VanDerGinst Law is made up of experienced, well respected, and award winning attorneys and staff. We know that legal problems can be intimidating and time consuming. We try to alleviate your stress and make the process as easy as possible, while at the same time working hard to win your case.

Our website is full of useful information about a variety of legal and consumer issues. In addition, we have provided information about our law firm so that you can make an informed decision as to whether our experience and qualifications can assist you with whatever legal problem you might face. Our site is updated with new information frequently and we encourage visitors to return for the latest legal developments.

You may have legal questions the information presented on this website can answer. However, you can also submit e-mail inquires if you would like more information. Otherwise, simply call toll free 1-866-843-7367 to speak to someone from our office. Many times we may be able to answer your questions on the phone. Your first consultation is always free and there is never an attorney fee on injury cases unless we are able to win your case.

At VanDerGinst Law, if you need us, we would be honored to help.

Should I Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?
If you are ever injured as a result of the actions or negligence of others, you will probably ask yourself: “Do I need to hire an attorney to represent me?” The answer to that question is yes. An attorney specializing in personal injury law has the experience and knowledge to protect your interests and obtain [...] Read the rest of this blog and post comments.

Harmful Products, Strict Liability, and Chicago Personal Injury Law
Lead in the paint on our children’s toys. Packaging plastics that leech chemicals into our food. Recalls on all types of pharmaceuticals. Unsafe produce, dog food, and automobiles. It seems that as consumers, everywhere we turn we encounter potential dangers. We find ourselves watching the nightly news to see if any of our trusted products [...] Read the rest of this blog and post comments.

How Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Help Clients Who Can Not Afford An Attorney
Too often, people who know they need a Chicago personal injury lawyer do not contact a law firm because they believe they cannot afford the legal fees of a successful attorney. However, in personal injury law, most attorneys work on what is known as a contingency fee basis. This article explains how contingencies work, and how victims can hire an accomplished attorney, even if they have no money. Read the rest of this blog and post comments.

Space Heater Safety
The heating season is upon us again, and with fuel prices continuing to climb, many households turn to space heaters to keep the temperature tolerable without breaking the bank. However, space heaters require more attention and responsibility to operate than a furnace or boiler. It is estimated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that [...] Read the rest of this blog and post comments.

Pfizer Settles Suits for $894 million
Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest drug maker, reached a deal for $894 million to settle the majority of the lawsuits over its pain reliever Bextra, which has been taken off the market by the FDA due to increased risks of “cardiovascular events” (heart attack and stroke) and severe skin reactions. This deal is roughly [...] Read the rest of this blog and post comments.

Cordless Screwdrivers Recalled by Menards Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
Menards has announced the recall of approximately 42,000 units of the MasterForce 3.6-volt Cordless Screwdriver due to a potential fire and burn hazard. The recall is effective immediately. The Menards Company, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, imports the products from the Great Star Industry Co., of China. The screwdrivers were manufactured without any protective device on the [...] Read the rest of this blog and post comments.

Boo at the Zoo

VanDerGinst Law was proud to sponsor BOO AT THE ZOO at the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, IL. On Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of October. Thousands of costumed kids, parents and grandparents flooded the zoo and gathered goodies from dozens of vendor participants. Staff and attorneys from VanDerGinst Law were on hand to share in the festivities. The giraffes, elephants and other animal residents were also there to participate in the festivities!

VanDerGinst Speaks to the Rock Island County Bar Association

Dennis VanDerGinst

Dennis VanDerGinst recently spoke at the Rock Island County Bar Association's fall seminar. His presentation was titled "Anatomy of a Mass Tort". In his presentation he distinguished "mass torts" from "class actions", addressed the "Class Action Fairness Act", outlined the practical and legal considerations relevant to mass tort litigation and discussed the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions relative to federal preemption as a practical defense to mass tort claims.

VanDerGinst Nets Record Recovery

Dennis VanDerGinst recently settled a personal injury claim on behalf of an anonymous local man for $1.2 million. The amount represents the highest reported recovery for an injury of its kind in Illinois and Iowa. Payment of the settlement will be structured in such a way that the plaintiff will actually be guaranteed over $2 million over the course of several years.

The plaintiff, anonymous for privacy reasons, suffered a ruptured left eye requiring a prosthetic implant as a result of a low impact automobile accident. The collision triggered the plaintiff’s airbag to deploy which in turn caused the enucleation of the eyeball. Because the plaintiff’s vehicle was an older model there was no cause of action available against the manufacturer. However, the “at fault” driver had reasonable liability and umbrella insurance coverage which allowed for the settlement.

For this type of injury the settlement amount is the largest ever reported in Illinois, outside of Chicago. And it is the second largest in Illinois history. The only larger recovery in Illinois for this type of injury was reported last year in Chicago. However, that was a high speed collision resulting in multiple facial fractures; surgeries and scarring that were not present in this case.

New Paralegals Join the VanDerGinst Law Team

Paralegals Debbie Hansen and Teresa Trice have joined VanDerGinst Law's personal injury litigation department. Together, they represent nearly thirty years of legal experience.

VanDerGinst Law “Giving Program”

VanDerGinst Law is a law firm with a big heart. The firm prides itself on its “Giving Program”, which organizes countless efforts to give back to the community. Over the years the firm has donated thousands of hours in free legal work to people in need of help who had no money to pay for a lawyer. The firm, free of charge, offered services to victims of 9-11. The firm raised thousands of dollars to assist victims of Katrina. In the last few years the firm has donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets to children via its “Hard Headed Kids” campaign. Read more about the "Giving Program".

VanDerGinst Recognized As Top Lawyer

Dennis VanDerGinst

Dennis VanDerGinst has been recognized as one of the top lawyers in Illinois as reported by “Crain’s Chicago Business”. The selection comes in response to survey results of attorneys throughout the state. VanDerGinst concentrates his practice in the area of personal injury law.