Smith LaCien LLP Trial Lawyers - Chicago

When life takes an unexpected and devastating turn due to someone else's negligence, the journey to recovery can feel overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. For residents of Illinois who have suffered catastrophic injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one, finding legal representation that combines profound expertise with genuine compassion is crucial. In the heart of Chicago, Smith LaCien LLP stands as a powerhouse in personal injury law, dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of those who have been seriously harmed.

Smith LaCien LLP is not just another law firm; it is a team of highly experienced trial lawyers, founded by Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien, who collectively bring over 60 years of intense courtroom experience to every case. Their firm specializes in the most severe personal injury cases, including catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and complex medical malpractice. What truly sets them apart, as consistently highlighted by their clients, is their unwavering dedication, meticulous preparation, and a relentless pursuit of justice that has resulted in over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements for their clients.

One powerful testament to their approach comes from a client who experienced a life-altering accident: "I was involved in a life-altering accident and was not sure how to handle it. I reached out to two local Law firms and each seemed lackadaisical, if not indifferent about my misfortune. Without missing a beat he said he would put me in touch with a firm that would handle this for me. In hindsight, and great fortune to me, it was Smith LaCien." This client's journey, which involved the loss of a leg, saw attorneys Brian LaCien and Andrew Mason take on his case with a directness and acumen that immediately instilled confidence.

The review further highlights the firm's dedication: "Andrew was assigned my case. He may be soft-spoken and seem innocuous, but don't let that fool you, he is a talented and gifted Attorney." It continues to praise Andrew Mason's tireless work, which uncovered "a myriad of untruths" and led to a significantly higher settlement than initially offered. This level of commitment and strategic investigation, combined with the willingness of partners like Todd Smith to advise proceeding to trial when it is in the client's best interest, truly distinguishes Smith LaCien LLP. Clients consistently report feeling "treated like family" and express immense satisfaction with the outcomes.

For anyone in Illinois facing the aftermath of a severe injury or loss, understanding the formidable capabilities and client-first approach of Smith LaCien LLP is vital. This article will provide a detailed overview of their practice, highlighting why they are a suitable choice for locals in need of tenacious and effective legal representation.

Smith LaCien LLP Trial Lawyers - Chicago is prominently located in the prestigious Three First National Plaza, at 70 W Madison St Suite 2250, Chicago, IL 60602, USA. This prime location in the heart of Chicago's financial and legal district offers exceptional accessibility for clients throughout Illinois.

Being situated on West Madison Street, within one of the city's iconic skyscrapers, ensures that the office is incredibly well-connected by public transportation. Numerous CTA bus routes serve the immediate area, and the office is within very close walking distance of several 'L' train stations, including those on the Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines. This extensive public transit network makes it highly convenient for individuals commuting from various neighborhoods within Chicago, as well as suburban areas connected by the 'L' or Metra commuter rail lines. Major Metra stations, such as Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station, are also just a short walk or quick bus ride away, providing convenient access for clients traveling from further afield in Illinois.

For clients who prefer to drive, the location is easily accessible from major expressways including I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway/Kennedy Expressway), I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), and Lake Shore Drive. While street parking in the Loop can be challenging, there are numerous secure parking garages located within a few blocks of Three First National Plaza, offering convenient options for visitors. The firm's presence in such a prominent and professional building also provides a conducive and confidential environment for client meetings and case discussions. This central and well-connected location underscores Smith LaCien LLP's commitment to being readily available to all their clients across the state.

Smith LaCien LLP specializes in representing plaintiffs in complex and catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases. Their team of trial lawyers is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing maximum compensation for their clients. The primary services offered include:

• Catastrophic Personal Injury: Representing individuals who have suffered severe, life-altering injuries due to the negligence of others. This includes injuries from car, truck, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents, leading to outcomes such as loss of limbs, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other permanent disabilities.

• Wrongful Death: Providing compassionate and aggressive representation to families who have lost loved ones due to fatal accidents caused by negligence. They seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the profound emotional suffering of the surviving family members.

• Medical Malpractice: Handling cases where individuals have been harmed due to medical negligence, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries (e.g., cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia), and failure to diagnose serious conditions. The firm works with skilled medical experts to build compelling cases.

• Product Liability: Representing clients injured by defective or dangerous products, ranging from faulty auto parts (like the Takata airbags case where Todd Smith served as co-lead counsel) to unsafe consumer goods and pharmaceutical products.

• Trucking Accidents: Specializing in complex litigation involving commercial truck accidents, which often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. They investigate thoroughly to identify all liable parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and cargo loaders.

• Aviation Law: Handling cases related to aviation accidents, including plane crashes and airport-related injuries, often involving complex international and federal regulations. Brian LaCien was recognized as Illinois "Lawyer of the Year" in the aviation category by Best Lawyers.

• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions: Representing large groups of plaintiffs who have suffered similar harm due to widespread negligence or defective products, such as the multi-district litigation involving defective Takata airbags.

• Premises Liability: Pursuing claims against property owners for injuries sustained due to unsafe conditions on their premises, including slip and falls, negligent maintenance, and inadequate security.

Smith LaCien LLP distinguishes itself through a unique combination of experience, results, and client commitment:

• Exceptional Track Record: The firm boasts over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements and more than 150 cases with individual outcomes exceeding $1 million. This impressive record demonstrates their ability to achieve significant compensation for their clients.

• Highly Experienced Founding Partners: Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien have over 60 years of combined experience as trial lawyers. Todd Smith is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates (limited to 100 top trial lawyers nationwide), a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American College of Trial Lawyers. Brian LaCien has been consistently named an Illinois Super Lawyer and Leading Lawyer.

• Client-Centric Approach: Client testimonials frequently highlight that the firm "treated like family" and that attorneys like Andrew Mason were "always at my beckon call, day or night," and kept clients "abreast of how the case was progressing flawlessly." This personalized attention is crucial during difficult times.

• Tenacious and Thorough Advocacy: The firm is known for its meticulous preparation, deep investigation, and relentless pursuit of justice. Clients commend their attorneys for "digging deep, uncovering a myriad of untruths," and using "keen knowledge of the law" to achieve superior results.

• Recognized by Peers and Industry: Smith LaCien LLP has received numerous accolades, including being named a "2025 Best Law Firm" by The Best Lawyers in America® (Tier 1 status in Aviation, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, and Product Liability). Its attorneys are consistently recognized as Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and Best Lawyers.

• Ready for Trial: Unlike many firms that seek to settle quickly, Smith LaCien LLP prepares every case as if it will go to trial. This readiness often strengthens their negotiation position and ensures clients receive the best possible outcome, even if it means proceeding to court.

• Access to Top Resources: The firm leverages top resources, including esteemed expert witnesses, accident reconstruction techniques, and sophisticated computer modeling, to build compelling cases and prove liability effectively.

• Impactful Case Results: Their case results include substantial recoveries in landmark cases, such as a $1.65 billion settlement for Takata airbag litigation, $93 million for an international jet airplane crash, and significant verdicts in medical malpractice and wrongful death cases.

Smith LaCien LLP operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means that clients do not pay any legal fees upfront. Instead, the firm only collects a fee if they successfully obtain a verdict or settlement on the client's behalf. This structure ensures that quality legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation after an accident or loss.

Additionally, the firm typically offers a free initial consultation. This allows prospective clients to discuss their case with an experienced attorney, understand their legal options, and learn about the firm's approach without any financial commitment. This initial consultation is a valuable opportunity to assess the merits of a claim and build confidence in the legal team. It is always recommended to contact the firm directly to confirm the details of their fee structure and to schedule your complimentary consultation.

To learn more about how Smith LaCien LLP can assist you with your catastrophic injury or wrongful death claim, or to schedule a free consultation, you can reach their Chicago office using the following contact details:

• Address: Three First National Plaza, 70 W Madison St Suite 2250, Chicago, IL 60602, USA

• Phone: (312) 509-8900

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-509-8900

Calling their office is the most direct way to speak with their intake team, provide details about your situation, and arrange for an initial consultation. The firm's commitment to responsiveness, as noted by clients, ensures that your inquiry will be handled promptly and with the utmost care.

For residents across Illinois who are grappling with the devastating aftermath of a catastrophic injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, Smith LaCien LLP Trial Lawyers - Chicago is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner. Their prominent location in downtown Chicago provides excellent accessibility, ensuring that expert legal counsel is within reach for individuals from various parts of the state.

What truly makes Smith LaCien LLP stand out for locals is their unparalleled track record of success, consistently securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. This is not just about numbers; it's about justice being served and victims receiving the compensation they desperately need to rebuild their lives. The firm's deep specialization in complex personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases, combined with the extensive experience of founding partners Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien, means clients benefit from a level of expertise few other firms can match.

The heartfelt testimonials from clients, praising attorneys like Andrew Mason for their tireless work, meticulous investigation, and empathetic communication, underscore the firm's commitment to treating clients "like family." This human-centered approach, combined with a readiness to take cases to trial when necessary and a transparent contingency fee structure, ensures that individuals facing life-altering challenges have a formidable advocate on their side, fighting relentlessly for the justice they deserve. For anyone in Illinois seeking highly effective, compassionate, and unwavering legal representation in their darkest hour, Smith LaCien LLP is truly an invaluable resource.