Editorial disclosure: This website is owned and operated by Phillips Law Offices. The firms listed on this site are selected and described by the site’s editors, not by an independent third-party rating service. Phillips Law Offices is featured prominently as the site’s owner.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. The brain controls everything we do, including our thoughts, movements, emotions, and personality. When the brain is damaged, the effects can be permanent and life-altering, affecting not only the victim but their entire family.
Brain injuries can result from car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, sports injuries, assaults, and medical malpractice. The costs of treating and living with a TBI can reach millions of dollars over a lifetime. Victims need experienced lawyers who understand brain injuries and can fight for full compensation. This guide highlights the best brain injury and TBI lawyers in Chicago.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction. According to the CDC, TBIs are a major cause of death and disability in the United States.
Types of Brain Injuries
- Concussion – The most common TBI, caused by a blow or jolt to the head
- Contusion – Bruising of the brain tissue
- Coup-contrecoup – Injuries on both sides of the brain from impact and rebound
- Diffuse axonal injury – Widespread damage from rotational forces
- Penetrating injury – Object piercing the skull and brain
- Anoxic/hypoxic brain injury – Damage from oxygen deprivation
- Intracranial hemorrhage – Bleeding in or around the brain
Severity Classifications
- Mild TBI (concussion) – Brief loss of consciousness, confusion, headaches
- Moderate TBI – Extended unconsciousness, significant cognitive effects
- Severe TBI – Extended coma, permanent disability, or death
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes
- Falls – Slip and fall accidents, falls from heights
- Workplace accidents – Construction, industrial, and falling object injuries
- Sports injuries – Football, hockey, soccer, boxing, and recreational activities
- Assaults – Physical attacks and violent crimes
- Medical malpractice – Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, birth injuries
- Defective products – Equipment failures, helmet defects
Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches and migraines
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Seizures
- Sensory problems (vision, hearing, smell)
- Motor difficulties and paralysis
Cognitive Symptoms
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion and disorientation
- Slowed thinking and processing
- Language and communication difficulties
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
- Personality changes
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Impulsivity and poor judgment
- Social difficulties
Long-Term Effects of TBI
Many brain injury victims face permanent disabilities:
- Chronic cognitive impairment
- Inability to work or reduced earning capacity
- Need for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Requirement for 24-hour care in severe cases
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia
- Shortened life expectancy
- Strained family relationships
Lifetime Cost of Brain Injuries
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, the lifetime costs of treating a severe TBI can exceed $3 million, including:
- Emergency and acute medical care
- Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech therapy)
- Long-term care and assistance
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Psychological treatment
Why TBI Cases Require Specialized Attorneys
- Understanding the medical complexities of brain injuries
- Working with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation specialists
- Accurately projecting lifetime care costs
- Proving cognitive and emotional damages that aren’t visible
- Handling defense tactics that minimize brain injury severity
- Securing compensation that addresses lifetime needs
Best Brain Injury Lawyers in Chicago

1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago Brain Injury and TBI Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices is one of Chicago’s most established personal injury law firms representing victims of traumatic brain injuries caused by car crashes, falls, workplace incidents, sports, defective products, and medical negligence. For decades, the firm has fought catastrophic TBI cases through detailed neuroimaging analysis, neuropsychological testing, and life-care planning. Founded by John Phillips in 1945, the firm continues that legacy through trial attorneys who focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
Brain injuries are often invisible on the outside but devastating on the inside. Phillips Law Offices works with neurologists, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, vocational experts, and economists to translate complex medical findings into clear evidence of cognitive, behavioral, and earning-capacity losses. The firm represents TBI victims across Cook County and Illinois pursuing compensation calibrated to lifetime care needs.
A Legacy of Brain Injury and TBI Excellence Since 1945
Few personal injury firms in Chicago can match the history, experience, and legal reputation of Phillips Law Offices. For more than 75 years, the firm has remained committed exclusively to protecting the rights of injury victims, including patients suffering traumatic brain injuries from crashes, falls, and medical negligence. This long-standing focus has allowed the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices to develop extensive knowledge of Illinois injury law, insurance litigation strategies, trial preparation, medical evidence, and complex negligence cases.
The firm’s founder, John Phillips, immigrated to the United States from Sicily as a child and built the law firm through hard work, integrity, and dedication to helping injured people. Over the years, Phillips Law Offices became known not only for securing substantial verdicts and settlements, but also for helping shape Illinois injury law through leadership roles, trial advocacy, and professional involvement within the Illinois legal community.
That commitment to excellence remains a defining characteristic of the firm today.
Comprehensive Brain Injury and TBI Representation
Phillips Law Offices handles nearly every type of brain injury and wrongful death case in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The firm’s attorneys understand that a serious injury can change every aspect of a person’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. Their legal team aggressively pursues compensation designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, disability, long-term care, and future financial losses.
