Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cases are the specialties at The Law Office of Steven A. Denny, P.C.?
Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Medical Malpractice Cases
Any personal injury or wrongful death case is of interest to us, whether it was caused by an act of medical negligence, auto accident, slip and fall, defective product, or work-related incident. We also litigate a few legal malpractice cases which involve serious injuries and gross legal negligence by other attorneys. These kinds of cases usually occupy about 80% of our time. The other 20% falls into our family law litigation and mediation practice.
After winning a $3.6 million verdict following a three week medical malpractice wrongful death trial, the case was appealed since the trial judge granted the doctor’s post-trial motion. Our verdict was upheld by the Appellate Court. See Walton v. Dirkes, 903 NE 2d 18 (1 Dist. 2009).
Legal Malpractice Cases
We litigate on behalf of clients whose former attorney committed malpractice. These cases always require winning the ‘case within the case’ since we have to prove that the client would have won the original case ‘but for’ the negligence of the previous attorney.
Steven Denny won a legal malpractice case for four siblings which resulted in new law by the Illinois Supreme Court which tolls the statute of limitations for a minor to sue attorneys. See Deluna v. Burciaga, 223 Ill.2d 49, 857 N.E.2d 229, 306 Ill.Dec.136 (2006).
Sexual Abuse Cases
We help victims of sexual abuse. These cases fall into various categories including the following: sexual exploitation in psychotherapy, physician-patient abuse, teacher-pupil abuse, coach-player abuse, clergy-parishioner abuse.
In 2003 the Chicago Bar Association appointed Mr. Denny to its Panel of Approved Attorneys for Victims of Sexual Abuse. As one result of his litigation experience in this area, he has also advised churches on the creation of effective child protection policies.
Workers Compensation Cases
People who are injured at work often need attorneys to assist them in obtaining the maximum benefits allowed by Illinois Law. Many employers will voluntarily pay medical bills (100%) and temporary total disability (66% of your average weekly wage) and NOT volunteer to pay permanent disability benefits which may be a sizable lump sum amount.
Pro Bono Cases
The law firm usually has one or more pro-bono publicum cases which involve work on my part without compensation “for the good of the public.” We believe every attorney has an obligation to regularly take on pro-bono cases.
Interested in being a Referring Attorney?
Contingency Fee Referrals
Any attorney who wishes to refer a client to the Law Office of Steven A. Denny, P.C. for a personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, or sexual abuse case will retain legal responsibility for the process of the litigation. We will faithfully communicate with you regarding the status of your client’s case.
At the successful conclusion of the case, we would be thrilled to forward a referral fee check to you from the attorney’s fees recovered. The usual amount of the referral fee is one-third of the total fees.
If you are contacted by a client who may have a potential case, someone in our office would be happy to discuss any questions you have by phone or in person. Contact us directly at 708-434-5461. Also, feel free to fax over copies of records (medical, police, ambulance, etc.) you may already have (fax 708-434-5555).
Mutual Referrals
We always seek quality attorneys to refer clients outside our areas of practice. Please contact us with a request that you be listed on the attorney referral directory with your areas of practice clearly identified. Thank you for referring your clients to us.