Bruce Robert Pfaff

Bruce Robert Pfaff

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 46 years

Defective and dangerous products Lawyer Practice Areas: Defective and Dangerous Products, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

About Bruce

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Defective and Dangerous Products 25%

Products that we have proved unsafe include Ford Explorers, Ford Escorts, Chevrolet Cavaliers, and other vehicles; punch presses; grinding machines; garage door operators; and many other industrial and consumer products.

47 years | 300 cases

25%
Medical Malpractice 25%

Of the hundreds of medical negligence cases I have prosecuted, most are in these areas of medicine: obstetrics, gynecology, anesthesia, and infectious diseases. Birth injury and brain damage cases are areas of concentration for me.

47 years | 500 cases

25%
Personal Injury 25%

My work in general personal injury cases includes automotive negligence; premises liability; sexual assault; and all other forms of negligence cases.

47 years | 500 cases

25%
Wrongful Death 25%

My wrongful death verdicts include a state record for loss of society damages ($25M out of a total verdict of $27M) and two verdicts exceeding $9M.

47 years | 200 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 41 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1984

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 46 years

State: California

Acquired: 1979

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Bruce Robert Pfaff's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Bill and Carolyn | April 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

An incredible attorney who will never stop fighting for his clients.

My wife and I are lucky enough to have been blessed with 2 amazing children, a daughter and a son. We were a hardworking, middle-class family living the American dream: baseball practice, dance recitals, and an annual vacation in our minivan. And then tragedy struck. At the innocent age of twelve, ou...r precious little girl was the victim of a catastrophic spinal cord injury. The injury occurred during a surgery to correct kyphosis. The surgery, like all surgeries, was not without risk, but in our daughter’s case it was definitely needed and was performed by an incredibly gifted, successful, and confident surgeon. After surgery, as we learned our beautiful child had been paralyzed and would most likely spend the rest of her life as a quadriplegic, we also realized we were being lied to by the surgeon. It did not take us long to figure out that our daughter’s paralysis was the direct result of the actions and inactions of not one, but two well respected pediatric spinal surgeons. We also came to quickly understand that these two talented surgeons were not the type of Human Beings that were willing to take responsibility for their actions and attempt to make amends. We hired a lawyer. Right from the start, because of the predominance of these doctors, we knew this would be a difficult case to prove. For starters, our attorney would have to find a surgeon in their highly specialized and very finite field to support our claims and be willing to testify. This task proved to be monumental as our adversaries were members of “The Good Ol Boys Club” – and that is a very tight club that will do whatever it has to do to protect one of their own. And protect they did. Our first attorney did not work out. We were devastated. Trying to care for a recently paralyzed child, while she was trying to come to terms with such a devastating disability, while also dealing with the fact that our honest, but meager income was no longer enough money to live on. Our family was drowning: emotionally, spiritually, financially, and mentally. Our second attorney did not work out either. Our third attorney was Bruce Pfaff. Such a difference. He came to our home and sat at our kitchen table. He shared the belief of his predecessors that this was an extremely difficult case, but it was a case he believed in and would see through to the end. That was the first of many visits in our kitchen. Bruce is more than calm and cool. He is extremely confident, very deliberate, and unflappable. He is also a fighter. He refuses to be discouraged and does not suffer fools lightly. He is highly intelligent and has been an intrepid advocate to our family. He was also correct in accessing the difficulty of this case. Years past. We had to file bankruptcy. Our daughter came to terms with her disability and began to strive as a Human Being far beyond our wildest dreams, as did our son. Bruce never stopped fighting for us. His strategies changed many times in a case filled with attempted intimidation and shenanigans on the part of the defense. Finally, after a 9 year battle, with our fourth trial date looming, the defense buckled due to a series of brilliant maneuvers by Bruce, and offered us a settlement. After some negotiations, which Bruce also excels at, we accepted. No amount of money could ever make things right for our daughter, but Bruce was able to secure her financial future. He forced some justice where there was none. I do not believe there are more than a very few lawyers that would have been able to accomplish what Bruce Pfaff did. He saved a drowning family. We cannot say enough good things about Bruce Pfaff and his practice. He watched our children grow up to become the remarkable young adults they are today and we are more than happy that a small part of their adolescence included those kitchen table visits with Bruce. Bruce Robert Pfaff is a finder of facts, an exposer of the truth, and a defender of victims. He empowers those that have been trampled over.