The firm regularly represents clients in cases involving:
- Motor vehicle TBI cases including head-on and rear-end crashes
- Pedestrian and bicycle strike TBIs
- Workplace and construction brain injuries
- Slip and fall TBIs in retail and commercial spaces
- Sports-related concussion and CTE litigation
- Defective helmet and protective gear claims
- Anoxic and hypoxic brain injury cases
- Birth-related neonatal brain injuries
- Medical malpractice TBI cases
- Anesthesia-related brain injury
- Assault and negligent security TBIs
- Diffuse axonal injury claims
- Subdural and epidural hematoma cases
- Mild TBI with persistent cognitive deficit cases
- Catastrophic TBI requiring lifetime care
- TBI-related wrongful death claims
Their attorneys have experience handling both straightforward injury claims and highly complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities.
Proven Results in High-Value Brain Injury and TBI Cases
Phillips Law Offices has secured significant verdicts and settlements for brain injury victims and their families throughout Illinois. The firm’s track record reflects decades of aggressive advocacy and courtroom success against powerful defendants and insurance companies.
$14 Million Improper ER Discharge Verdict
Phillips Law Offices secured a $14 million verdict for a 46-year-old father who suffered permanent neurological injuries after being improperly discharged from an emergency room in Mattoon, Illinois. The case required six years of litigation and a two-week jury trial, demonstrating the firm’s ability to try complex brain injury matters through verdict.
$10 Million Premises Catastrophic Injury Settlement
The firm recovered $10 million in a premises case involving a 42-year-old escalator that caught a child’s hand and resulted in the loss of two fingers. While the underlying injury differed, the case reflects the firm’s skill in valuing catastrophic, life-altering injuries and translating them into maximum compensation, the same skill set that applies to severe TBI cases.
$7 Million ICU Oxygen Deprivation Settlement
Phillips Law Offices obtained a $7 million settlement for a 39-year-old woman who suffered severe brain damage from oxygen deprivation in a hospital ICU due to inadequate monitoring. The case is a model for anoxic and hypoxic brain injury claims involving institutional failures.
$3.18 Million Post-Cardiac Event Stroke Recovery
The firm recovered $3.18 million for a 51-year-old man who suffered a stroke following a heart attack. The defense made no settlement offer, illustrating the firm’s willingness to fight when carriers refuse to negotiate, a posture that helps drive value in brain injury cases generally.
These results reflect the firm’s commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for brain injury victims facing devastating injuries and losses.
Respected Trial Attorneys in Chicago
One of the reasons Phillips Law Offices is consistently recognized among the top brain injury law firms in Chicago is its reputation for trial advocacy. Insurance carriers and defense attorneys know the firm is fully prepared to take cases to court when fair settlement offers are not made.
While many firms prioritize quick settlements, Phillips Law Offices approaches each brain injury case with the expectation that it may ultimately proceed to trial. This litigation-focused strategy often strengthens the firm’s negotiating position and allows its attorneys to pursue better outcomes for clients.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices are known for:
- Thorough investigation and evidence preservation
- Strategic litigation preparation
- Aggressive courtroom advocacy
- Detailed medical and damages analysis
- Effective negotiation with insurers
- Strong jury trial experience
- Client-focused representation
Their experience handling complex brain injury litigation has helped establish the firm as a trusted name throughout the Chicago legal community.
Meet the Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices

Stephen D. Phillips
Stephen D. Phillips is widely recognized for his work representing victims in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation throughout Illinois. Known for his courtroom skill, compassion for clients, and extensive litigation experience, Stephen Phillips has helped continue the firm’s longstanding reputation for excellence in personal injury law.
Stephen J. Phillips
Stephen J. Phillips continues the family legacy of trial advocacy at Phillips Law Offices, representing injury victims and grieving families in serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. He is known for thorough case preparation, strong client communication, and a steady focus on building cases that withstand scrutiny at trial.
Terrence M. Quinn
Terrence M. Quinn brings substantial trial experience to the litigation team at Phillips Law Offices, with a practice focused on catastrophic injury, medical negligence, and wrongful death cases. Clients consistently praise his thorough preparation, courtroom presence, and commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for serious injuries.
Michael J. Phillips
Michael J. Phillips has earned praise from clients for his communication, professionalism, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. He works closely with injury victims throughout every stage of the legal process and is known for keeping clients informed while aggressively protecting their interests.
Alec D. Mesrobian
Alec D. Mesrobian has developed a strong reputation for handling complex injury litigation with professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Clients consistently praise his strategic guidance, thorough preparation, and commitment to achieving successful resolutions.
Together, the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices bring generations of combined legal experience to every case they handle.
What Clients Say About Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices has earned outstanding reviews from injury victims and clients throughout Chicago who consistently praise the firm’s professionalism, communication, legal knowledge, and compassionate representation.
One client, Dani Berny, praised attorney Michael Phillips for consistently providing updates throughout her personal injury case and ensuring she always felt confident that her legal team was acting in her best interests. She also highlighted the firm’s professionalism, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of injury law.
Another client, Khaled Aboushaala, described attorney Alec D. Mesrobian’s representation as “exceptional in every respect,” noting that the case progressed efficiently once Alec assumed representation and praising his organization, responsiveness, and strategic judgment.
