McDevitt and Cobb, P.C.

Since 1986, the firm has focused exclusively on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. The attorneys resolve cases through settlement, mediation, arbitration, and trial.

The firm highlights more than 40 years of injury-law experience and has recovered well over $100 million for clients, including individual results in the multi-million-dollar range. The homepage notes more than $150 million recovered for clients.

Types of cases we handle (summary)

McDevitt and Cobb, P.C. focuses on representing plaintiffs in serious injury and wrongful death cases, including:

• Motor vehicle crashes (car, truck, tractor-trailer, motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents)
• Cases involving rideshare companies
• Cases against bars or restaurants related to serving alcohol to intoxicated drivers (dram shop claims)
• Premises liability and slip-and-fall incidents
• Medical malpractice / medical negligence
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Negligent security and assaults due to inadequate security
• Product liability and defective products
• Construction accidents
• Other cases involving serious injury or death caused by another party's negligence

How we work with clients

• The firm offers a free case evaluation, by phone or in person.
• Clients work directly with responsive attorneys, not just staff.
• The attorney you meet at your first meeting is the lawyer who handles your claim from beginning to end.
• The firm emphasizes accessibility: attorneys share their cell phone numbers with clients so questions can be answered quickly.
• If you cannot travel to the office, the firm can arrange house calls.

The firm's stated goal is to handle every aspect of a personal injury claim so clients can focus on their health and recovery, while the attorneys work to maximize financial compensation.

• Car, truck, tractor-trailer, and motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle collisions
• Crashes involving rideshare companies
• Cases against bars or restaurants for serving alcohol to intoxicated drivers (Illinois dram shop claims)

These cases often involve serious injuries or fatalities. The firm investigates liability, works with experts when needed, and pursues compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and other legally recoverable damages.

Premises liability ("slip and fall" and unsafe property)

Premises liability cases involve injuries caused by a dangerous condition on someone's property that results from negligent maintenance, operation, or design. Examples include unsafe floors, stairs, walkways, or other hazards on residential, commercial, or public property.

Medical malpractice / medical negligence

Medical malpractice (medical negligence) cases arise when a healthcare provider's care falls below the accepted standard of care and that failure causes injury or death. The firm handles complex medical negligence cases, including hospital, physician, and postoperative care claims.

Product liability and defective products

The firm represents clients injured by defective or unreasonably dangerous products. Examples on the site include:

• A wheelchair arm whose fasteners failed, causing a fall and serious arm injury
• Defective or improperly installed equipment, including garage doors and other mechanical systems

Carbon monoxide poisoning

McDevitt and Cobb, P.C. handles serious carbon monoxide poisoning cases, including claims involving:

• Defective or improperly maintained heating or ventilation systems
• Negligent property owners or contractors whose work or maintenance allowed carbon monoxide to accumulate

These cases can involve brain injuries and other life-changing harm.

Negligent security

Negligent security cases involve serious injury or death that occurs because a property owner failed to provide adequate security on the premises. Examples include assaults or attacks on school grounds or other properties where reasonable security measures were missing or inadequate.

Construction and workplace accidents

The firm represents clients injured on construction sites and in other work settings where unsafe conditions, equipment, or practices lead to serious injury.

Other serious injury and wrongful death claims

Beyond the examples above, the firm considers a wide range of serious injury and wrongful death cases arising from the negligent or intentional conduct of others. Each case is evaluated individually based on its facts and the applicable law.

Email info@mcdevittlaw.com

Office address McDevitt and Cobb, P.C. 121 W Wacker Dr, Suite 1600 Chicago, IL 60601

Free consultations and case evaluations

• The firm invites potential clients to call for a free consultation and free case evaluation.
• You can request an evaluation by phone or through the contact form on the website.
• Consultations can be conducted by phone or in person, depending on your needs and the nature of the case.

Service area

The firm states that it proudly serves the people of Chicago, Cook County, and all of Illinois.

Accessibility and communication

• Attorneys at the firm emphasize being responsive and accessible.
• Clients are provided with their attorney's cell phone number for quick answers to questions and concerns.
• If you are unable to travel to the downtown Chicago office because of your injuries or other limitations, the firm can arrange house calls.

Online contact form and consent

The website includes an online contact form where you can provide your name, contact information, and a brief description of how the firm can help.

The form includes a consent statement noting that by submitting the form you:

• Agree to be contacted by the firm,
• Agree to its terms and acknowledge its Privacy Policy,
• Understand that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

For any specific questions about your situation, or to confirm current contact details, the safest approach is to call the office directly.

Lists Easton, Chicago, Chicago Heights, and University as a location. Names Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Chicago as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published.

