Smith LaCien Trial Lawyers

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Todd A. Smith on being named the recipient of the prestigious Leonard M. Ring Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honors presented by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA).
A founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP, Todd has dedicated his career to advocating for clients in complex aviation, trucking, medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, and professional negligence cases. This award recognizes not only his outstanding legal accomplishments, but also his longstanding commitment to ITLA, the legal profession, and the pursuit of justice.
Todd will be honored at the ITLA Annual Convention on June 5 in Chicago.
Read more: https://iltla.com/?pg=Blog&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=146016

Email from Illinois Trial Lawyers Association PRESS RELEASE June 2, 2026 Contact: Kevilee Nibbe (800) 252-8501 or (217) 789-0755 TODD A. SMITH TO BE AWARDED LEONARD M. RING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

05/11/2026

A significant settlement and an important step toward accountability and public safety.

Smith LaCien LLP attorneys Brian LaCien and Andrew W. Mason secured a $23 million settlement on behalf of 3 victims impacted by the tragic 2020 Metra train collision at the dangerous 87th Street and Pulaski Road crossing in Chicago.

The case centered on longstanding safety concerns surrounding the skewed railroad crossing design — an intersection that had been the site of prior serious crashes and fatalities. Following years of warnings and recommendations for change, the crossing has since been redesigned and operational safety measures updated to help prevent future tragedies.

The $43 million settlement also includes $20 million for the death of a man who was represented by separate counsel.

“We are glad that the plaintiffs and their family can move on with their lives and that the dangerous intersection has been changed so that similar accidents cannot happen again,” said Brian LaCien.

This case reflects the power of advocacy not only to secure justice for victims and families, but also to drive meaningful safety changes that protect entire communities.

04/29/2026

A meaningful and impactful result for the team at Smith LaCien LLP. Congratulations to Brian LaCien and Allyson Cox on securing a record $2.75 million settlement in Blair v. City of Chicago involving injuries caused by a dangerous sidewalk defect in Chicago’s Marquette Park neighborhood.

This landmark outcome underscores the importance of public safety, accountability and protecting vulnerable members of our communities. The settlement is reportedly the highest recovery on record for a sidewalk defect injury according to the Jury Verdict and Settlement Reporter.

Thank you to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin for spotlighting this important case and sharing the verdict.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/smithlacien-triallaw-chicagolaw-share-7455340930418642944-I7EQ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADCUu-MBAJ8rQkIVSK_rzu7vKSNbYfZvFIk

A meaningful and impactful result for the team at Smith LaCien LLP. Congratulations to Brian LaCien and Allyson Cox on securing a record $2.75 million settlement in Blair v. City of Chicago involving injuries caused by a dangerous sidewalk defect in Chicago’s Marquette Park neighborhood. This land...

04/23/2026

We are pleased to share that Todd A. Smith has received the 2025 Trial Lawyer Lifetime Achievement Award. His outstanding career and successes have been captured in this special issue of the Jury Verdict Reporter. Todd is recognized for his exceptional advocacy, high-dollar verdicts, and ethical standards throughout his passionate career as a personal injury trial attorney.

“I have been able to help people after they have suffered catastrophic, life changing events. To have been able to do that for so long? That’s a privilege.” Todd A. Smith, Founding Partner of Smith LaCien LLP.

Congratulations Todd on this very deserving recognition! Full story included.

Chicago lawyer Todd A. Smith is a founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP, a leading Chicago personal injury law firm whose Chicago medical malpractice lawyers and accident attorneys regularly confront corporations, insurance companies, hospitals, and government agencies on behalf of the everyday people who have suffered catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. For more information, please visit https://www.smithlacien.com/

04/17/2026

A powerful and important segment from FOX 32 Chicago highlights a landmark $51 million Cook County verdict in a medical malpractice case. The case, led by Smith LaCien LLP with expert trial attorneys Todd A. Smith, Jason R. Williams and Andrew W. Mason underscores how a missed blood glucose test during an ER visit led to a devastating, life-altering brain injury—raising serious questions about standard screening protocols and patient safety.

Thank you Fox 32 Chicago for showcasing the importance of protecting patients through proper emergency care.

Watch the full story:

A routine hospital visit for a severe headache turned into a life-changing outcome for a 47-year-old man after what attorneys say was a missed diagnosis.

04/07/2026

Brian LaCien, Founding Partner of Smith LaCien LLP and a leading Chicago accident lawyer and Chicago personal injury attorney joins Steve Fretzen on BE THAT LAWYER Podcast for tips on how career growth happens.

04/03/2026

This week's Chicago Tribune story highlights an important step toward justice following the tragic 2020 Metra collision at 87th and Pulaski. The recently approved $43 million settlements mark a meaningful milestone for the victims and their families as they continue to navigate the lasting impact of that day.

We’re especially proud to see Brian LaCien and Andrew Mason recognized for their work representing the occupants of the car in their recovery of 23 million dollars and helping ensure their voices were heard and their path forward supported.

Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy.
Link to the story:

The Metra Board of Directors last month approved two settlements worth a combined $43 million for victims of a 2020 collision involving a Metra train, a car and a teenage pedestrian, who died as a result of the crash.

03/02/2026

Big news and big congratulations are in order!

This powerhouse trio represents what we’re all about — relentless advocacy, unmatched dedication, and fighting every day to win justice for personal injury clients. Join us in celebrating this well-earned honor! Congrats to our 2026 Super Lawyers - Carla A. Colaianni, Allyson C. Cox and Andrew W. Mason.

01/26/2026

🎉 Big congrats to Chicago trial lawyer Todd A. Smith, founding partner of Smith LaCien LLP! Todd has been named to the 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers list and earned a Top 5 Personal Injury Plaintiff Attorney distinction statewide — for the first time! 🙌

Out of nearly 97,000 attorneys in Illinois, this honor puts Todd among the very best. Well deserved recognition for an advocate who shows up for clients when it matters most.

👏 Congrats, Todd and the Smith LaCien team!
🔗 https://www.smithlacien.com/
🔗 https://www.superlawyers.com/

01/19/2026

🎉 Welcome to the Team, Matt Leonard! 🎉

We’re proud to announce that Matthew S. Leonard has officially joined Smith LaCien LLP as a Litigation Attorney in our growing personal injury practice.

After serving as a law clerk with our firm for three years, Matt now takes the next step in his career representing individuals and families affected by catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. He brings a strong foundation in civil litigation, a deep commitment to client advocacy, and a legacy of plaintiff-side trial law inspired by his father and grandfather.

Matt earned his J.D., cm laude, from DePaul University College of Law and is admitted to the Illinois Bar. His dedication, compassion, and work ethic have long made him a valued part of our team—and we’re thrilled to welcome him in this new role.

Please join us in congratulating Matt on this exciting milestone! 👏