Peter Wachowski, a principal in the Park Ridge Law firm Bellas & Wachowski Attorneys at Law, distinguishes himself as one of Chicago's most powerful lawyers in his ability to wield influence in his professional community and express generous sensitivity to clients' needs. Recognized by the Chicago Daily Bulletin in 2000 as one of 40 Lawyers under 40 to watch, Peter has established himself as a superb litigator and a zealous advocate of his clients who concentrates in the areas of Personal Injury, Worker's Compensation and Civil Litigation. Dedicated to his legal vocation, he successfully counsels and eagerly fights for survivors and families affected by serious personal injuries arising from motor vehicle collisions, products liability, medical malpractice, premises liability, and construction accidents. Peter takes pride in helping a wide array of clients and believes that being an excellent lawyer means more than winning a big verdict. Despite his impressive and proven track record of securing major settlements and verdicts for his clients, Peter's main hope is that his versatile, top-notch legal expertise and impeccable professional integrity contribute to the prestige of the legal profession and make his community a better place to live.
Peter graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987. He received his Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School in 1990. Admitted to the bar the same year, he has been engaged in trial practice ever since. Peter's tenacity and solid legal skills quickly brought him an amazing success rate in the courtroom, making him one of the most sought-after plaintiff's attorneys in the area. Peter has handled numerous cases, including many jury trials, where he obtained six-figure verdicts and settlements. For example, in 2006-2007 he was involved in the litigation and settlement of a case involving the shooting and killing of a young African-American man by a police officer in Lake Station, Indiana, which occurred when the man, who was walking down the middle of the street, did not get out of the street when told to by the officer; in 2005, he was involved in the litigation and settlement of a $2.9 million medical malpractice case wherein a doctor decided to shut-off heart monitors during surgery because they were annoying and caused the death of a Polish man; and in 2004 , he settled a construction accident involving a Polish man for $950,000 wherein the worker fell from a ladder and suffered permanent injuries. Additionally, he has successfully appealed numerous cases to the Appellate Courts of Illinois. Peter also won a case before the Supreme Court of Illinois, raising challenging legal issues and furthering the profession's commitment to the rule of law and concept of justice. His outstanding analytical and interpersonal skills as well as his affable nature and personal rectitude make him a formidable courtroom opponent and a highly respected colleague.
However, Peter is more than just a top-notch litigator. Despite his busy schedule, Peter always reaches outside the profession to help through community service, furthering the ideals of justice and the law outside the courtroom. In 2000, he received a lifetime membership in The National Registry of Who's Who, a highly recognized biographical publication for professionals, which accepts only those who have made a measurable contribution to their profession and community. From 2001-2006, Peter has served as a member of the Illinois State Bar Association's Standing Committee for Judicial Evaluations for Cook County, helping to evaluate judicial candidates and provide input to the public and judiciary. Peter is also an active member of the Illinois and Chicago Bar Associations, proving his commitment to serving clients in the Chicago area. In addition, in the past few years Peter made Bar News, a highly respected publication of the Illinois State Bar Association, which reported several times on his service as the President of the Advocates Society, an Illinois organization of Polish-American Attorneys that has existed since1931.
In addition to his excellent credentials, outstanding litigation skills, and genuine commitment to his community, Peter owes his success to his exceptionally caring and professional approach to his clients. Devoted to treated clients' needs as his number-one priority, he approaches every case with the utmost seriousness and diligence. Peter, whose last name originates from the German wach (to be awake), likes to think of himself as a watchman who always guards and protects his clients' rights.
Peter has developed numerous unique processes of handling cases that ensure that each client is always well informed and represented by a truly outstanding attorney. The processes consist of the following stages:
1. Client Interview: Consultation and Fact Finding
- Learning about clients: who they are and what their situation is
- Assessing clients' biggest legal dangers and opportunities, informing them about their rights and options, and reinforcing their strengths
- Conquering clients' fears of court, litigation, language barriers, and instead showing them opportunities to recover, change the system, and make justice
- Warning against poor legal advice they might have previously received
- Explaining how to stay financially solvent while the case is pending
- Designing a game plan and informing clients about the next step in the process
2. The File Initiation: Opening the Process
Docketing every case in a systematized manner to allow easy access and greater work efficiency on a case
3. The Document and Information Gathering Process
Representing clients' situations fairly and increasing their chances of recovery through a diligent and fast process of document and information gathering
4. The Good Credit Protection Process
Educating clients on how to protect their credit and pay their bills while the case is pending
5. The Lien Reduction Process
Explaining and following the lien reduction procedure designed to provide clients with an opportunity to pursue reduction or elimination of liens
6. The Recovery Maximization Process
Working hard to legally maximize the amount of each possible client recovery
7. The Settlement/Finalization Process
Assuring that all fees are paid and the client received the amount agreed upon
8. File Closing
Ensuring that a legal case is properly closed and alleviating clients' worries about it
Throughout the entire process Peter always keeps his word, promptly returns clients' phone-calls, meets all deadlines, works in a systematic and efficient manner, and screens prospective clients to ensure that each case receives his full attention. He does not tolerate being irresponsive to clients' needs or wasting their time by reinventing the wheel every time. Not all cases are accepted and Peter required that clients live by the same rules he demands of himself and his office staff and Peter refuses to deal with disrespectful and arrogant clients who refuse to cooperate.
Despite his tremendous professional success, Peter never loses his desire to constantly grow in his vocation. His creative vision and professional vitality ensure that he will never stagnate, approaching his cases with perfunctory routine. Instead, he uses his exceptional skills and experiences to advocate for vulnerable victims, approaching each case with fresh energy and an unwavering commitment to improve his clients' situation. No matter how much he has already accomplished, Peter always thinks for the future. Traveling the world, becoming a political leader in his community, and systematizing his office to serve his clients even more effectively are all important goals in his life and given Peter's assiduousness and persistence, it is likely he will reach all of those and more. One thing is certain: Peter constantly works hard on remaining a first-rate advocate.