Personal Injury Lawyers Backed by More Than 50 Years of Proven Results and Recognition
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Washington, DC
Personal Injury Attorneys
After a Serious Accident or Injury, Our Award-Winning Attorneys Will Fight for You
For more than 50 years, our Washington DC personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have been fighting for the rights of those injured due to the negligence of others. In that time, we have built a reputation as a smart, compassionate, and effective legal team that clients are proud to recommend to friends and family. The firm has built its reputation on an unwavering commitment to aggressive, and creative litigation strategies, seeking to ensure every personal injury client receives complete justice.
Reputation Matters. We command respect from adjusters and powerful businesses.
Our award-w iegel, P.C., you will find a personal injury lawyer who is committed to achieving the best possible outcome on your behalf. The firm’s dedication and compassion to individuals injured by no fault of their own, has resulted in the recovery of over $500 million in compensation for our clients.
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How Do You Choose The Best Personal Injury Lawyer?
Identifying the best personal injury lawyer to represent you is a critical decision that can greatly influence the rest of someone’s life when they have suffered a serious injury. Some key considerations to evaluate who to hire to represent you are experience, prior case results, recognition and awards by highly credible publications and lawyer rating services such as The Washingtonian, SuperLawyers, US News and World Report and Best Lawyers, along with high review ratings online from former clients. You should also consider the lawyer's willingness to take your case to trial, if necessary.
Why Choose Us?
The lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel Personal Injury Lawyers have successfully represented clients in the greater metropolitan Washington DC area for over 50 years, and we have recovered more than $500 million in damages for clients. The law firm's accolades, recognitions, and achievements are unparalleled in the DC Metro area. Some of our team's most notable achievements include:
- Three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC
- The law firm has been designated a Washington DC Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” in Personal Injury Litigation by US News and World Report® or Best Lawyers® every year since 2019.
- Three partners have been selected to the Washington, DC Super Lawyers® lists every year since 2011.
- Two Partners have been named “Top 100 lawyers” in Washington, DC by Washington, DC Super Lawyers® every year since 2018.
- Three partners have been repeatedly recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as Washington, DC’s “Top Lawyers” – one partner has been recognized every survey year since 1997 and one partner has been recognized every survey year since 2004.
- Two partners were founders and Past President and Vice President of the Brain Injury Association of Washington, DC
- Selected as “Preferred Attorneys” by the Brain Injury Association of America for the Washington, DC Metropolitan area.
- Two partners certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in civil trial.
- One partner is on the Board of Governors of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the national organization consisting of lawyers who protect victims rights, and the civil justice system.
- One partner is a past Chair AAJ’s Brain Injury Litigation Group, and one partner currently serves on the Executive Committee of that group
- One partner is the current chair of AAJ’s Bus Litigation Group
- One partner is on the Board of Governors of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group, Ride Share Litigation Group, and Distracted Driving Group.
- All three of the firm’s active partners and the firm have been awarded the highest AV® Rating from the nationwide attorney-ranking service organization Martindale-Hubbell®
- The Law Firm is a Member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Leaders Forum
- Over Five Hundred Million dollars in compensation recovered.
Is it Important to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer with Trial Experience?
A seasoned and successful trial lawyer’s reputation with insurance companies is a major factor in the type of compensation you will be awarded in a personal injury case. Given the risk of facing a reputable trial lawyer, insurance companies are typically more inclined to settle—and to do so generously. Attorneys who are known for taking cases to court command respect and leverage that often lead to larger settlement offers. Our team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel Personal Injury Lawyers has extensive trial experience and is highly regarded by insurance companies and defense lawyers, which has allowed us to achieve the highest possible compensation for our clients.
We Are a Law Firm That Gets Results
Why Choose Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.?
Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Washington DC Residents Have Trusted for Over 50 Years
Many clients come to us wondering about their options, their rights, and who to trust. Whether your injury involves extensive medical records, numerous state laws, or a challenging physical recovery, here is what matters when you need help.
Fierce & Compassionate Representation
Since starting our firm, our talented personal injury lawyers have served thousands of clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We understand what you are going through. Hundreds of positive reviews and client testimonials are testament to our guiding philosophy of fierce and compassionate representation.
Our TestimonialsNational Recognition and Awards
We are ranked a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and World Report in the fields of Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice. We have earned the highest ratings from Martindale Hubbell® and have been recognized by such publications as Washingtonian Magazine, Best Lawyers in America® Washington D.C. Super Lawyers® Magazine, and Northern Virginia Magazine.
