Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Chicago

Strategic Help For Life-Changing Injuries

Catastrophic injuries from toxic exposure, railroad incidents, or corporate negligence can change every part of a person’s life in a single moment. Long hospital stays, permanent limitations, and uncertainty about income and medical care often follow. At The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC, a catastrophic injury attorney works with individuals and families facing these devastating losses as part of a broader Chicago personal injury attorney practice.

The office focuses on severe, complex cases in the Chicago area that involve powerful corporate defendants. Many clients are railroad employees, industrial workers, or community members exposed to dangerous substances over time. They need more than a simple claim. They need a thoughtful legal strategy that matches the scale of what they have lost.

Gregory M. McMahon spent more than a decade defending Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes toxic tort litigation. That background now helps people, not corporations. He understands how these companies evaluate risk, defend serious claims, and try to limit what they pay. Today, he uses that knowledge to confront them on behalf of injured workers and families.

If you or someone you love has suffered a life-changing injury in Chicago linked to toxic exposure, a rail yard incident, or unsafe corporate practices, you do not have to navigate this on your own. You can call (464) 250-9272 to discuss your situation and your options.

Why Catastrophic Cases Need Strategic Counsel

Catastrophic injury cases are fundamentally different from routine accident claims. They often involve permanent disability, chronic pain, serious neurological damage, or conditions that require lifelong care. The financial stakes are high, and the legal issues are complex. Corporations and insurers typically respond by mounting aggressive defenses and disputing the full scope of a person’s losses.

When catastrophic harm involves toxic exposure, industrial environments, or long-term unsafe practices, the case may require a detailed understanding of how exposure occurred and how corporate safety policies were implemented in practice. Gregory McMahon’s experience defending these claims gives him insight into how companies structure investigations and where their defenses tend to break down.

That perspective allows cases to be built proactively rather than reactively. Key documents can be identified early, expert evidence can be framed effectively, and arguments can be anticipated before they are raised. For families coping with life-altering injuries, that strategic preparation can make a meaningful difference.

Types Of Catastrophic Injury Cases We Handle

Catastrophic harm can arise in many ways, but certain patterns appear often in the work of The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC. Many clients are injured or become seriously ill while working in industrial settings in the Chicago area, such as rail yards, manufacturing plants, or facilities that use or store hazardous chemicals. Others are family members who suffer life-altering injuries because a corporation put speed or profit ahead of safety.

The firm handles cases involving spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, amputations, crush injuries, and other trauma that leaves lasting disability. It also evaluates serious illnesses that may be linked to toxic exposure in the workplace or community. These are the kinds of conditions that can prevent a person from returning to their career and can require long-term care.

Railroad and rail yard incidents are another major source of catastrophic harm. Chicago is a central hub for freight and passenger rail operations, and workers in this environment face unique risks. When these injuries involve federal protections, such as the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, the legal path can be different from an ordinary accident case. A catastrophic injury lawyer Chicago residents can turn to must be comfortable operating within that framework.

In the most serious situations, catastrophic injuries lead to fatal complications. When a life-changing injury results in death, surviving family members may need to consider whether a wrongful death claim is appropriate under Illinois law.

Examples of situations the firm evaluates include:

• Rail yard accidents that cause multiple fractures, amputations, or spinal cord damage.
• Serious falls or crush incidents involving unsafe equipment or railcars.
• Exposure to industrial chemicals that may lead to respiratory disease or certain cancers.
• Workplace explosions or fires leaving workers with severe burns or disfigurement.
• Community exposure to toxic substances released from industrial facilities.

Every catastrophic case is unique, and not every harmful event fits neatly into a category. If your situation involves life-changing injuries or serious illness that you believe stems from corporate conduct, the firm can review the facts and explain potential options.

How Our Chicago Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Can Help

When someone contacts The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC about a catastrophic injury, the first step is a detailed conversation about what happened and how life has changed since. That initial consultation is an opportunity to gather information, review any documents the family already has, and begin to outline possible legal paths. The goal is to give clients a clearer picture of where they stand.

From there, the firm works to evaluate the connection between the injury or illness and the conduct of a corporation, railroad, or other entity. In toxic exposure and railroad cases, that can involve studying work histories, reviewing safety policies, and examining records that show how hazardous materials or rail operations were handled. The firm draws on Mr. McMahon’s experience on the defense side to consider what information the corporation may control and how it might be using that control.

