Did You Get Hurt... On The Inside?
When I was 9 years old, my father was catastrophically injured at work. He was a Teamster, a truck driver—a strong man who took care of our family. That injury took everything from him physically. But the emotional and psychiatric damage? That might have been even worse.
I watched my father struggle with depression. The frustration of not being able to work. The loss of his identity as a provider. The anxiety about our family's future. And his lawyer? Made it all worse by dragging the case out for 17 years and then suing my father for more fees at the end.
That experience taught me something: emotional and psychiatric injuries are REAL injuries. They're just as devastating as broken bones. Sometimes more so.
If you're reading this, you or someone you love is probably dealing with invisible wounds. PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Panic attacks. And maybe someone's telling you it's not a big deal. Or that you can't recover compensation for "mental" injuries.
They're wrong.
I'm Scott DeSalvo, and I've spent my career fighting for people whose injuries—visible or invisible—were caused by someone else's negligence. Whether your emotional trauma came from a car crash on Lake Shore Drive, a dog attack in Lincoln Park, or witnessing something horrific in the Loop, you deserve justice.
Call me anytime at (312)-500-4500. Day or night. The call is free. We'll talk. No pressure. No hustle. Just straight answers.
Let me explain this without the lawyer-speak.
Emotional and psychiatric injuries are psychological harm caused by a traumatic event. We're talking about real medical diagnoses—PTSD, severe anxiety, clinical depression, panic disorder. Not just "feeling sad" or "being stressed out."
Here's what insurance companies don't want you to know: under Illinois law, these injuries are compensable. You can recover money for them. But proving them? That's where most lawyers drop the ball.
I don't drop the ball. I've spent over $100,000 and flown all over the country studying with the best trial lawyers in America. I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College and the KTI "The Edge" program. Not one in 10,000 lawyers has the training I have.
Why'd I do it? So when insurance companies try to dismiss YOUR emotional suffering, I know exactly how to make them pay.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Probably the most common emotional injury I see. You relive the trauma through nightmares and flashbacks. You avoid anything that reminds you of what happened. You're always on edge, can't relax. PTSD isn't "being dramatic"—it's a serious medical condition that can wreck your life.
Severe Anxiety and Panic Disorders: After a traumatic event, some people develop crippling anxiety. Panic attacks that feel like heart attacks. Fear of leaving the house. Fear of driving. Fear of situations that used to be normal. This isn't "just nerves."
Clinical Depression: Real depression. The kind that makes you unable to work, unable to enjoy life, unable to function. When trauma triggers this, and it's someone else's fault, you deserve compensation.
Phobias: Specific, debilitating fears that develop after trauma. Fear of dogs after an attack. Fear of cars after a crash. These aren't weaknesses—they're injuries.
Insurance companies love to call these injuries "just mental." As if your mind doesn't matter. As if psychological pain isn't real pain.
Your emotional injuries are real. And I know how to prove it.
I've represented emotional injury victims from every part of Chicago and the suburbs. Here are the most common ways these injuries happen.
Car Accidents: Even "minor" crashes can cause major psychological trauma. I've had clients from Wicker Park who can't drive anymore after getting rear-ended on the Kennedy. The physical injuries heal, but the emotional scars? Those can last forever.
Witnessing Death or Serious Injury: Seeing someone die or get catastrophically injured—especially a loved one—can cause severe PTSD and depression. I've handled cases where family members witnessed their loved one's death in an accident on Lake Shore Drive. The emotional devastation is real, and Illinois law allows recovery for this.
Dog Attacks: A vicious dog attack doesn't just leave physical scars. The psychological trauma, especially for kids, can be profound. Fear of all dogs. Anxiety in public. Nightmares.
Assault and Violence: Sexual assault, physical attacks, witnessing violence—these cause some of the most severe emotional injuries I see. PTSD, anxiety, depression, trust issues. If someone's negligence allowed this to happen (like a property owner who failed to provide adequate security), you can recover compensation.
Medical Malpractice: When a doctor's mistake harms you or kills your loved one, the emotional trauma is devastating. Birth injuries, surgical errors, misdiagnosis—the guilt, anger, and grief are real injuries.
Nursing Home Abuse: Discovering that your elderly parent has been abused or neglected causes profound emotional suffering. The guilt ("How did I not know?"), the anger, the trauma of seeing your loved one harmed—all compensable.
Workplace Trauma: While most workplace injuries fall under workers' compensation, there are situations where you can bring a personal injury claim for emotional injuries caused by third parties at work. I know the difference.
Premises Liability: Slip and falls, building collapses, dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic injuries—the emotional trauma from these events can be just as severe as the physical injuries.
Bottom line: if someone else's negligence caused you emotional or psychiatric harm, you probably have a case. Call me at (312)-500-4500. The consultation is free, and I'll tell you straight up whether I think you have a claim.
I'm not going to lie. Emotional injury cases are some of the hardest cases to win. Here's why:
They're Invisible: You can't see PTSD on an X-ray. There's no cast on anxiety. Depression doesn't show up in blood work. Insurance companies LOVE this because they think they can convince a jury you're faking.