Our AwardsHundreds of Millions in Recoveries
We have successfully recovered over half a billion dollars for our clients in cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, brain injuries, medical malpractice and more.
Our ResultsNo Fee Unless You Win
We work on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid until you do. We also advance all necessary legal expenses, so there are not out of pocket expenses when you hire us.
Our PolicyHear from Our Clients
- Michala P"I was involved in a car wreck (not at my own fault) and was unhappy with the the insurance claim I was offered. Had no idea what to do and contacted them at 6pm I got a call back directly from Allan M. Siegel at 9pm at night! He gave me incredible advice for free - with it i'll probably be able to avoid court. Clearly, he did this out of kindness and is a genuinely good person, could've taken my money and had me go to court anyway, which is what I was worried about. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend them to whoever is looking for help!”
- Mercedes F"Allan Siegel and his team took on my case when I was at the end of my ropes after unprofessional experiences with not one but two law firms. As a bicyclist, I am grateful to Allan and his team for recognizing, advocating and fighting for my rights as a bicyclist and successfully taking on my case. I highly recommend the law firm!"
- Debra C."I was referred to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel in December 2018. When I called the office, I was received in a very professional and friendly manner, which was always the case each time I called. Allan Siegel, my attorney, was professional as he listened to all of my concerns and addressed each one of them. I felt very comfortable with him. He assured me of his support and did negotiate a satisfactory win. I highly recommend him and his colleagues. Quality customer service is important to me and I was impressed with all they did for me. Thank you Allan - I appreciate all that you did for me.”
- Lamont J."Without a doubt, this is the best law firm experience I have ever had. Allan Siegal is an honest, top notch, no nonsense attorney that is all about YOU the client. He won’t rest until justice is served, no matter how long the journey, he is by your side. I recommend this firm and Allan in particular for all your major legal challenges! I am beyond satisfied with my results!”
- Jonniece S."First time serious car accident and I had no idea on what to do or how to do it. I’m so thankful for my lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Allan & Erik helped me every step of the way they made sure to keep me updated during the entire settlement process. I even experienced a very tragic loss during the settlement process and they sent flowers and cards,things like that makes you feel like family. I would recommend for ANYONE I know to choose Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. you won’t regret it.”
- Oscar E."I hired Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel as my attorneys after my car accident. Office is very conveniently located in D.C. I have been kept well informed throughout the entire process. They have readily accessible staff who are very friendly. From the receptionist to my attorney Allan Siegel, everyone is great! They really care about their client's health and well-being. And win the toughest battles. I highly recommend this law firm for anyone who is injured and needs legal assistance.”
- Hazel B."The best law firm to get you the Justice that you deserve. Mr. Cammarata and all the staff treated me with respect and dignity. Mr. Cammarata worked diligently on my case and kept me informed. He called me to check on my well being which really helped me to stay emotionally in control. I felt like family. I will be forever grateful to the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel."
- Shay B."If I could I would give 10 stars. This is wonderful boutique firm (I love that) with some serious muscle behind it. They are kind, professional, take care of their clients and fight for them. There’s an elegance in how they work. They make you comfortable knowing they are “on the case” - beginning to end. Joe, Allan and the team are wonderful. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Joe is a bona fide bada**. What else could you ask for?!"
MEET OUR LEGAL TEAM
We have dedicated our professional careers and personal lives to fighting for victims and their families. We are confident we can help you through difficult times. We serve clients from offices in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a personal injury lawsuit?
A personal injury lawyer provides legal services to those who claim to have been injured because of the negligence of another. Unlike criminal lawyers, personal injury lawsuits do not focus on whether someone violated the law. Instead, they examine whether an individual is financially responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses. When personal injury cases are successful, victims are entitled to financial compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
Determining whether you have a personal injury lawsuit depends on the facts unique to your situation. Generally, an attorney will listen to what happened to you and let you know if you have a personal injury case based on three factors
1.) The responsible party was careless and negligent.
2.) The negligence caused the personal injury.
3.) The injury resulted in harm and compensatory damages.
Because every case is different, you should contact one of our personal injury lawyers for a risk-free, no-cost case evaluation.
How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out?
When you reach a settlement in your case, the insurance company will send you a release, which is a document that releases the negligent party from any further liability. Once the release is signed, the insurance company will write a check for the settlement amount.
