Salvi & Maher, LLP
Catastrophic Injury, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability
Salvi & Maher, LLP earned their reputation as leaders among the legal communities of Illinois and Wisconsin for their unique blend of legal, medical and insurance knowledge, innovative courtroom strategies and compassionate client service. The firm’s colorful history spans more than 35 years and is highlighted by recovering more than $300 million for clients in various areas of catastrophic injury law, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and trucking litigation. Their record of success can often be attributed to identifying opportunities where others see challenges.
“The firm is comprised of dedicated advocates who truly believe in using the law to help and protect others,” said co-founder and managing partner Al Salvi.
Prairie State residents may recognize Salvi as an Illinois House of Representatives member in 1992 and his reelection to the Illinois General Assembly representing western Chicago. Since leaving the public sector, he has advocated for the rights of his neighbors in civil courts.
“Through our successes, we have helped create a safer environment for clients and future generations.”
Trial Prowess and Creative Strategies
Illinois law states that a plaintiff will be entitled to the difference between their condition prior to the accident and where they are at the time of trial. Even seemingly minor collisions often exacerbate pre-existing conditions, and Salvi & Maher’s understanding of plaintiff’s law in this area has been a key to its success.
For example, a recent client had arthritis in her hip prior to an auto collision. She filed a suit, and the defense regarded the collision as a “small impact” and offered no reasonable settlement before trial. The defense focused on the “small impact” and her preexisting condition. Salvi tried the case and used the defense’s own argument against them; during cross-examination, the treating doctors conceded that the client’s aggravation could be increased by the “small impact.” The case settled favorably shortly afterward.
“We make sure that juries are reminded of the law,” Salvi noted, “and we know how to flip the script on the defense to reinforce those points.”
It’s this sort of creativity that places Salvi & Maher at the top of mind of other lawyers who need to refer injury cases in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin. This scenario has led the firm to secure favorable resolutions after taking on well-funded defendants in truck and auto accidents stemming from rear-end collisions, hazardous roads, distracted and aggressive driving and uninsured and underinsured accidents, among others that lead to catastrophic injuries.
In 2024, the firm litigated a case against sandwich franchise Jimmy John’s and one of its drivers, when a collision intensified a plaintiff’s prior knee condition, necessitating a complete knee replacement, in addition to the treatment of a compound fracture of her arm near the shoulder.
“The referring lawyer felt that the prior condition would have nullified her claim, but we looked at it with fresh eyes and saw an opportunity to present a very convincing argument,” Salvi said of the still ongoing case. “This approach is emblematic of how our firm’s dedication and collaborative nature have led to results that have enabled clients and their families to heal and recover.”
Salvi & Maher’s breadth of experience includes complex insurance matters. The firm has enthusiastically entered into a declaratory judgment action against Liberty Mutual, wherein (Liberty) the insurer denied compensating the plaintiff for a catastrophic injury while renting a car from one of its policyholders. That Liberty would not accept a claim for an underinsured motorist is being contested in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where Salvi & Maher argues the denial violates Illinois laws and public policy that uninsured and underinsured motors coverage should equal liability coverage.
“Illinois Supreme Court has expressed their opinion on the amounts for which insurers are liable, and federal court is supposed to implement state law,” Salvi said. “The case is pending, but we’ve resolved so many similar insurance matters that, based on our records, I believe we’ll be successful.”
Diverse Perspectives Amid a Familial Atmosphere
The familial nature of Salvi & Maher is undeniable and also one of its strongest assets, as Al works alongside his wife and firm partner Kathleen Salvi, sons Joseph Salvi and David Salvi, both attorneys, and son Alberto Salvi, who leads the business development group.
Furthermore, Salvi & Maher’s creativity is sustained by its range of perspectives, which Al Salvi and co-founder Michael E. Maher embedded into the firm’s culture.
“The best idea wins,” Salvi said. “The playing field is level when it comes to our trial strategies, and it extends to our staff and younger and newer hires. The only rule is to apply the law – from there, it doesn’t matter what last name is attached; we use the proposals that best fortify the case and serve the client’s interest.”
Firm leadership had this philosophy in mind when they hired new lawyers who brought international perspectives, namely Brazilian attorney Johnatan d’Alcantara and Indian attorney Himadri Desai.
“Brazil’s legal system is similar to that of the U.S., but there are differences that can provide valuable insight, which Johnathan offers the firm, along with his ability to speak Portuguese. This enables us to serve a wider client base,” Salvi said. “Himadri also brings a new way to view challenges, as India still has ties to British law. Both of these lawyers bolster our creative efforts and offer new solutions in ways other firms cannot.”
Achievements and Acknowledgments
Salvi & Maher’s attorneys have consistently received recognition for their achievements and contributions to the legal community.
In 2015, partner Al Salvi was named a “Nation’s Top Attorney” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, placing him in the top 1% of attorneys in the U.S. He also received the 2016 Client Distinction Award and 2018 Elite Lawyer Award from Martindale.
The high praise is echoed by legal media. Partners Al Salvi, Kathleen Salvi and Michael E. Maher were named to the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Additionally, attorney Joseph Salvi was named to the 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America list in the field of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs.
And given their legacy of results in diverse injury cases, Salvi & Maher has earned a Tier 1 ranking in Chicago in 2024 from Best Law Firms® in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs.
“We’re truly grateful for the recognition and awards from our colleagues in the legal field,” Salvi said. “These accolades demonstrate that we have earned the respect of our peers – even those who have been on the other side of a case. It is one of the highest compliments we can receive.”
LIBERTYVILLE
950 Technology Way, Suite 120
Libertyville, IL 60048
847.662.3303
WAUKEGAN
325 Washington St., Suite 302
Waukegan, IL 60085
847.662.3303
RICHMOND
7408 E. Tryon Grove Road
Richmond, IL 60071
815.900.2677
CHICAGO
53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 601
Chicago, IL 60604
312.858.5959