Contingency-fee representation

The firm handles personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis, consistent with the explanation provided in its FAQ:

• There is no retainer required in almost all personal injury matters.
• Attorney's fees are contingent on success. If there is no recovery, the attorney does not receive a fee.
• Attorney's fees are usually 33% (one-third) of the amount recovered through settlement or verdict.
• In some circumstances, a slightly lower attorney fee may be charged.

A "contingent fee" means the lawyer's payment is a percentage of the settlement or verdict obtained for the client. This arrangement is designed so that clients do not pay attorney's fees out of pocket while the case is ongoing.

Case costs and expenses

According to the firm's FAQ:

• Any costs incurred in pursuing the claim (such as filing fees, expert costs, records, and similar litigation expenses) are generally advanced by the attorney.
• These costs are typically paid at the conclusion of the case, usually from the recovery.

The specific fee percentage, costs, and arrangements can vary depending on the case. Clients should discuss the details of the fee agreement and cost handling directly with the firm before signing any representation agreement.

When to contact the firm

The FAQ emphasizes that injured people should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident because:

• Some cases require immediate investigation to preserve important evidence (such as photographs, witness statements, vehicle data, or video footage).
• Insurance companies and opposing parties often begin their own investigations right away.
• There are time limits (statutes of limitation) on bringing personal injury claims. For many Illinois negligence cases, the general limitation period is two years, but shorter deadlines can apply in certain situations (for example, when governmental entities are involved).

Because deadlines and procedures depend on the specific facts and law involved, anyone considering a claim should contact the firm directly to get advice about their own situation.

Personal injury law involves injuries that people suffer as a result of the negligent or intentional conduct of others. An injured person can seek compensation for damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life
• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress

These damages can include both losses already incurred and those reasonably expected in the future, when they are the result of someone else's negligence.

How is the value of a case determined?

The FAQ notes that it is extremely difficult to determine the value of a case until all relevant facts have been evaluated. Factors that can affect case value include:

• The strength of liability (who was at fault and why)
• The nature, severity, and permanence of the injuries
• The amount of medical bills incurred
• The amount of lost wages or loss of earning capacity
• How the accident and injuries affect your quality of life, now and in the future

Attorneys often estimate case value based on their experience with similar cases and these and other factors, but no specific result can be guaranteed.

Do I need an attorney after a serious injury?

According to the FAQ, if you have been seriously injured due to another's negligence, you should immediately consult an experienced personal injury attorney to find out whether you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can:

• Evaluate whether your case has legal merit
• Explain your rights and options
• Handle communications with insurers and other parties
• Work to obtain the compensation you deserve

How do attorneys in this area usually charge?

The firm explains that almost all personal injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis:

• No retainer is required in almost all personal injury cases.
• The attorney's fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or verdict obtained.
• The FAQ notes that fees are usually 33% of the amount recovered, though a slightly lower fee may apply in some situations.
• If you receive nothing from the case, the attorney's fee is zero.

Case costs (such as filing fees, expert fees, and medical record charges) are generally advanced by the attorney and typically paid at the conclusion of the case, usually from the recovery.

What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee is an arrangement where the lawyer's payment depends on the outcome of the case. The attorney receives an agreed percentage of any settlement or verdict instead of being paid by the hour. If there is no recovery, there is generally no attorney's fee.

When should I contact an attorney after an accident?

The FAQ emphasizes contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an accident because:

• Some cases require immediate investigation to preserve evidence such as photographs, witness statements, vehicle data, and video footage.
• Insurance companies and opposing parties often start their own investigations right away.
• There are time limits (statutes of limitation) for filing personal injury claims. As the FAQ notes, a typical negligence action in Illinois generally must be filed within two years of the injury, although shorter time limits may apply in certain circumstances (such as when a governmental entity is involved).

Because deadlines and requirements depend on the facts of each case and the law that applies, anyone with questions about timing should contact the firm directly for advice on their specific situation.

• Has spent his entire 30-year career representing clients who were seriously injured or killed as the result of someone else's negligence.
• Handles a wide range of personal injury matters, including:
• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Construction accidents
• Premises liability
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Medical negligence
• Joined the Law Offices of John J. Dwyer, Jr., P.C. in 1996 after graduating from DePaul University College of Law.
• Licensed in Illinois state and federal courts; also licensed in Wisconsin.
• Became partner in 2004; the firm's name has evolved to McDevitt and Cobb, P.C. to reflect the current partnership.
• Active in professional organizations including the American Association for Justice, Illinois State Bar Association, and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
• Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting experience in cases valued over one million dollars.
• Has been recognized multiple times as a Rising Star and as a Super Lawyer in publications associated with Chicago Magazine.
• Holds top peer-review and directory ratings (including AV Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0/10.0 "Superb" rating from Avvo), as described on the firm's site.

