidents.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

This model reflects our confidence in our ability to deliver results and our commitment to making quality legal representation accessible to all.

Our Collinsville personal injury attorneys include:

• Ted Gianaris is the founder of Gianaris Trial Lawyers and a seasoned trial attorney with decades of experience representing injured individuals. His practice focuses on complex personal injury and toxic exposure cases, where he has achieved numerous substantial verdicts and settlements. Ted’s dedication to justice is evident in his meticulous case preparation and relentless advocacy for his clients.
• Joshua Edelson is a skilled trial lawyer who handles a wide array of civil and complex personal injury cases. He has represented countless clients in personal injury matters, class actions, mass torts, and insurance disputes. Joshua has secured high six-figure settlements and multi-million-dollar judgments, earning recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2022 and 2023.
• Suvir Dhar is a litigator specializing in toxic exposure and catastrophic injury cases. He has represented hundreds of clients diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious diseases resulting from corporate negligence. Licensed in Illinois, Missouri, California, and Arizona, Suvir brings a compassionate and client-focused approach to his practice, ensuring that each client receives personalized attention and vigorous representation.
• Dirk Hennessey is a passionate advocate for individuals and families affected by catastrophic injuries. His practice includes representing clients injured by toxic exposures, railroad negligence (FELA claims), trucking accidents, and defective products. Licensed in both Missouri and Illinois, Dirk has achieved notable successes, including a $3.515 million jury verdict against a major railroad company. His commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom, as he also provides pro bono legal support to nonprofit organizations.

Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we are committed to representing clients in a wide range of personal injury cases.

Our extensive experience and trial-ready approach enable us to effectively advocate for those who have suffered due to others’ negligence.

Below is a comprehensive list of the personal injury claims we handle:

• Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
  • Car accidents
  • Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Toxic Exposure and Environmental Claims
  • Asbestos and mesothelioma cases
  • Chemical exposure (e.g., benzene, diesel exhaust)
  • Environmental contamination and pollution
  • Occupational diseases from workplace toxins
• Catastrophic Injuries Cases
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Amputations
• Wrongful Death Cases
  • Fatal accidents due to negligence
  • Workplace fatalities
  • Fatal exposure to hazardous substances
• Medical Malpractice Cases
  • Surgical errors
  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
  • Birth injuries
  • Medication errors
• Product Liability
  • Defective medical devices
  • Dangerous consumer products
  • Automotive defects
• Premises Liability
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Inadequate security leading to injury
  • Unsafe property conditions
• Workplace Injuries
  • Construction site accidents
  • Industrial accidents
  • Exposure to hazardous materials
• Insurance Disputes
  • Bad faith insurance claims
  • Denied or underpaid claims
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims

If you’ve suffered an injury caused by negligence at no fault of your own, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation.

We are here to help you.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Collinsville, taking the right steps in the hours and days that follow can have a major impact on your ability to recover compensation.

Accident victims often feel overwhelmed, but quick action can help preserve evidence and strengthen potential legal claims.

Whether the incident involved a car crash, unsafe property, or another form of wrongful conduct, documenting the accident scene and seeking medical care is essential.

Generally speaking, injured parties should also avoid making detailed statements to insurance carriers before speaking to an attorney.

By gathering police reports, witness statements, and other key records, you’ll be better positioned to prove negligence and pursue the justice you deserve.

Steps to take after a personal injury accident in Collinsville, IL include:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if injuries appear minor, seeing a doctor helps protect your health and creates medical documentation that supports your claim.
2. Report the Accident to Authorities – File a police report or incident report depending on the type of accident; these police reports are vital to establishing key facts.
3. Document the Accident Scene – Take photos of your injuries, property damage, and the surrounding area to preserve evidence before it is altered or removed.
4. Collect Witness Information – Get contact details and witness statements from anyone who saw the incident occur.
5. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Carriers Without Legal Counsel – Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your injuries or shift blame; direct all communication through your lawyer.
6. Preserve All Records – Keep medical bills, repair estimates, missed work documentation, and any other paperwork related to the accident.
7. Contact a Collinsville Personal Injury Lawyer – An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help hold negligent parties accountable.