Posted by Jolanta | February 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Motor vehicle accident with product liability

My mother had a motor vehicle accident in Chicago. She suffered at C5-C6 dislocation and spine fractures that caused permanent paralysis. Mr. Pfaff has accompanied us very reliably and competent from the hospital up to the end of our case. Mr. Pfaff is a high professionell lawyer! Mr. Pfaff reache...d for us a very successful settlement against a famous car company. We are very grateful and content for Mr. Pfaff´s great work. We can recommend Mr. Pfaff and his office explicit. Thank you very much!!!

Posted by Mike | February 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Chicagoland's best lawyer.

We contacted Bruce Pfaff and hired him for my mother case. With Bruce's wise efforts and hardwork from entire his team we had a positive outcome in our favor. Hiring Bruce as my mother's lawyer is the best decision as a family we took . I must say Bruce Pfaff is one of the best Lawyers in chicagola...nd.

Posted by Sandy | January 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

From a satisfied client's point of view

We had the good fortune to be introduced to Bruce Pfaff through a trusted family friend for a medical malpractice suit involving the “off label” use of a medication during a surgery that left my husband critically ill and permanently disabled. Bruce was generous enough to initially meet with me ...at my home while my husband was still hospitalized. Bruce’s quiet, self-assurance and confidence in the validity of our case were immediate and comforting. In spite of my faith in choosing Bruce to handle our legal proceedings, I was encouraged to pursue 2nd and 3rd opinions. In each instance, no other lawyer could be bothered to meet with me directly and, instead, sent young “associates” to hear our story. My decision to choose Bruce was confirmed. During the course of the lawsuit, Bruce continued to meet with us at our home, as my husband was physically disabled and travel was difficult. Bruce’s years of experience and professional relationships in the medical field proved beneficial. In spite of being up against a highly regarded, accomplished doctor, Bruce was able to defy the odds and find supportive, expert testimony on our behalf. The ensuing correspondence with Bruce and his staff was consistently respectful and professional. Our case was ultimately settled out of court within 2 years. Although, it is difficult to put a dollar amount on the pain and suffering of a loved one and what the future may hold, we trusted Bruce’s counsel on a fair settlement. We feel fortunate to have had a trustworthy, compassionate, exceptional legal advisor to advocate on our behalf during our darkest hours. We will forever be grateful to Bruce Pfaff for his incredible professionalism and personal integrity.

Posted by Joanne | August 25, 2013

An exceptional lawyer from a client's point of view.

I had the privilege of having Bruce Pfaff and Pfaff and Gill represent my family in a medical malpractice wrongful death law suit for my husband. When I first met Bruce, his demeanor was very calm, professional, assuring and determined to get to the truth. Bruce was diligent in investigating every as...pect of the case, uncovering every detail, and letting the fact's speak for themselves. He went above and beyond his duties to obtain the best expert witnesses that were needed for the complexity of the case. Over the months of hard work Bruce and his staff were always compassionate and caring as they met with my children and me. He created a personal relationship with my family and always answered all of our questions and concerns. Bruce sat down with my children and explained every detail of the case which made them feel comfortable when they had to do their depositions and testify during trial. At the trial, Bruce was remarkable in eloquently stating the issues and getting his point across. He took facts that were very technical and turned them into details that were clear and concise, so that the jury could understand and was successful in winning our case. Bruce without question is an exceptional attorney that I would highly recommend. My family will always be grateful for his compassion and undeniable dedication to the law and the truth.

See All Client Reviews

Bruce Robert Pfaff's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Bruce
Leslie Gold McPadden headshot
Leslie McPadden

Medical malpractice lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have the privilege representing a family with Bruce. In 20 years of practice, representing clients in my home state in Connecticut and several other states, I have never known someone as direct and effective as Bruce. His clarity, confidence and instincts are unmatched. He is completely fearless and the best advocate in the United States."

