Introduction
Corboy & Demetrio is one of Chicago’s most prominent personal injury law firms, founded in 1952 by Philip H. Corboy and later led by Thomas A. Demetrio. For more than 65 years, the firm has represented clients in high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death cases, building a reputation as one of the nation’s leading trial practices. With more than $5 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, Corboy & Demetrio has been trusted to handle some of the most complex and catastrophic cases in U.S. history.
The firm’s attorneys have been involved in landmark litigation including aviation disasters, railroad derailments, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and product liability suits. From its downtown Chicago office, Corboy & Demetrio continues to represent clients across Illinois and nationwide, combining trial excellence with a commitment to compassion and public accountability.
Areas of Practice
Corboy & Demetrio provides representation in a broad range of catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters, including:
- Aviation Litigation – Representation for families affected by commercial airline crashes and private aviation disasters.
- Medical Malpractice – Cases involving surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, birth injuries, delayed diagnoses, and wrongful death.
- Construction Accidents – Injuries from scaffolding collapses, unsafe equipment, and violations of safety standards.
- Railroad and Transportation Accidents – Litigation arising from train derailments, Metra crashes, truck accidents, and bus collisions.
- Premises Liability – Cases involving unsafe conditions, negligent security, and structural defects.
- Product Liability – Claims against manufacturers of defective products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
- Wrongful Death – Representation of families pursuing justice and compensation after fatal negligence.
- Sports and Concussion Litigation – Advocacy in cases involving brain injuries from sports and professional negligence.
This broad practice portfolio has allowed the firm to lead in both individual catastrophic injury cases and mass tort litigation.
Case Results
Corboy & Demetrio has secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Illinois and the nation, including:
- $75 million settlement for victims of a scaffolding accident.
- $42.4 million medical malpractice verdict upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court.
- $40 million record-setting verdict in a truck collision.
- $29.6 million verdict for a passenger injured in a Metra train crash.
- $25.2 million settlement in the US Airways crash outside Pittsburgh.
- $22 million wrongful death verdict for a woman who died shortly after childbirth.
- $18 million settlement for a pedestrian killed by falling glass in downtown Chicago.
- $13.5 million settlement for the family of a worker crushed to death at a scrapyard.
These outcomes illustrate the firm’s ability to manage high-value, complex litigation while consistently achieving justice for clients.
Legal Philosophy
The firm’s philosophy is based on trial excellence, meticulous preparation, and client-centered advocacy. Corboy & Demetrio attorneys prepare every case as if it will be tried before a jury, ensuring that insurers and defendants are compelled to negotiate from a position of seriousness.
The firm operates exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients owe no legal fees unless financial recovery is achieved. Beyond financial compensation, Corboy & Demetrio is known for pursuing cases that result in systemic safety improvements—whether in aviation regulation, hospital practices, or corporate accountability.
Recognition
Corboy & Demetrio and its attorneys have received national and state recognition for legal excellence:
- Ranked Tier 1 in U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for personal injury and medical malpractice.
- Multiple attorneys named to Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers Illinois, and the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America.
- Thomas Demetrio repeatedly ranked the No. 1 personal injury lawyer in Illinois by Super Lawyers.
- Membership in the Inner Circle of Advocates, a national group of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers.
- Consistent recognition for record-setting verdicts and contributions to trial advocacy.
These accolades reflect the firm’s reputation as one of the most accomplished plaintiff firms in the country.
Client Experience
Clients of Corboy & Demetrio emphasize the firm’s professionalism, empathy, and accessibility. Testimonials often note that attorneys provided clear communication, realistic expectations, and unwavering dedication throughout lengthy litigation processes. Families also highlight the compassion shown by the attorneys during times of grief, underscoring the firm’s balance of courtroom strength and personal care.
The firm also offers bilingual support for Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring accessibility for Chicago’s diverse communities. Many clients describe the firm’s representation as life-changing, not only financially but also by providing accountability and closure.
Offices and Contact Information
Corboy & Demetrio operates from its central office in Chicago:
- Main Office:
Corboy & Demetrio
33 N. Dearborn Street, 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 346-3191
Toll-Free: (800) 356-3191
Free consultations are available, and attorneys are on call 24/7 for urgent cases.
Website:
www.corboydemetrio.com
Conclusion
For more than six decades, Corboy & Demetrio has stood at the forefront of personal injury and wrongful death litigation. With billions recovered, landmark verdicts, and a philosophy grounded in trial readiness and public accountability, the firm has shaped both Illinois law and national standards of safety.
By combining courtroom power with compassion for clients, Corboy & Demetrio remains one of the most trusted and accomplished trial firms in the United States, ensuring that victims of negligence receive both justice and meaningful financial recovery.