Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Personal Injury Legal Team in Joliet
Founded in 1951, our firm has established itself as a leader in complex personal injury and workers' compensation matters. With over six decades of experience, we have pioneered landmark cases, including the first jury verdict proving chemically induced immuno-deficiency and introducing PET scans as evidence in brain damage cases. Our attorneys combine deep legal expertise with a commitment to client advocacy, serving communities across Joliet, Mokena, New Lenox, Lockport, and Plainfield.We specialize in personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and workers' compensation, delivering tailored solutions for each client's unique needs. Our track record includes multi-million-dollar verdicts and a reputation for excellence in litigation, supported by a dedicated team of paralegals and legal professionals.
Services
Personal Injury
Workers Compensation
Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Construction Accidents
Details
- Year established: 1951
Highlights and features
- Established in 1951 with pioneering experience in complex injury litigation
- First firm to win landmark chemically induced immuno-deficiency and PET scan evidence cases
- Multi-million-dollar verdicts in catastrophic injury and workers' compensation matters
- Serving Joliet, Mokena, New Lenox, Lockport, and surrounding areas
- Free case evaluations with experienced personal injury attorneys
What people say
Five Star full service law firm
Best with many attorneys
Loyal and honest attorney
Positive and outgoing energy
Excellent attorney
Services
Personal Injury
We represent clients injured through others' negligence in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-falls, and defective products. Our attorneys prove liability through evidence of duty breaches to secure compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain. With decades of trial experience, we negotiate with insurers and litigate when necessary to maximize client recovery.
Workers Compensation
Our firm handles claims for workplace injuries including repetitive strain, equipment accidents, and occupational diseases. We prove employer negligence or third-party liability while navigating Illinois' Industrial Commission processes. Clients receive guidance on medical treatment rights and permanent disability benefits, with aggressive advocacy against claim denials.
Wrongful Death
We pursue civil actions for families losing loved ones to negligence in medical malpractice, construction accidents, or vehicle crashes. Our team quantifies economic losses like lost wages and non-economic damages including loss of companionship. We hold responsible parties accountable while handling complex probate and estate issues during client bereavement.
Medical Malpractice
We litigate cases involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and birth injuries caused by healthcare providers' deviations from care standards. Our attorneys collaborate with medical experts to prove causation between negligence and harm, securing compensation for additional treatments required and long-term care needs from preventable medical mistakes.
Construction Accidents
We handle catastrophic injuries from construction site incidents involving equipment failures, OSHA violations, and third-party negligence. Our firm investigates multiple liable parties including contractors and equipment manufacturers while managing workers' compensation claims concurrently with personal injury lawsuits to maximize total recovery for clients.
People
Michael D. Block
Founding Partner
Admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1970, Michael Block has practiced in U.S. District Courts and the Supreme Court. He pioneered landmark cases in chemically induced immuno-deficiency litigation and introduced PET scan evidence in brain injury cases, maintaining active trial involvement.
Elizabeth A. Klukas
Partner
Joining in 1993, Elizabeth Klukas became a named partner in 2003. She specializes in personal injury litigation, wrongful death, and product liability cases, combining legal expertise with client-focused representation across complex injury matters.
Thomas J. Manzella, Jr.
Attorney
With over a decade of civil litigation experience, Thomas Manzella secures multi-million verdicts in catastrophic injury cases. His practice spans workers' compensation, product liability, and construction accident litigation, emphasizing aggressive courtroom advocacy combined with client trust.
Bryan L. Shell
Attorney
Bryan Shell specializes in workers' compensation and personal injury litigation. He successfully argued complex spinal injury cases before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, securing extended medical benefits and substantial back pay awards for clients.
Aaron Morrow
Attorney
Aaron Morrow focuses on workers' compensation and personal injury cases across five Illinois counties. He represents injured workers in Commission proceedings and handles general personal injury matters, emphasizing accessibility and client education.
Questions
What types of cases does Block, Klukas, Manzella & Shell handle?
We specialize in personal injury, workers' compensation, wrongful death, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and catastrophic injury cases resulting from negligence.
Do you serve areas outside Joliet?
Yes, we serve clients in Mokena, New Lenox, Lockport, Plainfield, and surrounding Will County communities.
Is there a cost for initial case evaluation?
No, we provide free case evaluations to assess your legal options and determine if you qualify for compensation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
Illinois generally allows two years from injury date, but exceptions exist. Contact us promptly to preserve evidence and meet deadlines.
What makes your firm different from other law firms?
With 70+ combined years of experience, we combine pioneering legal strategies with personalized representation to maximize client recovery in complex cases.