Judson Michael Graham headshot
Judson Graham

Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Pfaff is one of the best in Chicago. He has consistently taken on challenging cases, and has achieved phenomenal outcomes for his clients. I have had the pleasure of sitting at Daley Center and watching him work a case through a jury trial, and he is meticulous, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable. For product liability cases, there are few on par with Mr. Pfaff."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Bruce. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Frank R. Difranco headshot
Frank Difranco

Personal injury lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Bruce is the BEST! Meticulous and relentless, you want this guy on your side."

Michael Dean Carter Jr. headshot
Michael Carter

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is widely recognized as an excellent trial and appellate lawyer. I have not worked with or for him. Nor is he a personal friend. However, I, and many others have appreciated and benefited from the work he has done."

Matthew Douglas Ports headshot
Matthew Ports

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"Bruce is an outstanding attorney and the best trial lawyer I have ever met. His work ethic is unmatched, and I can only hope to emulate his devotion to the protection of individuals from big corporations and insurance companies. It is my privilege to call him my friend and mentor."

Jerry A. Latherow headshot
Jerry Latherow

Wrongful death lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I worked with Bruce in the same firm over 20 years ago, and still have contact with him through the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. I am aware of various cases in which he has been, or is, involved. I consider him among the finest plaintiffs lawyers in Illinois."

View All Endorsements
John Kenneth Joseph Kennedy headshot
John Kennedy

Personal injury lawyer

Matthew Douglas Ports headshot
Matthew Ports

Personal injury lawyer

Michael Thomas Gill headshot
Michael Gill

Wrongful death lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2011

Top 10, Illinois Super Lawyers award, Chicago magazine

2011

"AV" rating, Martindale Hubbell

2011

Chicago Product Liability lawyer of the year, Best lawyers

2010

Product liability, personal injury and medical malpractice, Best Lawyers in America

2000

President's Award, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

1998

Finalist, Trial Lawyer of the Year, Trial Lawyers for Public Justice

Work Experience

1991 - Present

President, Founding Partner, Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd.

Associations

2002 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Legislation committee

1994 - Present

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

Chair, Amicus Curiae Committee

2011 - 2011

Supreme Court Special Committee on E-Business

Chair

2001 - 2007

American Board of Trial Advocates

National Board Member

1999 - 2010

Illinois Pattern Instructions committee

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

J.P. v. Central Illinois manufacturer

$7,500,000 settlement

Bryant v. Kim

$30,000,000 verdict

Okaro v. Edgewater Medical Center

$9,346,663 verdict

Doris Burger v. Advocate Lutheran General Medical Group

$10,500,000 jury verdict

Carrillo v. Ford Motor Co.

$14,500,000 verdict, affirmed on appeal

Mikolajczyk v. Ford Motor Co.

$27,000,000 verdict for plaintiff

Gann v. TTI, Inc.

$9,362,580

See More Legal Cases

Education

1979

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1976

Dartmouth College

A.B.

Speaking Engagements

2012

Technology to Know Now in Tort Litigation

"Presenting the Case to a Jury"

2009

AAJ (American Association for Justice) Annual Convention

Consumer Expectations and Risk-Utility in Strict Products Liability

2008

Settlement Workshop

Settlement Approaches: Plaintiff's Perspective

2007

Trial Practice

Opening Statements

2007

Product Liability Cases

Crashworthiness Cases

2007

Masters in Trial: Crashworthiness case

Expert witness examination

2007

ITLA update and review

Use of Literature

2007

ITLA update and review

Product Liability: Evidence and Jury Instructions

2007

AIEG Spring Conference

Automotive Seat Defect cases

2006

ATLA Midwinter Convention

Investigating and Proving Crashworthiness Cases

Publications

2009

Chicago Bar Assocation Record The [Jurors] Right to Submit Questions

2007

ITLA's Medical Negligence Notebook Update for Medical Negligence Notebook, “Res Ipsa Loquitor,”

2005

ITLA Journal Enforcing Darling Liabilities

2004

Voir Dire magazine (American Board of Trial Advocates) Jury Trials in Complex Cases Survive Iowa Fight

2003

Voir Dire magazine Too Complex for a Jury?

2001

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Texts Should Have Vital Role in Litigation

Languages

English

Activity

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