But I've spent years learning exactly how to prove invisible injuries. I work with the best psychiatric experts in Chicago. I document everything meticulously. And I've successfully proven countless emotional injury cases where other lawyers said it couldn't be done.
There's Still Stigma: Even though mental health awareness has improved, some people still think psychological injuries mean you're weak. Some defense lawyers will try to make you look like you're just trying to get money for "being sad."
Makes me angry. But I know how to handle it. I know how to educate juries. I know how to make them understand that emotional injuries are real medical conditions.
They Require Expert Proof: You need psychiatrists and psychologists who can testify convincingly. These experts are expensive. Many lawyers won't invest in them.
I will. I advance all case costs out of my own pocket. You never pay anything upfront. I only get paid if you get paid first. And I work with the absolute best mental health experts in Chicago.
Insurance Companies Fight Dirty: They'll deny your claim. They'll say you're exaggerating. They'll dig through your past looking for anything to use against you. They'll offer you insulting lowball settlements, hoping you'll give up.
I'm not the kind of lawyer who gives up. I don't settle cheap just to close a file. Your fight is my fight. And I'm willing to take your case all the way to trial if that's what it takes.
Most Lawyers Won't Take These Cases: Too much work. Too risky. Too expensive to prove.
But I take the tough cases other lawyers won't touch. That's what I do.
People dealing with emotional injuries are vulnerable. You're already suffering. The last thing you need is a lawyer who doesn't return your calls or makes you feel like a burden.
I make sure everyone on my team understands: you deserve to have your phone calls answered. You deserve to know where your case stands. You deserve respect, honesty, and compassion.
When you're dealing with PTSD or depression, having a lawyer who treats you like family—not like a case number—makes all the difference.
Winning emotional injury cases requires specialized knowledge. That's why I've invested over $100,000 in advanced trial training. That's why I fly all over the country studying with the top legal minds.
Here's specifically how I prove emotional injuries:
Medical Documentation: I help you find the right psychiatrists and psychologists—doctors who will properly diagnose and document your condition. We build a comprehensive medical record that proves your injuries are real.
Expert Testimony: I work with respected mental health experts who can testify convincingly about your diagnosis, how the trauma caused it, and how it affects your life.
Your Story: You'll testify about how your life has changed. What you can't do anymore. How you feel. The daily struggles. Your testimony is powerful, and I'll prepare you so you can tell your story effectively.
Corroborating Witnesses: Family, friends, coworkers—people who've seen the changes in you since the trauma. This "before and after" testimony is compelling.
Documentation: Medical records, employment records, journals documenting your symptoms—all of this proves your injury is real.
Timeline Evidence: Showing that your symptoms began immediately after the trauma and proving the connection between the traumatic event and your condition.
I get started immediately—documenting everything, preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses.
Why does this matter? Because in emotional injury cases, early action is critical. The sooner we start building your case, the stronger it becomes.
I beat the insurance company to the punch. And that means better results for you.
If someone else's negligence caused your emotional or psychiatric injury, here's what I fight to recover:
All Medical Expenses: Every penny you've spent or will spend on psychiatric care, therapy, medications, hospitalizations—all of it.
Lost Wages: Every day of work you've missed because of your emotional injury.
Lost Earning Capacity: If your condition means you can't return to your career or can only work in a reduced capacity, I recover the difference.
Pain and Suffering: The emotional pain, mental anguish, and psychological suffering you've endured.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for your inability to enjoy activities you used to love.
Loss of Consortium: For your spouse—the impact your injury has had on your relationship.
In cases of gross negligence, I also pursue punitive damages.
The insurance company will tell you emotional injuries aren't worth much. They're lying. I've recovered substantial compensation for emotional injury victims throughout Chicago.
Let me break down the legal stuff.
In Illinois, there are two main types of emotional distress claims:
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED): This is when someone intentionally or recklessly causes you severe emotional harm through outrageous conduct. Think assault, threats, extreme harassment, abuse. The person meant to hurt you emotionally, or they were so reckless they didn't care.
Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED): This is when someone's carelessness causes you severe emotional harm. Car accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice—situations where someone didn't mean to hurt you but their negligence did.
For NIED claims in Illinois, generally you need to either:
There are exceptions, and the law is complicated. That's why you need to call me at (312)-500-4500 and we'll talk about your specific situation.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
I'm not going to tell you I'm the only lawyer who can help you. But I will tell you why I'm different.
I Take Mental Health Seriously: My father's experience taught me that psychological injuries are just as real as physical ones. I don't dismiss emotional claims. I don't treat them as "lesser" injuries. I understand that PTSD can destroy your life just as surely as a broken back.
I Only Represent Injured People—NEVER Insurance Companies: My entire practice is dedicated to victims. I will never work for insurance companies or corporations. Your fight is my fight.
You Pay Nothing Unless I Win: No upfront costs. No retainer. No hourly fees. I advance all case costs. You never pay out of pocket. I only get paid if you get paid first.
For personal injury cases, my fee is 33⅓% if we settle before trial, or 40% if we go to court. Medical malpractice cases are 33⅓%. Standard rates. If I don't win, you don't pay me a penny.
