How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Two years from the date of the injury under 735 ILCS 5/13-202 for standard personal injury. Medical malpractice uses a two-year discovery rule with a four-year statute of repose under 735 ILCS 5/13-212. Workers' compensation has a three-year IWCC filing deadline under 820 ILCS 305/6(d). Government-defendant cases require one-year notice under 745 ILCS 10/8-101. Don't wait - once the deadline passes the case is dead regardless of how strong it is. Call 312-500-4500.

What if my pain didn't start right away?

Common with CRPS, post-traumatic fibromyalgia, and certain nerve injuries - the condition develops over weeks or months. The legal key is proving medical causation: that the chronic pain resulted from the original injury. With proper treating-physician documentation and the right specialist experts, we establish the causal link even when symptoms emerged later. Delayed onset is medically recognized and legally compensable.

Do I have to go to court?

Maybe. Most chronic pain cases settle before trial - once a strong case is built and the insurance company sees we're trial-ready, they typically make a reasonable offer. But if they refuse to be reasonable, the case goes to a jury. I won't accept a lowball settlement just to avoid the courtroom.

What if I was partly at fault?

Illinois follows modified comparative negligence under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover, with damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. So a person found 20% at fault recovers 80% of total damages. We work to minimize any fault assigned to you with the police report, witnesses, video, and reconstruction when needed.

What does it cost to hire you?

Nothing upfront. I work on contingency - I only get paid if we win. I advance all case costs: expert witnesses (pain doctors, neurologists, economists, life-care planners), medical records, court filing fees, depositions. If we don't recover, you owe nothing. Free consultation 24/7 in English or Spanish. Call 312-500-4500.

The insurance company already made me an offer. Should I take it?

Don't sign anything until a lawyer reviews it. Early offers from insurance carriers are designed to close the claim before you understand the lifetime cost of chronic pain - future medical care, future lost earning capacity, and permanent loss of enjoyment of life. Once you sign a release, the case is over and there are no take-backs. Free consultation before you sign. Call 312-500-4500.

Can I switch lawyers?

Yes. A client has the right to fire a lawyer at any time. If your current attorney isn't fighting hard enough or doesn't understand chronic pain cases, call me. We discuss your situation, evaluate where the case stands, and if it makes sense I take over and get the case back on track. The fee structure between lawyers gets resolved between the lawyers, not out of your settlement on top of the regular fee.

312-500-4500

Category: Serious Chronic Pain Lawyer Chicago

Soft Tissue Lawyer Chicago

breakdacne2025 October 9, 2025 No Comments

Soft Tissue Lawyer Chicago Free Consult 24/7/365: 312-500-4500 Soft Tissue Injury Lawyer ChicagoLook, I'll tell you what most lawyers won't: soft tissue injuries get dismissed as 'minor' by insurance companies…

scott desalvo, chicago personal injury lawyer

About Scott DeSalvo

Scott DeSalvo founded DeSalvo Law to help injured people throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1998, IARDC #6244452, Scott has represented over 3,000 clients in personal injury, workers compensation, and accident cases.

No Fee Unless You Win | Free Consultation | 24/7 Availability Call or Text: (312) 500-4500

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Law Office of Scott D. DeSalvo, LLC

Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 312-895-0545
Fax: 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com

Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only

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Important Information

None of the above is legal advice. Every case is different. Nothing above should suggest the promise of any particular outcome on your case. If you need a lawyer, it is an important decision you must consider carefully. This website contains promotional and informational material only. If you need a lawyer or have a case, seek the advice of an attorney immediately. Do not rely on the information contained on this website alone. It cannot take the place of the knowledge, experience, advice and judgment of a skilled, aggressive and ethical attorney. Copyright ©2025 DeSalvo Law - Full Disclaimer: desalvolaw.com/disclaimer