Timothy J. Deffet

My practice is focused on helping the individual. I represent individuals hurt at work or hurt by the fault of someone else who has been negligent. I help them navigate the often puzzling path against the mammoth insurance companies of the world and keep the bill collectors at bay while the client recovers from their injuries. I have tried numerous cases and am a Federal Trial Bar member.

I also help individuals affected by an arrest or traffic ticket to get their life back to normal and assist them to retain their license.

Last, I help individuals who have been affected by this economy. I can help with credit card collection defense to help you get back on your feet.

University of Connecticut

B.A. | History and Philosophy Double Major

Honors: Dean's List

The John Marshall Law School

J.D.

Honors: Dean's List

EPA Bronze Medal Award for enforcing federal lead paint statutes

EPA

2000

HUD Legal Honors Intern Program

HUD

1998

Chosen as one of 12 nationally picked interns to work at HUD.

Allen H. Schwartz Scholarship Recipient

The John Marshall Law School

1997

National Association of Consumer Advocates

Member

Current

Activities: The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) is a nationwide organization of more than 1500 members who represent and have represented hundreds of thousands of consumers victimized by fraudulent, abusive and predatory business practices. As an organization fully committed to promoting justice for consumers, NACA's members and their clients are actively engaged in promoting a fair and open marketplace that forcefully protects the rights of consumers, particularly those of modest means.

Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Current

Activities: The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association is a statewide organization whose members specialize in representing injured consumers and workers.

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Current

Federal Trial Bar Member-Northern District of Illinois

Trial Bar Member

Current

Activities: Licensed to the federal trial bar. Can prosecute and try cases in federal court based on trial experience.

Illinois

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Retainers accepted

• Car Accidents
• Credit Card Collection Defense
• License Suspensions/Revocations
• Traffic Ticket Defense
• Trucking Accidents

Q. I was involved in a car accident. Both parties have State Farm ins. The other driver received a ticket for running a red

March 18, 2013

A: DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING until you get an attorney. The releases will give them unlimited access to every record, medical, work or otherwise under the sun. If you got into an accident while driving for work, then you may have a work comp claim against your employer and a "third-party" claim against the driver of the vehicle that hit you. You should also make sure you go to court and speak to the prosecutor at the red light ticket court hearing and tell them you are there or else they will dismiss the ticket.

Under work comp you may be entitled to medical bills, payments when off work (TTD) at 2/3 your wage, and permanency or loss of use of whatever body parts you injured. There may be more.

With the car accident case, you are also entitled to pain and suffering and other damages but the work comp payments will have to be paid back.

Call an attorney as these cases are complicated and there are statutes of limitations which can bar the lawsuits. ... Read More

Q. How does work comp know how much you are disabled after surgery?

March 18, 2013

A: This is a complicated question. If you are asking in IL how much you will be considered disabled under the law there are many factors. A seasoned attorney will review all your medical records, educational background, job, age and numerous other factors to try to negotiate a fair settlement for you and if there is not a fair offer, to prep you and try the case. Also please take a look at the FAQ section on the IWCC website for some basica. http://www.iwcc.il.gov/faq.htm

Q. I am in the process of a settlement and my Workers Comp company is saying they are insolvent. What does that mean for me

March 18, 2013

A: If you have an IL claim you should contact and IL attorney right away as this is too complicated to be answered in one posting. This is taken from the IWCC website:http://www.iwcc.il.gov/insurance.htm

"What happens if an insurer goes bankrupt?

If an insurance company or a group workers' compensation trust becomes insolvent, the Illinois Department of Insurance, Office of the Special Deputy, takes over the company and performs the receivership duties. Go to the OSD website for liquidation orders.

Insurance guaranty associations are established by state law to pay the covered claims of policyholders and other claimants of an insolvent insurance company. The workers' compensation claims of most bankrupt insurance companies are handled by the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund; however, some employers do not meet the guidelines of the Fund and will not be provided with coverage.

Click here for a list of employers NOT covered by the Guaranty Fund (last updated 7/11/12). If coverage is not provided by the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund, parties may proceed with their claims directly against the employer. This list may not be complete. We update the list based on information provided from the Fund.

If you have questions, call the Illinois Insurance Guaranty Fund at 312/422-9700.

What insurers/pools have gone bankrupt recently?

Liquidations Orders

Administrative Employer Group

Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company (AMIC)

Centennial Insurance Company

Illinois Movers' and Warehousemen's Risk Management Group

Illinois Restaurant Risk Mgmt. Assoc.

Illinois State Bowling Proprietors and Recreational Industry

Reinsurance Company of America

How do I know if my employer has workers’ compensation coverage?

By law, employers must post a completed workers’ compensation notice in a conspicuous place in every work site. You have a right to know this information. If you do not see this notice, please contact us (312/814-6611).

You may also search online for coverage information.

My employer does not have workers' compensation insurance. What should I do?

If you suspect an employer does not have insurance, you may search our online insurance database, email our Insurance Compliance Division, or call our Information Unit (312/814-6611 or toll-free within Illinois 866/352-3033). We will try to identify the carrier; if we cannot find any evidence of insurance coverage, we will ask the employer to provide proof of insurance, but will not mention the name of the informant.

If I report my employer, do I have to give my name?

No. Anyone reporting an employer may remain anonymous.

Will my group health plan or occupational disability insurance cover workers' compensation cases?

No. Group health, occupational disability, general liability, disability or property insurance will not cover workers' compensation liability. Only a workers’ compensation policy fulfills this requirement. This coverage must be purchased from a carrier authorized to write workers' compensation insurance in Illinois.

Who can I contact if I still have insurance compliance questions?

Robert Ruiz

Manager of Insurance Compliance

312/814-5654

Se habla español La Comisión

312/814-6611;

línea gratuita solo dentro de Illinois: 866/352-3033."

Joseph Stumph Collinsville office 618/346-3452 ... Read More