Written by 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.
Parents trust schools to keep their children safe during the school day. When schools fail in this duty, whether through inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions, or negligent hiring, children can suffer serious injuries. If your child was hurt at school in Chicago, an experienced school injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal issues involved in suing schools and school districts.
Common Types of School Injuries
Children can be injured at school in many ways:
- Playground accidents – Falls from equipment, defective playground structures
- Sports injuries – Inadequate coaching, unsafe equipment, or lack of supervision
- Bus accidents – Crashes, boarding/exiting injuries, bus stop incidents
- Bullying and assault – Physical attacks by other students
- Sexual abuse – Abuse by teachers, coaches, or staff members
- Slip and fall accidents – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, icy walkways
- Field trip injuries – Accidents during school-sponsored outings
- Science lab accidents – Chemical burns, equipment injuries
- Food-related incidents – Choking, allergic reactions, food poisoning
Causes of School Negligence
Schools may be liable when injuries result from:
- Inadequate supervision – Not enough adults monitoring children
- Dangerous premises – Unsafe building conditions or equipment
- Negligent hiring – Failure to screen employees properly
- Failure to enforce safety policies – Ignoring known risks
- Improper training – Staff not trained in safety procedures
- Defective equipment – Unsafe playground or sports equipment
- Failure to respond to bullying – Ignoring reports of harassment
Illinois Law on School Liability
Suing schools in Illinois involves special legal considerations. Under the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/), public schools have certain immunities from lawsuits. However, immunity doesn’t apply when schools act willfully or wantonly, or fail to exercise ordinary care in certain circumstances.
Important considerations include:
- Notice requirements – Claims against public schools typically require notice within one year
- Shorter deadlines – Different statutes of limitations may apply
- Damage caps – Limits on recoverable damages in some cases
- Private vs. public schools – Different rules may apply
Best School Injury Lawyers in Chicago
These Chicago law firms have experience handling claims against schools and school districts:
1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago School Injury Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices
Phillips Law Offices is widely recognized as one of Chicago’s leading personal injury firms for children injured at school or in school-related programs. With more than 75 years of experience representing minors and their families, the firm understands the procedural traps imposed by the Illinois Tort Immunity Act, the shorter notice deadlines for public school claims, and the courtroom strategies needed to overcome qualified immunity defenses. Their attorneys regularly retain education and supervision experts to build strong cases.
School injury cases require sensitivity to the long-term impact on a child’s development, education, and emotional well-being. Phillips Law Offices coordinates with pediatric specialists, educational consultants, and mental health professionals to fully document each victim’s losses. The firm represents children injured on playgrounds, on school buses, in school sports programs, in lab accidents, and in cases involving bullying, abuse, or negligent supervision.
A Legacy of School Injury 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 children injured through inadequate supervision, dangerous premises, negligent hiring, and other foreseeable school failures across public and private institutions in the Chicago region. 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 School Injury Representation
Phillips Law Offices handles nearly every type of school 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:
- Playground equipment injury and design defect claims
- School bus accident and transportation injury cases
- Sports and physical education injury claims
- Negligent supervision and inadequate staffing cases
- Bullying and physical assault failure-to-protect claims
- Sexual abuse claims involving staff or volunteers
- Slip and fall claims on school premises
- Field trip and off-campus activity injury cases
- Lab accident and chemical burn claims
- Wrongful death claims involving children at school
Their attorneys have experience handling both straightforward injury claims and highly complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities.
Proven Results in High-Value School Injury Cases
Phillips Law Offices has secured significant verdicts and settlements for school 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.
$10 Million Recovery – Escalator and Premises Liability
Phillips Law Offices secured $10 million on behalf of a child whose hand was caught in a 42-year-old escalator at a Chicagoland commercial building, resulting in the loss of two fingers. The result reflects the firm’s strength in premises liability litigation and complex liability investigations involving aging equipment, poor maintenance, and property owner accountability.
$2.1 Million Verdict – Workplace and Machinery Injury
The firm obtained a $2.1 million verdict for a 54-year-old man who suffered serious leg injuries in a forklift accident, despite a defense offer of only $100,000. The case demonstrates the firm’s willingness to take workplace and serious-injury cases to trial when the defense refuses to negotiate in good faith.
$800,000 Wrongful Death Recovery
The firm recovered $800,000 for the family of a 51-year-old woman after the wrongful death claim had been rejected by five other law firms. The result reflects the firm’s willingness to take difficult cases other attorneys decline.
These results reflect the firm’s commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for school 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 school 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 school 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 school 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 serious injury or abuse a child suffered at school or in a school-related program 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.
Phillips Law Offices brings decades of regional experience navigating the immunity rules that apply to Chicago Public Schools, suburban Illinois districts, and private institutions. The firm’s attorneys understand the special notice provisions, shorter deadlines, and damage limits that public school claims involve, and they prepare every case to overcome procedural defenses while honoring the family’s privacy and the child’s well-being.
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 School Injury Cases
Phillips Law Offices continues to be recognized among Chicago’s leading school 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 school injury litigation experience
- Deep knowledge of Illinois the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act and Illinois school liability standards
- 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. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
This firm has represented families in cases involving school negligence, including catastrophic injuries and abuse cases. They have experience navigating governmental immunity issues and pursuing claims against school districts.
3. Clifford Law Offices
Clifford Law Offices handles serious injury cases involving children, including school-related accidents. Their resources allow thorough investigation of institutional failures.
4. Power Rogers, LLP
With substantial trial experience, Power Rogers can pursue school injury cases through litigation when necessary. They have the resources to take on large school districts.
5. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
This firm handles personal injury cases involving minors, including school accidents. They understand the special considerations involved in cases with child victims.
Injuries Requiring Legal Action
School injuries that may warrant legal claims include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns (chemical or thermal)
- Psychological trauma from abuse or bullying
- Sports-related concussions
- Severe lacerations or scarring
- Death from accidents or violence
Compensation for School Injuries
Families may recover damages including:
- Medical expenses – Current and future treatment costs
- Rehabilitation costs – Physical and occupational therapy
- Counseling expenses – Mental health treatment for trauma
- Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional distress
- Disability accommodations – Special education needs
- Future lost earnings – If injuries affect future work capacity
- Parent’s lost wages – Time taken off to care for injured child
Steps to Take After a School Injury
- Get medical attention – Document all injuries thoroughly
- Report the incident – Notify school administration in writing
- Request incident reports – Get copies of all school documentation
- Photograph injuries – Take photos as injuries heal
- Keep records – Save all medical bills and correspondence
- Interview witnesses – Talk to other students, parents, and staff
- Contact an attorney promptly – Strict deadlines apply for school claims
Official Resources
Related: Premises Liability Lawyers | Personal Injury Lawyers
Why Early Investigation Matters
School injury evidence can disappear quickly, including incident reports, surveillance footage, witness recollection, and maintenance logs. Prompt legal review helps preserve records and protect your family’s claim rights under Illinois timelines.
