About Smith LaCien
Founded by seasoned trial lawyers Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien, Smith LaCien LLP is a Chicago-based personal injury law firm specializing in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases. With over 60 years of combined experience, the firm has achieved exceptional results, securing more than $3 billion in verdicts and settlements, including over 150 cases with outcomes exceeding $1 million each.
Smith LaCien maintains a deliberately focused practice, concentrating on cases involving catastrophic injuries and substantial damages. Their expertise encompasses medical malpractice, with particular emphasis on birth injuries and diagnostic errors; transportation accidents resulting in severe or fatal injuries; product liability involving defective medical devices and dangerous pharmaceuticals; premises liability cases with catastrophic outcomes; workplace accidents causing permanent disability or death; and civil rights violations resulting in serious harm.
This focused approach allows the firm to apply its substantial resources and specialized expertise to cases where the stakes are highest for injured clients and their families.
Services
Smith LaCien LLP provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including:
Personal Injury Litigation: Representing clients in cases involving serious injuries resulting from accidents or negligence.
Medical Malpractice: Handling cases involving anesthesia errors, birth injuries, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and more.
Wrongful Death: Advocating for families who have lost loved ones due to the negligence or misconduct of others.
Product Liability: Addressing injuries caused by defective or dangerous products.
Transportation Accidents: Representing victims of automobile, trucking, and aviation accidents.
Strengths
Proven Track Record: The firm has secured over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements, including a $1.65 billion settlement in the Takata airbag litigation and a $93 million settlement for an international jet airplane crash near Amsterdam.
Client-Centered Approach: The firm emphasizes personalized attention and compassionate representation, ensuring clients feel supported throughout the legal process.
Weaknesses
Selective Case Acceptance: Due to their focus on significant personal injury and medical malpractice cases, the firm may not accept smaller or less complex cases, potentially limiting accessibility for some potential clients.
Premium Fee Structure: While operating on a contingency fee basis, the firm's premium services may result in higher percentage fees compared to smaller firms, which could impact the net compensation for clients.
Summary
Smith LaCien LLP stands as a prominent law firm in Chicago, specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation. Their extensive experience, proven track record, and client-centered approach make them a formidable advocate for individuals seeking justice in complex legal matters. However, potential clients should consider the firm's selective case acceptance and premium fee structure when seeking representation.