Marge S. commended Alec Mesrobian and Amanda Daliege for guiding her family through the legal process step-by-step while answering every question thoroughly and patiently.
Brandon DeWitt referred to Phillips Law Offices as home to some of the “best, skilled, elite personal injury attorneys in Chicago,” praising the firm’s compassion, responsiveness, and decades of experience helping injured victims.
Sasha Spektor described the caliber of talent at Phillips Law Offices as “unmatched,” specifically recognizing Stephen Phillips for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to clients.
Reagan Tokoly highlighted Michael Phillips’ clear communication and willingness to explain every stage of the process in detail following an accident case that resulted in a highly favorable outcome.
“I highly recommend Phillips Injury Attorneys of Chicago for anyone that needs a highly skilled injury lawyer in Chicago. Stephen Phillips has an amazing record of providing great representation throughout the greater Chicagoland area. If you’re living in Chicago, you should know about Stephen and his firm’s abilities to help people that have been involved in an accident. If I was ever in an accident, I would call Stephen Phillips.”
These testimonials reflect the trust and confidence many clients place in Phillips Law Offices during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Client-Focused Representation
What truly distinguishes Phillips Law Offices from many other personal injury firms is its client-centered approach. The firm understands that a traumatic brain injury affects not only the victim, but the entire family. Because of this, their attorneys prioritize communication, accessibility, compassion, and personalized legal support throughout every case.
Clients are never treated like numbers or files. Instead, the firm takes time to understand each client’s injuries, concerns, financial challenges, and long-term needs. The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices remain accessible throughout the legal process and work closely with clients to ensure they understand every available legal option.
The firm also operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless compensation is successfully recovered. Free consultations are available for injury victims seeking guidance after serious accidents or acts of negligence.
Deep Roots in Chicago and Illinois
Phillips Law Offices has represented injury victims throughout Chicago, Cook County, and communities across Illinois for generations. Their attorneys possess extensive familiarity with local courts, judges, insurance defense tactics, and Illinois personal injury statutes.
From major Chicago hospitals to community trauma centers and rehabilitation facilities across Illinois, the firm’s experience handling TBI cases throughout the state provides clients with a significant advantage.
Their longstanding reputation in the Chicago legal community reflects decades of dedicated advocacy, successful litigation, and commitment to helping injury victims rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.
Why Clients Choose Phillips Law Offices for Chicago Brain Injury and TBI Cases
Phillips Law Offices continues to be recognized among Chicago’s leading brain injury law firms because of its:
- More than 75 years of legal experience
- Exclusive focus on personal injury and wrongful death
- Proven record of significant verdicts and settlements
- Highly respected trial attorneys
- Strong client reviews and testimonials
- Compassionate client-centered representation
- Extensive brain injury litigation experience
- Deep knowledge of Illinois medical, traffic, and catastrophic injury law as applied to TBI
- Commitment to maximizing compensation for clients
- Longstanding reputation within the Chicago legal community
For individuals and families seeking experienced legal representation after a serious injury, Phillips Law Offices remains one of the most trusted and accomplished personal injury firms in Chicago.
Every case is evaluated on its own facts, and prior results do not predict future outcomes.
Contact Phillips Law Offices
Address: 161 N Clark St, #4925, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: (312) 346-4262
Website: phillipslawoffices.com
2. Clifford Law Offices
Nationally Recognized Catastrophic Injury Advocates
Clifford Law Offices brings national recognition to brain injury cases with substantial resources.
3. Power Rogers & Smith
Record-Setting Catastrophic Injury Verdicts
Power Rogers & Smith has achieved record verdicts for brain injury victims.
4. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
High-Value Brain Injury Litigation
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard handles serious brain injury claims with expertise.
5. Levin & Perconti
Medical Malpractice and Brain Injury Experts
Levin & Perconti handles brain injuries caused by medical negligence.
6. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Dedicated TBI Representation
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has significant experience with brain injury cases.
7. Abels & Annes, P.C.
Compassionate Brain Injury Advocates
Abels & Annes provides compassionate representation for TBI victims and families.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Emergency and acute medical care
- Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, cognitive, speech therapy)
- Future medical costs (often lifelong)
- In-home care and assistance
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages and lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Cognitive and emotional damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for family members
- Wrongful death damages
Illinois Brain Injury Law
Statute of Limitations
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury claims must be filed within two years.
Comparative Negligence
Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Official Resources
- CDC Traumatic Brain Injury Information
- Brain Injury Association of America
- NIH NINDS – Traumatic Brain Injury
- 735 ILCS 5/13-202 – Statute of Limitations
- Illinois Courts
Fighting for Brain Injury Victims
Traumatic brain injuries change lives forever. Victims and their families face enormous medical costs, lost income, and profound emotional challenges. They deserve attorneys who understand brain injuries and will fight for full compensation.
Firms like Phillips Law Offices lead with experience, medical knowledge, and dedication to TBI victims. Contact an experienced brain injury lawyer today.
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