Personal Injury Attorneys in Rockford, IL and Surrounding Areas

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You'll face many challenges after a personal injury. The biggest struggle shouldn't be getting the compensation you deserve. Instead, trust Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC with your personal injury cases.


Pain, emotional trauma, exhaustion, stress, and financial trouble usually come after injuries. For many injury victims, these struggles feel insurmountable. Unfortunately, in most cases, the negligent party and insurer are not likely to hand over compensation just because you ask for it.


A personal injury claim can help you get compensation to account for your losses. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we'll help build, file, and fight your personal injury claim in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, Iowa, and Western Indiana. We'll back you up during this difficult process to help you win your claim.


With over 65 years of experience, our family-owned firm is committed to providing you with personalized attention and quality legal representation from injury attorneys Rockford, IL relies on. Our priority is to handle your case meticulously, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today to discuss your personal injury case.


The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury

If you have decided to move forward with a personal injury claim, it is critical to file as soon as possible. In Illinois, you only have two years to file. That starts from the date of the accident or from the date you were diagnosed with an injury directly caused by the accident. For cases that involve government-operated entities like a local road authority, the time to file is reduced to just one year.


That may seem like plenty of time to gather evidence, establish fault, negotiate with the insurance company, and calculate the value of your claim. However, it takes time to do those things. Two years can pass by quickly when your days are full of therapy, healthcare, and other recovery activities. If we don’t bring your claim within this two-year time limit, you’ll be barred from recovering your losses.


Don't wait to take action. Get in touch with Mahoney & Mahoney today.


Understanding Personal Injury Evidence

After a serious injury, it’s key to seek out evidence that benefits your case. We use evidence to prove negligent action on the part of the liable party. You need to prove that that party's decisions directly caused your accident and subsequent injuries.


In a personal injury case, evidence can take many forms, and each piece of evidence can change the course of your claim. We can help you collect and organize that evidence at Mahoney & Mahoney.

  • Visual evidence

    Visual evidence is an important part of evidence collection. Photos of injuries, property damage, skid marks, or other damage can be a key part of proving your injuries and demonstrating who caused the accident. Video evidence may have even captured your injuries on film, which can make a big difference in your claim.

  • Eyewitness testimony

    During an accident, there may have been other people present who witnessed your accident. If you were injured in a car accident, other drivers may have seen the accident. Your coworkers may have witnessed a workplace accident. Your loved ones may have noticed a decline in your health after a defective drug made you ill. All these testimonies can count as eyewitness testimony.


    Eyewitness testimony is a form of evidence coming from other people who saw the accident or otherwise witnessed your condition. These testimonies can be key to supporting your claim and getting the compensation you’re due.


    If you need witnesses on your side, your lawyer can help you get in touch with the right people and make the best use of your resources. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we can contact those who may have witnessed your injuries but aren’t pursuing their own legal case. We can also determine the best way to use those witness testimonies for your claim. Reach out for guidance if you’re struggling to make the most of eyewitness testimony.

  • Expert witnesses

    When you’re hurt, there isn’t always someone around to see your accident. You may have been seriously injured, but no one else can verify how you were injured and who injured you. In these cases, you may need an expert witness on call.


    Expert witnesses are highly educated experts in their fields who provide specific guidance that’s relevant to your claim. These experts provide detailed information about your crash that you may have otherwise been unable to determine.


    For example, if no one witnessed a car accident or multiple vehicles were involved in the accident, it may be difficult to determine who’s at fault for your injuries. When this happens, an accident reconstruction expert may be called in to create a simulation of how the accident happened, revealing the at-fault party.


    An expert witness can also be someone close to you and the incident. For example, your doctor’s opinion on your health and recovery counts as an expert witness. Likewise, the police report that details the accident and who’s responsible can be used as expert testimony. These resources can be invaluable to your case, so reach out for help making the most use of them.

