Introduction
Passen Powell Jenkins is a boutique personal injury and wrongful death law firm based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm represents individuals and families who have suffered severe or catastrophic harm as a result of negligence, malpractice, or recklessness. By design, the attorneys take on only a limited number of cases, ensuring that each matter receives the full attention of experienced trial lawyers and dedicated staff. The firm’s approach is trial-focused, preparing every case as though it will go to a jury. This reputation for readiness often provides leverage at the negotiating table and has resulted in record verdicts and settlements. With a heritage of more than three decades representing seriously injured clients, the lawyers of Passen Powell Jenkins combine meticulous preparation, collaboration with leading experts, and personal attention to each client’s story. Their philosophy emphasizes accountability, community safety, and justice for those whose lives have been altered by preventable tragedies .
Areas of Practice
- Personal Injury – Representation in complex injury matters where negligence has caused lasting harm.
- Brain Injury – Advocacy for victims of traumatic brain injury, often requiring lifelong care and support.
- Burn Injury – Legal support for those who have suffered severe burns from fires, explosions, or defective products.
- Car Accidents – Cases involving negligent drivers, catastrophic collisions, and uninsured or underinsured motorists.
- Construction Accidents – Claims arising from unsafe worksites, equipment failures, and falls.
- Mass Transportation Accidents – Representation for passengers harmed in public transit or commercial carrier incidents.
- Premises Liability – Injuries due to unsafe property conditions, including slip-and-fall and inadequate security cases.
- Product Liability – Actions against manufacturers and distributors of defective or dangerous products.
- Truck Accidents – Cases involving tractor-trailers and commercial trucks, often with devastating consequences.
- Medical Negligence – Representation in cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and other failures in patient care.
- Birth Injury – Advocacy for infants harmed by medical errors during pregnancy or delivery.
- Medical Malpractice – Comprehensive litigation against hospitals and providers when standards of care are violated.
- Nursing Home Negligence – Cases addressing neglect, abuse, and substandard care in assisted living facilities.
- Wrongful Death – Support for families seeking justice and accountability after fatal negligence.
- Sexual Abuse and Assault – Civil claims on behalf of survivors, seeking compensation and accountability.
- Crime Victim Representation – Litigation on behalf of victims harmed by violence or misconduct.
- Mass Torts – Participation in large-scale litigation involving hazardous products, such as Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and firefighting foam (AFFF) .
Case Results
- $24.6 million settlement for a family injured in a trucking accident.
- $19 million jury verdict for a child who suffered a traumatic brain injury at a parochial school.
- $10.9 million jury verdict for a man burned in a home explosion caused by defective concrete sealer vapors.
- $15 million settlement for a married couple struck by a fatigued tractor-trailer driver on a Chicago highway.
- $5.4 million settlement in a severe personal injury case.
- Multiple additional seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements for victims of catastrophic harm .
Legal Philosophy
The attorneys at Passen Powell Jenkins believe that effective advocacy begins with preparation. Each case is treated as though it will proceed to trial, an approach that ensures comprehensive evidence gathering, collaboration with medical and technical experts, and persuasive presentation of the client’s story. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients owe no fees unless compensation is secured. Attorneys remain directly involved throughout the process, maintaining clear communication with clients and their families. The firm emphasizes transparency, setting realistic expectations while working to hold defendants accountable. This philosophy extends beyond financial recovery: the lawyers take pride in cases that drive systemic safety improvements, such as product redesigns or enhanced safety protocols .
Recognition
Attorneys at the firm have been consistently recognized by peers and professional organizations. Individual honors include selections to Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. Members of the team have also been inducted into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which admits fewer than 1% of U.S. attorneys. The firm’s lawyers hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and have been invited to exclusive trial lawyer societies, reflecting their standing among Illinois and national litigators .
Client Experience
Clients of Passen Powell Jenkins receive attentive, accessible service throughout their case. The attorneys invest time in understanding each client’s unique circumstances, often meeting with families in their homes to build trust and insight. The firm limits its caseload, allowing attorneys and staff to dedicate resources to thorough case preparation and ongoing updates. Compassion and empathy are central, particularly for clients facing life-altering injuries. Support staff, including experienced paralegals, provide continuity and guidance. The firm also demonstrates flexibility, such as home visits for clients recovering from serious injuries, ensuring accessibility to representation .
Offices and Contact Information
Chicago Office:
411 N. LaSalle Drive, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312.527.4500
Website:
www.passenpowell.com
Conclusion
Passen Powell Jenkins is a Chicago-based trial law firm dedicated to representing individuals and families affected by catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Its boutique structure allows attorneys to provide close, individualized attention, while the firm’s trial-first strategy ensures thorough preparation and effective advocacy. With decades of combined experience and a record of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, the firm is positioned to handle complex cases with care and rigor. Clients can expect a transparent, compassionate process aimed at securing justice and promoting safety. The firm’s legacy includes not only financial recoveries but also community impact through improved safety standards and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions (Firm-Specific FAQ)
Q1. How does Passen Powell Jenkins select the cases it takes on?
The firm intentionally limits its caseload to focus on the most serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. By handling only a small number of cases at a time, the attorneys can dedicate the necessary attention and resources to each client. This approach ensures comprehensive preparation and tailored representation.
Q2. Do attorneys at the firm handle cases directly from start to finish?
Yes. Clients work closely with experienced trial lawyers throughout their case. From the initial consultation through resolution, attorneys remain directly involved, supported by paralegals and experts. This continuity helps maintain consistency and trust.
Q3. How do contingency fees work at Passen Powell Jenkins?
Clients are not charged upfront legal fees. The firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning fees are only collected if the attorneys secure a recovery. This model allows clients access to experienced trial lawyers without financial risk during the litigation process.
Q4. What kinds of cases does the firm most often pursue?
The firm focuses on catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, trucking accidents, product liability, and nursing home negligence. Many cases involve complex injuries such as brain trauma, burns, or birth injuries, where trial readiness and expert collaboration are essential.
Q5. How does the firm support clients who are unable to travel due to injury?
Attorneys frequently arrange home visits for clients recovering from serious harm, ensuring accessibility and comfort. This commitment allows clients to receive guidance and updates without added strain. The firm’s staff also maintains regular communication by phone and email.
Q6. What distinguishes Passen Powell Jenkins from other personal injury firms?
The firm’s boutique structure, trial-first philosophy, and consistent record of multimillion-dollar results set it apart. Attorneys invest significant time with clients to understand their experiences and advocate effectively. This personal and rigorous approach has earned recognition from peers and professional organizations.