Lump Sum vs. Structured Settlements
In a successful personal injury claim, you may have the option of receiving the settlement amount in a lump sum or in structured payments. A lump-sum settlement is a single payment for the full amount of the settlement. A structured settlement is a series of payments over time.
How long does it take to obtain compensation?
Many cases settle before litigation, but others must be litigated and tried in front of a jury. How long your case takes to resolve will depend on many factors. However, if the wrongdoer refuses to pay a fair amount of money for your injuries, you can rest assured that our personal injury attorneys will do what it takes to ensure you get full and fair compensation.
What are catastrophic injuries?
While there are many, some of the most common are:
- Head, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Permanent disabilities, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Severe organ damage
What is the personal injury claim process?
- Determine fault
- Gather evidence
- Assess injuries/Illness
- Get medical treatment
- Recovery
- Calculate damages
- Settlement or trial
- Receive compensation
What is contributory negligence?
Contributory negligence is a legal standard that bars an injured plaintiff from recovering damages from the defendant if they contributed to their injury. In a contributory negligence state, even if a plaintiff is only 1% at fault for an accident that left them with a serious injury, they may not be successful in a claim against another party for damages.
What are common causes of slip & falls?
- Wet and slippery floors (i.e., spills)
- Ice and snow (i.e., icy walkways)
- Narrow or broken staircases/railings
- Poor lighting or lack of lighting
- Cracked or broken sidewalks
- Loose carpeting or uneven floors
- Debris and tripping hazards
- Open or uncovered holes
Are personal injury settlements taxable in Washington DC?
If you are injured in an accident in Washington DC, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for medical bills, lost wages, and any emotional distress you suffer. This is money paid to you by the person or company responsible for your injuries. The portion of your settlement attributable to your injury is not taxable in a personal injury claim. While most compensation awarded in a personal injury claim is not taxable, there are some instances where it may be, such as punitive damages.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
A wrongful death claim is when a person or their family files a lawsuit against another person, company, or organization after that person’s death. This can happen if someone was killed because of something the person responsible for their death did negligently or intentionally. For example, if a drunk driver hits your loved one and kills them, you could file a wrongful death suit against the driver because they were at fault for their death.
If successful, you may be awarded damages like pain and suffering, medical bills related to the accident/injury that led up to the decedent’s death, funeral costs, and more.
What does a personal injury lawyer do?
- Conduct a free consultation
- Investigate your claim
- Communicate with the insurance company
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial to obtain the compensation you deserve, if necessary
What types of questions should I ask a personal injury lawyer?
- While there are many you can ask, here are 10 worth considering:
- Do you have experience handling similar cases?
- How long have you been practicing personal injury?
- How often do your cases go to trial?
- How much do you charge?
- Does your law firm have the resources and time to handle my case?
- How long will my case take to resolve?
- Do you have professional honors, awards, and recognitions?
- What is my case worth?
- Who is responsible for any case-related costs if my claim is unsuccessful?
- What are my chances of a successful outcome?
What is Negligence?
Negligence is defined as “the failure to exercise the care toward others which a reasonable or prudent person would do in the same or similar circumstances.” This means that if someone does something that a reasonable person would not do in the same circumstances, which results in injury to another person, then the first person may be liable for negligence.
What Types of Cases Does a Personal Injury Attorney Handle?
There are several examples of case types a personal injury lawyer may take. Some examples motor vehicle accidents, such as car, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, scooter, and pedestrian. Others include medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, sports injuries, premise liability, and even wrongful death.
What are Pain and Suffering Damages?
Pain and suffering is a non-economic damage that includes an accident victim’s physical and emotional suffering. Any physical pain, mental anguish, and trauma you’ve suffered from your injuries are compensable as pain and suffering. The award for pain and suffering is not based on your actual economic damages, such as medical bills or lost wages. Instead, it’s based on the severity of your injuries, how long you’ve suffered, and whether any permanent disability or disfigurement resulted from the accident. If your injuries have significantly impacted your quality of life, you will likely receive a more significant award for pain and suffering.
What is a Personal Injury Trial?
A trial is a formal legal proceeding in which a judge or jury hears evidence and decides whether the person being sued (the defendant) is liable for the damages claimed by the person who filed the lawsuit (the plaintiff). If the defendant is found responsible, the judge or jury will also determine how much money the plaintiff should receive.