Ronald W. Cobb, III – Partner (Leading Lawyers)

• Partner at McDevitt and Cobb, P.C., focusing on:
• Catastrophic personal injury
• Wrongful death
• Medical negligence
• Product liability
• Construction accidents
• Joined the firm (then McDevitt Law Offices, P.C.) in 2013 immediately after graduating from law school.
• Elevated to Partner in 2024, which prompted the change to the current firm name, McDevitt and Cobb, P.C.
• Has secured significant recoveries in cases such as:
• A record settlement for a young woman sexually assaulted by a fellow student at a Chicago high school
• A substantial recovery for a client with severe carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective ventilation pipe
• A jury verdict for the estate of a wife and mother who died from complications of a routine surgical procedure
• Recognized as an Emerging Lawyer in every year of eligibility from 2017 through 2025 (fewer than 2.5% of eligible Illinois attorneys receive this distinction).
• Active member of professional organizations including the American Association for Justice, Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
• Admitted to practice in Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Robert B. Phillips – Of Counsel

• Attorney with approximately 35 years of experience handling personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases.
• Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting experience as lead counsel in cases with multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts.
• Has obtained record-setting jury verdicts and settlements in a range of matters including medical malpractice, product liability, nursing home neglect, and railroad and transportation-related cases.
• Has taught Advanced Trial Techniques to experienced lawyers and has appeared in regional and national media coverage of significant cases, as described on the firm's website.

Mari Marsh – Office Manager and Legal Assistant

• Has been with the firm since 1998 and has worked through each stage of the firm's history.
• Serves as Office Manager and Legal Assistant, helping keep the practice running smoothly behind the scenes.
• Often the first point of contact for clients when they call the office.
• Manages scheduling, the office calendar, and coordination between clients and attorneys.
• Plays a central role in obtaining, organizing, and tracking clients' medical records and bills, which are critical to documenting injuries and building strong claims.

Client-focused approach

Across the team, the firm emphasizes:

• Personal attention to each case
• Responsiveness to client questions and concerns
• Accessibility of the attorneys themselves

These descriptions are summaries of information published on the firm's website and may not include every detail of each team member's background or credentials.

Examples of results noted on the site include:

• $15,125,000 settlement for a motorcycle rider who suffered incomplete paraplegia in a construction zone accident.
• $10,500,000 settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic injuries in a car accident.
• $3,450,000 settlement for a client who suffered vision loss due to a surgical error.
• $2,950,000 settlement for a client who fell from a wheelchair when arm fasteners failed, resulting in diminished dexterity and use of the dominant arm.
• $2,700,000 settlement in a carbon monoxide poisoning case in Cook County involving a 67-year-old client with a brain injury from carbon monoxide exposure in a condominium building.
• $2,000,000 settlement for the estate of a 67-year-old father of three adult children who died after an undiagnosed heart attack over a three-day hospitalization (medical malpractice).
• $1,950,000 settlement on behalf of a child whose mother received prescription medication in a group home when her pregnancy went undiagnosed.
• $1,750,000 settlement for a man with a severe leg fracture after his vehicle was T-boned at an intersection.
• $1,700,000 settlement for a man with a complex wrist ligament/tendon injury when a painted-shut apartment window shattered while being opened.
• $1,495,000 settlement for a woman with orthopedic injuries in a rideshare accident.
• $1,000,000 settlement for a man who suffered chemical burns to his eye and impaired vision while making a delivery.
• $1,000,000 medical negligence settlement involving negligent postoperative care, reached during jury deliberations after no offer was made before trial.
• $900,000 settlement for a man with a severe ankle fracture who was knocked off a ladder by a malfunctioning, improperly installed/maintained garage door.
• $800,000 settlement on behalf of a high school student assaulted on school grounds by another student (premises liability / negligent security).
• $1,675,000 recovery for a client who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning due to negligence by a landlord and roofing company in Ohio.

These examples include cases in areas such as car, truck, and motorcycle accidents; medical malpractice; product liability; carbon monoxide poisoning; premises liability; negligent security; and other serious injury matters.

Overall experience

• The firm notes that it has recovered well over $100 million for clients, and the homepage highlights more than $150 million recovered.
• The attorneys regularly handle complex, high-value cases through settlement, mediation, arbitration, and trial.

Important note on results

The firm's online consent language emphasizes that results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. Past case results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case.

Anyone interested in how the firm might approach their specific situation should contact McDevitt and Cobb, P.C. directly for a personalized evaluation.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.