  • Documentation

    Documentation can also help prove your case. Police reports can provide an unbiased look at your case that includes relevant details. Other documentation to collect may include manufacturer safety inspection reports. It just depends on the nature of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding your accident.


    It is especially important to collect medical documents. Medical records can showcase the extent of your injuries, and they may also help you prove that your condition worsened over time or that your recovery has varied. This type of evidence is vital to ensure you are fairly compensated.

We’ll use this evidence to prove the accident’s impact on your life and to prove the defendant was negligent. For instance, the average safe driver knows better than to text and drive. So if you were in a car accident caused by a driver who was texting and driving, they should be held accountable.


If you're unsure what evidence is available to you, talk to us about physical evidence, evidence documenting your accident, and forms of testimony that can help you recover.



Documentation of Physical Injuries

A good starting point for your personal injury claim will be identifying and documenting all of your physical injuries. You’ll need to note how they have and will continue to affect your life. To build you a comprehensive claim, our team at Mahoney & Mahoney will ask you all about your injuries. We'll also speak with experts and your doctors to learn how long you’ll need to recover.


The following are some of the common types of serious injuries we see:


  • Spine and back injuries, which may include paralysis
  • Head and brain trauma, such as concussions
  • Severe burns
  • Internal bleeding
  • Fractured, broken, and crushed bones
  • Neck injuries like whiplash
  • Lost limbs
  • Damage to internal organs


When you discuss your injuries with us, don’t leave anything out. Even if that pain in your wrist seems like nothing, tell your lawyer about it and have your doctor take a look. You deserve compensation for every injury you have suffered at someone else’s hands, no matter how small it seems. Contact our team now!


Responsibility in Personal Injury cases

Your injuries might have occurred at Rock Cut State Park, near the Anderson Japanese Gardens, on the highway heading back into town, or inside your own home. The truth is that it doesn’t really matter where your injuries occurred. What does matter is how your injuries happened. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we'll help pinpoint the responsible party to determine who should be held financially accountable.


There are many ways you can get hurt. Below, we have discussed some of the most common ones.

  • Car crashes

    These are some of the most common injury-causing events. Various parties could be to blame. In car accidents, bus wrecks, and motorcycle accidents, other drivers, parts manufacturers, and government agencies responsible for road safety could be held responsible. Meanwhile, accidents involving commercial trucks may implicate truckers, trucking companies, or those who loaded the truck’s cargo.

  • Workplace injuries

    On average, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous work sectors in Illinois. Workers' compensation covers most workplace accidents. However, certain circumstances could call for additional compensation for losses that aren’t recoverable from your workers' compensation benefits. These can be sought in a personal injury claim against your employer or a third party.

  • Premises liability incidents

    These are accidents on other people’s property. If you slip on a slick floor at a grocery store, you might name the store owner in your claim. If you’re bitten by a dog, you might name the dog owner.

  • Defective product accidents

    Malfunctioning brakes, exploding home appliances, tainted medications, and toxic foods are all examples of defective products. If you’re hurt by a product when using it correctly, you may be eligible for compensation from the product’s manufacturer or others in the product’s chain of distribution.

  • Nursing home abuse

    Those who abuse or neglect the elderly should be held accountable in both criminal and civil court. Has your elderly loved one suffered nursing home abuse? You could sue the assisted living facility, an individual caregiver, or a third party operating in the facility.

When you’re hurt by another person’s negligence, it’s not always obvious who’s at fault. The at-fault party may not have even been present at the scene, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t at fault for your injuries.


For example, you may have been injured in a single-vehicle car accident. When this happens, you may think you’re the only one who could have been at fault, but it’s not that simple. You may have been injured because your brakes failed, which may be the fault of the manufacturer or a careless repair technician. In other cases, the road itself may have been unsafe.


In some cases, there are multiple at-fault parties. They’ll all be listed in your claim in order to maximize what you can win. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we will be sure to hold each at-fault party accountable. You can focus on your recovery without an added financial burden.