Gather Evidence for Your Personal Injury Case

Building a strong personal injury legal case begins with thorough and timely evidence collection.

You’ll need to prove the at-fault party’s negligence, strict liability, or intentional acts, as well as the extent of your own injuries.

Medical records, photographs, and supporting documents all play a critical role in linking the accident to the harm you suffered.

The more detailed your evidence, the stronger your position when pursuing compensation.

Evidence in personal injury claims may include:

• Medical records and treatment notes
• Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
• Police or incident reports
• Witness statements and contact information
• Surveillance or dash cam footage
• Expert opinions (e.g., medical, accident reconstruction)
• Pay stubs or employment records showing lost income
• Documentation showing prior complaints or violations involving the at-fault party
• Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
• Journals detailing pain levels, emotional distress, and daily limitations

Damages in Personal Injury Claims

In a personal injury case, damages refer to the financial and personal losses suffered by the injured person due to someone else’s breach of a legal duty.

These losses may be economic, such as medical bills and lost wages, or non-economic, like emotional distress and pain.

When someone’s negligence or misconduct causes harm, the law allows victims to pursue compensation across a broad range of damages.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly reckless or intentional behavior.

Damages in a personal injury case may include:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation
• Future medical treatment needed for long-term or permanent injuries
• Lost wages due to time missed from work
• Loss of future earnings or earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Pain and suffering related to the injury and recovery process
• Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to engage in daily activities or hobbies
• Non-economic damages for the intangible effects of an injury
• Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm
• Out-of-pocket expenses for medical devices, travel to treatment, or home modifications
• Loss of consortium affecting spousal or family relationships due to the injury

In Illinois, personal injury lawsuits are governed by a combination of state statutes and court rules that shape how legal issues are evaluated and resolved.

The Illinois Code of Civil Procedure outlines the steps an injured person must take to bring a case, including filing deadlines, notice requirements, and procedural rules.

Unlike some states, Illinois does not cap damages in most personal injury claims, allowing juries to fully evaluate the extent of harm caused.

Claims involving a government agency—such as a city or school district—require specific notice and shortened timelines under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act.

While many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some proceed to a jury trial when a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Understanding the legal process in Collinsville is critical to building a strong case and protecting your rights.

The legal process for a personal injury lawsuit in Collinsville, Illinois:

• Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: Meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case, review the facts, and determine if legal action is appropriate.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your legal team will collect medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other key evidence to support your claim.
• Filing the Complaint: A formal lawsuit is filed in the appropriate Illinois circuit court outlining the claims and legal basis for damages.
• Service of Process: The defendant is officially notified of the lawsuit and given a deadline to respond.
• Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and submit written questions to clarify facts and legal issues.
• Pre-Trial Motions and Hearings: Attorneys may file motions to resolve specific legal questions or limit evidence before trial.
• Settlement Negotiations: Throughout the case, both parties may negotiate to reach a fair settlement without going to trial.
• Jury Trial (if necessary): If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a jury decides liability and the amount of damages owed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date the injury occurred.

This means the injured person must file their lawsuit within two years or risk losing the right to pursue compensation.

If the case involves a government agency, a notice of claim may need to be filed within one year or less, depending on the entity involved.

There are limited exceptions to these deadlines, such as cases involving minors or when the injury was not immediately discoverable.

However, waiting too long can result in the dismissal of your case, regardless of its merits.

It’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.

When your life has been upended by a serious injury, you need a legal team that understands what’s at stake.

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we bring decades of experience, trial-tested strategies, and a deep commitment to helping individuals and families in Collinsville seek justice.

From negotiating with insurance companies to taking cases before a jury, we are prepared to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Our firm handles a broad range of personal injury claims with skill, compassion, and an unwavering focus on results.

If you or a loved one have been injured through no fault of your own in Collinsville, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your personal injury case.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a personal injury lawsuit instantly.