Catastrophic harm also demands a careful look at the future. A serious injury attorney considers not only current medical bills, but also ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, and the impact on the person’s ability to earn a living. In many cases, the injury affects spouses, children, and other family members who must become caregivers or who lose a primary source of income.

Throughout a case, the firm focuses on communication. Clients are kept informed about major developments, and complex legal concepts are explained in everyday language. The office understands that many injured workers and families have never been involved in litigation before and may feel intimidated by the idea of going up against a large corporation or railroad in Cook County courts or in the federal courts located in Chicago.

Most people facing catastrophic injuries cannot afford to pay hourly legal fees while they are out of work and trying to manage medical expenses. The firm typically represents catastrophic injury clients on a contingency fee basis, which means legal fees are collected only if there is a financial recovery. During an initial consultation, the fee structure and potential costs are explained in detail so there are no surprises.

By combining insight from years of corporate defense work with a focus on injured workers and families, The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC strives to provide both strong advocacy and steady support. The firm’s aim is to hold corporations accountable while helping clients move toward greater stability.

What To Do After A Serious Injury

In the days and weeks after a catastrophic injury or diagnosis, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Pain, medication, and worry about the future make it hard to think about legal issues. Still, certain practical steps can help protect both health and the potential strength of a claim.

Medical care comes first. It is important to follow emergency treatment recommendations, attend follow-up appointments, and be open with doctors about all symptoms, including cognitive changes, emotional changes, and pain that interferes with daily life. Thorough medical records created at Chicago hospitals or clinics can later help show the full impact of the injury or illness.

At the same time, information that might seem minor can become important evidence later. This includes details about job duties, the substances used at a worksite, the location of a rail yard incident, and the names of co-workers or witnesses. In some cases, companies will control many key documents, so personal notes and photographs can be valuable.

Helpful steps after a catastrophic or serious injury include:

• Getting prompt emergency care and following up with recommended specialists.
• Keeping copies of medical records, test results, and discharge instructions.
• Writing down details about where and how the injury or exposure occurred.
• Saving work schedules, incident reports, and any written communications from employers or railroads.
• Being cautious about signing documents or giving recorded statements to insurers or company representatives before understanding your rights.
• Talking with a serious injury lawyer Chicago workers can consult to understand potential legal options.

Each situation is different, and some steps may not apply to every case. During a consultation, the firm can review what you have already done and suggest additional ways to protect your interests moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a catastrophic injury case?

You may have a catastrophic injury case if the harm permanently affects your ability to work or live independently and appears linked to corporate conduct, toxic exposure, or railroad operations. An attorney can review your medical situation, work history, and how the incident occurred to assess potential claims.

What will it cost to hire your firm?

The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC typically represents catastrophic and serious injury clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay hourly legal fees, and the firm is paid a percentage of any recovery. During your consultation, the fee arrangement and any potential costs are explained in clear detail.

How does your corporate defense background help my case?

Years spent defending Fortune 500 companies in toxic tort cases gave Mr. McMahon insight into how corporations analyze risk, defend claims, and negotiate. He now uses that knowledge to anticipate defense strategies, identify weaknesses in corporate positions, and structure cases in ways that increase pressure on defendants.

How long will a catastrophic injury case take?

The timeline for a catastrophic injury case varies with complexity, the number of parties involved, and the court’s schedule. Serious cases can take many months or longer to resolve. The firm discusses likely time frames with you and provides updates as the case moves forward.

Will I work directly with an attorney on my case?

Yes. When you work with The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC, you work directly with attorney Gregory M. McMahon. He reviews your case, explains legal options, and remains involved in key decisions. Support staff may assist with logistics, but legal strategy and communication come from the attorney handling your matter.

Talk To A Serious Injury Attorney

A catastrophic injury from toxic exposure, a railroad incident, or corporate negligence can leave you facing questions about health, work, and how to support your family. You do not have to face those questions alone. A serious injury attorney Chicago workers can turn to can help you understand your legal options.

At The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC, Gregory M. McMahon brings his former Fortune 500 defense experience together with a commitment to justice for injured workers and families. He focuses on complex, high-stakes cases and works to hold corporations accountable for the harm they cause. Your first step is simply to talk through what happened and what matters most to you now.

There is no obligation when you reach out, and your consultation is free. You can ask questions, learn how the law may apply to your situation, and decide what makes sense for you and your family.

To speak with one of our attorneys about a catastrophic or serious injury case, call