No matter what the circumstances of your accident were, you should speak with a lawyer about your options. While the at-fault party may not be clear to you, our team can take action and help you determine the person at fault for your suffering when you’re hurt. Reach out to us to talk to our legal team now!

Criminal Trials and Civil Lawsuits

Not all injuries are accidents. In some cases, you may have been injured by a malicious party who intended to cause you harm, or you may have been injured in the course of another party breaking the law. When someone breaks the law, they may be subjected to a criminal trial. However, that doesn’t mean your problems are handled. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we can help you with both criminal and civil cases.


Criminal charges are handled in criminal court, which decides whether the person is guilty of the charges brought forward and what penalties to lay on them. This may include jail time, fines, and a criminal record. However, it doesn’t include the compensation you need for your recovery.


That’s because the criminal court and civil litigation are separate branches, handling separate claim types. While the criminal court is meant to punish wrongdoers, the civil court provides compensation for those injured by negligence. That means that even if the at-fault party has faced a criminal trial for their actions, you may still be eligible to sue them for the injuries they caused.


In fact, even an unsuccessful criminal case can help your lawsuit succeed. That’s because civil cases require a lower threshold of evidence. You don’t have to prove they committed a crime, after all. You only have to prove they injured you. If you file a claim before the criminal trial, your claim will have to wait for this trial to conclude, but your time limits won’t run out during this time.


Because of this, we will use the evidence from the civil court in your favor. Talk to us at Mahoney & Mahoney about your options for compensation. We encourage our clients to seek help when they are hurt, even if the person has been arrested or tried for their actions already.


Understanding Insurance Company Tactics

At Mahoney & Mahoney, we start by establishing the cause of your accident and who is responsible. Then, we'll begin working with the liable party's insurance company to secure the settlement you deserve. In many cases, the liable party is covered by an insurance policy. This is common with auto and home insurance policies, and it is one reason why insurance exists.


However, getting paid by an insurer is never as easy as it should be. That's especially true when an insurer prioritizes profit over your well-being. Some have gone so far as to manipulate statements given to them by injury victims. If they can place additional fault on you, they can settle for less than you actually deserve. The modified comparative negligence laws in Illinois are to blame for that.


Here are some common questions to help you understand insurance companies and their role in your personal injury case. Keep reading to learn more.

  • What will my insurer do after an accident?

    After you’re injured, your insurance company may be your first line of defense to get the compensation you’re due for your injuries and your recovery. However, trusting them right away can lead to difficulties in getting your compensation. Because of this, you may need a lawyer to guide you through this process.


    First, you’ll need to notify the insurance company of your accident and your injuries. Typically, it’s best to say as little as possible that isn’t necessary for them to know. They’ll be investigating your claim anyway, and anything you do say can be used to reduce or dismiss your settlement.


    Once they’re notified of your injuries, they’ll review your claim and determine what settlement to offer you. This is based on the severity of the damages in your personal injury claim, the cost of your medical care, and other factors covered by the insurance company.


    They may also look for signs that you’re trying to commit fraud, such as acting or claiming to be injured when you aren’t. Unfortunately, this leads to many injury victims being denied because the insurance company assumes a less painful day means fraud. You may need to speak with a lawyer about protecting yourself from these accusations.


    Once the insurance company has reviewed your claim, they’ll offer a settlement. Many people assume this means they’ve won and that the money will cover their needs. However, insurance companies often lowball settlement offers, meaning you may have been offered much less money than you’re actually due. Your lawyer can calculate the value of your claim and take action.

  • What if I'm not offered enough money?

    Keep in mind that accepting a settlement offer means you can’t go back if you haven’t received enough. When in doubt, talk to your lawyer before you accept a settlement offer. We can help you determine whether you’re receiving a fair settlement or whether the insurance company is acting in bad faith. No matter which is the case, we are prepared to help you recover what you’re due.


