Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Personal Injury & Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Joliet
Founded in 1951, Block, Klukas, Manzella & Shell, P.C has established itself as a leading law firm in Joliet, Illinois, specializing in complex personal injury and workers' compensation cases. With over six decades of experience, we have pioneered landmark legal strategies, including the first jury case proving chemically induced immuno-deficiency and introducing PET scans as evidence in brain damage cases. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in handling aviation crashes, maritime disasters, and catastrophic injuries, consistently delivering multi-million-dollar verdicts.We prioritize personalized client consultations to determine case viability and strategy, ensuring clients receive tailored legal solutions. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of successful outcomes and client testimonials praising our dedication, expertise, and compassionate approach.
Services
Workers Compensation
Personal Injury Law
Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Construction Accidents
Airplane Accidents
Maritime Law
Trucking Accidents
Nursing Home Abuse
Details
- Year established: 1951
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in personal injury and workers' compensation law.
- Our firm pioneered the first PET scan evidence in brain damage cases in Illinois.
- Multi-million-dollar verdicts in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation.
- Free case evaluations to determine your legal options and next steps.
- Personalized approach with attorneys dedicated to individual client needs.
What people say
Best legal representation
Tenacious advocacy
Personalized attention
Million-dollar settlements
Trusted local expertise
Services
Workers Compensation
We represent employees injured on the job, ensuring fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disabilities. Our attorneys navigate complex claims with employers and insurers, advocating for full benefits under Illinois law. With decades of experience, we secure favorable outcomes for clients facing workplace injuries.
Personal Injury Law
Our firm handles cases arising from car accidents, medical malpractice, and hazardous products, seeking compensation for pain, suffering, and financial losses. We leverage deep legal expertise to prove negligence and maximize client recoveries. Proven success in court ensures clients receive the justice they deserve for life-altering injuries.
Wrongful Death
We support families pursuing justice for loved ones lost to negligence, whether from medical errors, construction accidents, or transportation disasters. Our compassionate approach combines aggressive litigation with sensitivity to client needs, securing compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional trauma through civil lawsuits.
Medical Malpractice
Our attorneys hold medical professionals accountable for preventable errors causing birth injuries, misdiagnoses, or surgical mistakes. We collaborate with expert witnesses to build compelling cases, ensuring victims receive compensation for ongoing care and suffering. Decades of experience in Illinois courts strengthen our ability to win complex malpractice claims.
Construction Accidents
We specialize in injuries from falls, equipment failures, and unsafe job sites, holding contractors and property owners responsible. Our team understands OSHA regulations and construction hazards, securing compensation for spinal injuries, amputations, and other severe workplace trauma through targeted legal strategies.
People
Michael D. Block
Founding Partner
Admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1970, Mike Block has over 50 years of experience in personal injury and workers' compensation law. He pioneered landmark cases in chemically induced immuno-deficiency and brain injury evidence.
Elizabeth A. Klukas
Partner
Joining in 1993, Liz Klukas specializes in personal injury, wrongful death, and product liability. Her strategic litigation has secured millions in compensation for clients across Illinois, focusing on catastrophic injury cases.
Thomas J. Manzella
Partner
With over 25 years in civil litigation, Tom Manzella has won multi-million verdicts in traumatic brain injury and construction accident cases. His aggressive courtroom approach consistently delivers results for injured workers and accident victims.
Bryan L. Shell
Attorney
Bryan Shell specializes in workers' compensation and personal injury, securing significant awards for spinal injuries and disputed claims. His focus on client communication ensures tailored legal strategies for each case.
Aaron B. Morrow
Attorney
Aaron Morrow advocates for injured workers across northern Illinois, with expertise in Illinois Workers Compensation Commission proceedings. He prioritizes direct client support to resolve disputes over medical care and wage replacement.
Questions
What types of cases do you handle?
We specialize in personal injury, workers' compensation, wrongful death, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and aviation/maritime disasters across Illinois.
How much does a consultation cost?
Initial case evaluations are free. We discuss your situation, determine case viability, and outline legal options at no upfront cost.
Do you handle cases outside Joliet?
Yes. We serve clients in Naperville, Mokena, New Lenox, Plainfield, and throughout Illinois, with office locations in Joliet and Naperville.
What if my employer denies my workers' comp claim?
We file appeals with the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission, representing you in hearings to secure medical benefits and lost wage compensation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Illinois typically allows two years from the injury date. Contact us promptly to preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines.
Can I afford legal representation?
We work on contingency fees—no payment unless we win your case. This ensures access to justice regardless of financial circumstances.