I'm Available 24/7/365: Emotional crises don't happen during business hours. If you need to talk to a lawyer, call me at (312)-500-4500. Anytime. Day or night.
I Never Hustle or Pressure You: I don't chase clients. I don't use high-pressure sales tactics. When you call me, we talk. I listen. I answer your questions. I tell you what I think. Then you decide if you want to hire me. Your choice. Either way, we end up as friends.
I Have the Training That Matters: Graduate of Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College. Graduate of KTI "The Edge." I've invested more in advanced training than almost any lawyer I know. Why? So I can give you the very best representation possible.
I Take Tough Cases: Other lawyers turn away emotional injury cases because they're hard. I take them.
Large or Small, I Handle Them All: Big Chicago law firms want big, easy cases. Not me. I believe once you work with me, even on a smaller case, you'll know you're working with a serious lawyer who's 100% dedicated to you.
Can I sue for emotional distress without a physical injury?
Sometimes, yes. In Illinois, if you were in the "zone of danger" (at risk of physical harm) or if you witnessed a family member being killed or seriously injured, you can recover for emotional distress alone. There are other exceptions too, especially in cases involving intentional harm. Call me at (312)-500-4500 and we'll talk about your specific situation.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of the injury or trauma. But there are exceptions, and the clock might start later if you didn't immediately realize the extent of your injuries. Don't wait—call me now. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and deadlines expire.
What if I had anxiety or depression before the accident?
You can still recover if the accident made it worse or caused new symptoms. We prove that the trauma aggravated your condition. Pre-existing conditions don't disqualify you from compensation.
Will I have to testify about my mental health in court?
If your case goes to trial, yes. I know this is uncomfortable. But I'll prepare you thoroughly. You'll only discuss what's relevant to your case. And here's the thing: you're seeking compensation for real injuries. There's no shame in that.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your condition, your prognosis, how it affects your life, your medical expenses, and many other factors. The consultation is free, so call me at (312)-500-4500 and we'll figure it out together.
What if the insurance company says I'm faking?
They almost always claim that. That's why thorough medical documentation and expert testimony are crucial. I've successfully proven countless emotional injury cases where insurance companies said my clients were faking. Their accusations don't intimidate me.
Do I need to be in therapy to have a case?
You should definitely be in treatment—it's good for your health and it creates documentation. If you're not currently seeing a mental health professional, I can help you find qualified doctors.
Can my family recover for their emotional distress from seeing me hurt?
Possibly. Illinois allows certain family members to recover in specific situations, particularly if they witnessed your injury. Call me and we'll discuss whether your family has claims.
I represent emotional and psychiatric injury victims throughout Chicago and the suburbs:
Chicago Neighborhoods: Loop, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Hyde Park, Bridgeport, Pilsen, Bronzeville, South Shore, Rogers Park, Andersonville, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, West Town, Bucktown, Old Town, Gold Coast, River North, Streeterville, South Loop, West Loop, Englewood, Austin, Humboldt Park, Albany Park, Edgewater—all of them.
Suburbs: Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Berwyn, Cicero, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Wheaton, Downers Grove—everywhere.
My office is located at 1000 Jorie Blvd, Ste 204, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523. But I'll meet you wherever you're comfortable. Your home. A coffee shop. Anywhere.
The important thing is that we talk. Call me at (312)-500-4500
I know calling a lawyer can feel intimidating. So let me walk you through exactly what happens:
Step 1: You call for free (or I can call you).
The call costs you nothing. (312)-500-4500. Anytime, day or night.
Step 2: I listen to your story.
I want to understand what happened to you. How you're suffering. What you're dealing with.
Step 3: I answer your questions and concerns.
No legal jargon. No confusing talk. Just straight answers.
Step 4: I tell you my plan.
If I think I can help you, I'll explain exactly how I'd handle your case and what you can expect.
Step 5: You can hire me or not hire me. Your choice.
Zero pressure. No hustling. You decide if I'm the right lawyer for you.
Step 6: Either way, we end up as friends.
Even if you don't hire me, you'll have answers and a better understanding of your rights.
Sound good?
Listen, I know you're going through something difficult. Emotional and psychiatric injuries are scary. They change everything. You're worried about getting better. You're worried about money. You're worried whether anyone will believe you.
I believe you. I know your injuries are real. And I know how to prove them.
But here's the thing: time matters. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And in Illinois, you typically only have two years to file a lawsuit.
Don't wait. Don't let the insurance company take advantage of you. Don't try to handle this alone.
Pick up the phone right now and call me at (312)-500-4500.
Doesn't matter what time it is. I'm available 24/7/365.
The call is free. The consultation is free. And you'll never pay me a penny unless I win your case.
You've already survived the trauma. Now let me fight to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
Call (312)-500-4500 right now.
We'll talk. No pressure. Just answers.
Your emotional injuries are real. You deserve justice. And I'm here to fight for you.
Let's do this together.
Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I’m sure you’ll be 200% satisfied I was.
Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends.
I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend’s recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case.
Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 1 312-895-0545
Fax: 1 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com
Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only