    If you haven’t been given a fair offer, we can step in. We can help you write a demand letter, which details the damages you’ve suffered that should be included in your settlement offer. This demand letter shows that you know what your claim is worth and that you won’t accept less. For some insurance companies, this is all that’s needed to get the settlement you’re due.


    Unfortunately, it’s not always the case. You may have sent your demand letter, only to receive a letter stating they’re not budging, or they may try to deny you the compensation you’re due. When this happens, you and your lawyer may need to move beyond negotiating and start discussing a lawsuit. If the insurance company is acting in bad faith, you may have grounds to pursue the compensation you’re actually due.


    In some cases, the insurance company may continue to fight back, using their resources to hire lawyers who will try to prove you’re not due the compensation you’re seeking. This may be intimidating, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to take your claim to court alone. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we will be there to present your evidence, represent you in the courtroom, and help you make a full recovery when you’re hurt and suffering.

At Mahoney & Mahoney, we have little patience for dishonest strategies by insurance companies that only care about profits. When we have to negotiate with an insurer, you can expect us to settle for nothing less than what you deserve. We are more than ready to bring the insurer to court if needed. Let us represent you during a personal injury case. Connect with our team today!


Types of Personal Injury Compensation

Here’s the part that probably matters most to you: your compensation. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we will help you calculate the monetary value of all of your damages for your claim. We will make sure the past, current, and future expenses related to your accident are accounted for in your claim. We’ll even help you place a value on your non-financial damages that affect your life but not necessarily your bank account.

  • Economic damages

    When you’re seriously injured in an accident, part of your compensation should cover the financial losses you’ve suffered because of the accident. The costs to recover from a collision can be expensive, and you may have a difficult time getting the funds you’re due for your injuries.


    The following are some common damages:


    • Current and anticipated medical bills
    • Lost wages during your recovery
    • Inability to return to work
    • Damage to your property, including your vehicle
    • Costs tied to retrofitting your home to accommodate your disability or injuries

    These damages can be accounted for by adding up the costs of your recovery. Any expenses, both the current costs of your recovery and any future expenses you may have, should be accounted for and added to your compensation total. Talk to your lawyer if you’re unsure what this compensation should include.

  • Non-economic damages

    Non-economic damages can be more complex because you’re dealing with intangible suffering you’ve experienced. This trauma can impact your life in a tangible way, but it doesn’t have a dollar value like your economic damages do. For example, your hospital bills should be accounted for, but what about the physical pain you suffered because of your injuries?


    Below is just a small sample of the non-economic damages you may be facing because of your accident:


    • Emotional trauma
    • Reduced quality of life
    • Scarring or disfigurement

    Calculating these damages is more complex than it is for economic damages because your non-economic damages don’t have a set dollar amount. Because of that, you’ll need to determine the impact of your injuries and their value. This can be difficult to do, but your legal team at Mahoney & Mahoney is here to provide all the tools you need for a full recovery.

Contact Mahoney & Mahoney to get the legal help you need. We are committed to meeting your legal needs after any personal injury.


Personal Injury FAQs

If you’re like many of our clients at Mahoney & Mahoney, you have questions about how to pursue personal injury compensation after you’ve been injured. We’re happy to give you answers. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get from new clients.

  • How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

    In choosing to work with Mahoney & Mahoney, you won’t need to concern yourself with how you’ll be able to afford our services. That’s because we work with our clients on a contingency fee. This fee will vary from client to client, based on the details of your case. You won’t be expected to pay us a cent unless or until we are able to win compensation for you. Our fee will be deducted directly from your winnings. You’ll never have to worry about paying an unexpected bill.

  • What if I'm partially to blame for my personal injury?

    Sometimes, accidents aren’t entirely the fault of one party. The state of Illinois accounts for this by allowing multiple parties to share the blame for injury-causing accidents. This policy is called comparative negligence. Here’s the good news: you can still recover compensation if you hold some of the blame. That's as long as the accident wasn’t more than 50% your fault. The bad news is this: whatever percentage of fault you hold will be cut from your award. For example, if you exceeded the speed limit by a few miles per hour just as a drunk driver rammed the side of your car, you might be found to hold, say, 10% of the blame. Say you were awarded $100,000. You would get 10% less or $90,000.

  • Do I have to go to court for my personal injury claim?

    You don’t necessarily have to go to court for a personal injury claim. However, you may need to if the other side won’t negotiate an appropriate settlement offer. The majority of injury claims are settled before going to court. Even so, sometimes court is needed. At Mahoney & Mahoney, we can help you negotiate and take action if the at-fault party doesn’t budge.

  • What can I do if my child is injured?

    When your child is injured, they may not be old enough to stand trial, but that doesn’t mean your family doesn’t need financial support during this difficult time. If your child is injured, you and your lawyer can act on their behalf in many cases. Your lawyer can petition the judge to appoint you or your attorney as guardian ad litem, so you can take legal action now, while the evidence is still fresh.

  • How do I determine who's at fault for my injuries?

    Determining fault can be a complex issue, and you may not have the tools to do so. Typically, determining the cause of your accident can help you determine who’s at fault. This can be done using eyewitness testimony, expert witnesses, accident reports, and more to determine the cause of your accident. Your lawyer has the resources you need to determine who’s at fault. If you’re struggling to get answers, reach out to us for the legal aid you need for your claim.

  • What are punitive damages?

    When you’re hurt in an accident, you’re due compensatory damages or economic and non-economic damages. However, you may also be due punitive damages. These damages aren’t meant to cover the costs of your recovery but are instead meant to punish the wrongdoer. These damages are usually only available for cases of gross negligence or malicious intent, so they can be difficult to seek. Your lawyer can determine whether you’re eligible and what you could receive in court.

  • Can I sue for PTSD?

    After an injury, you may have long-term trauma and may have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition may be directly related to your condition, and you may have grounds to sue for your suffering. To get compensated for PTSD, your lawyer may need to prove you suffered from and were diagnosed with PTSD. They’ll also need to calculate the costs of your damages, getting you the full compensation you’re due following an accident. Talk to Mahoney & Mahoney about your official diagnoses related to your accident.

  • How are pain and suffering calculated?

    To calculate pain and suffering in a personal injury claim, you and your lawyer will need to calculate your claim based on the severity of your suffering and the impact that suffering had on your life. For example, you may have broken your leg in an accident. For an office worker, this may be painful, but may not impact their quality of life. An athlete, however, may have a hard time adjusting to changes in their physical ability, which may leave them in emotional distress. Your lawyer can help you determine the value of your damages and take action.

If you have more questions or you'd like to talk about your case, connect with us now. We focus on your case so you can fully focus on your recovery.


Why Choose Mahoney & Mahoney

Choosing Mahoney & Mahoney for your personal injury claims ensures that you are supported by a firm recognized for excellence and dedicated service. Here are the things that make us unique:


  • Free, same-day consultations
  • Direct access to your attorney
  • No-risk contact
  • Award-winning service
  • Over 65 years of legal experience
  • Local and family-owned firm
  • Emergency consultations available at your home or hospital room


Our team is ready to provide the support you need during this difficult time. Get in touch with us now. We'll help save you from personal and financial disaster. Trust us during your darkest hour!


Contact Us for Personal Injury Cases

When you’re hurt in a serious accident, you need answers for your recovery. You may already be juggling your health, your family, and your upcoming case, making it difficult to give your recovery the attention it deserves. Your lawyer makes it possible for you to focus on your recovery, not just your lawsuit.


We have the resources, experience, and knowledge needed to win you the compensation you deserve. To team up with a legal ally who won’t back down, contact Mahoney & Mahoney. We provide compassionate and professional legal assistance so you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

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