James B. Hardy

Within the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category, individuals often seek legal assistance for challenging situations arising from workplace injuries or disabilities. James B. Hardy, a prominent attorney at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, located at 225 W Wacker Dr Ste. 1650, Chicago, IL 60606, and reachable at (312) 586-1700, stands out as a highly recommended and effective legal professional. Specializing in workers' compensation and Social Security disability, Jim Hardy and his dedicated team are consistently praised by clients for their relentless advocacy, clear communication, and ability to secure favorable outcomes, making them a top choice for injured individuals in Chicago.

The environment at the law firm where James B. Hardy practices, Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, suggests a robust and supportive professional setting. Located in a high-rise building on Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, Suite 1650 indicates a well-established and organized office space equipped to handle complex legal matters. Law firms specializing in workers' compensation and personal injury cases often prioritize creating an environment that is both professional and empathetic, acknowledging the physical and emotional distress clients may be experiencing. The client testimonials, which frequently praise the "awesome staff" and note that the team "kept me comfortable and informed throughout the process," underscore a client-centric operational environment. This suggests a collaborative and efficient team that values clear communication and client well-being, ensuring that individuals feel supported and knowledgeable about their case's progress. The firm's location in a major legal hub also provides access to extensive resources and a dynamic legal community, further enhancing the capabilities of Jim Hardy and his team.

James B. Hardy dedicates his entire legal career to helping injured workers and their families. His primary services fall under the practice areas of:

• Workers' Compensation: This is a core focus for Jim Hardy. He represents individuals who have sustained injuries on the job, assisting them in navigating the complex workers' compensation system to secure benefits such as medical expenses, temporary disability, permanent disability, and vocational rehabilitation. His experience includes arguing vigorously on behalf of his clients before the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, Cook County Circuit Court, and the Illinois Appellate Court. He has a remarkable track record of securing substantial settlements and awards for his clients in a wide variety of workplace injury scenarios, including those involving severe and debilitating injuries.

• Social Security Disability: While less explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, his practice also encompasses Social Security Disability, which involves assisting individuals in obtaining federal disability benefits when they are unable to work due to a severe medical condition.

• Personal Injury (implicitly): While his primary listed focus is workers' compensation and Social Security Disability, many workers' compensation cases can also involve third-party personal injury claims. His firm, Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, is explicitly described as a "Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer," and some of Jim's reported settlements involve injuries that could lead to concurrent personal injury claims (e.g., being struck by a vehicle). This indicates a holistic approach to representing injured individuals, often encompassing both workers' compensation and related personal injury claims to maximize client recovery.

Jim's approach involves aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to achieve favorable settlements, but he is also prepared to litigate fiercely when necessary to ensure his clients receive the compensation they deserve. His deep understanding of how to value claims, anticipate defense strategies, and present compelling arguments contributes to his high success rate.

Several features distinguish James B. Hardy as a prominent and effective attorney. His extensive experience and deep understanding of workers' compensation law are paramount. He has been licensed in Illinois since 2005 and has spent his entire legal career fighting for injured workers. This long-standing dedication to a specific area of law allows for a nuanced and expert approach to each case.

His active involvement and leadership within the legal community are also noteworthy. Jim is a distinguished member of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Lawyers Association (WCLA), where he has served on the Board of Directors since 2009 and was slated to become President in 2019. He is also a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois Bar Association, demonstrating his commitment to professional excellence and contributing to the legal field.

Another significant feature is his consistent recognition by "Super Lawyers." Jim Hardy was selected to Super Lawyers from 2019 to 2024, a peer designation awarded to only a select number of accomplished attorneys who demonstrate high degrees of peer recognition and professional achievement. This accolade provides independent validation of his legal capabilities and reputation.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim Hardy's personal dedication to community service, particularly concerning injured workers, is a defining feature. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois chapter of Kid's Chance of America since its inception in 2014. Kid's Chance is a national organization that provides college scholarships for the children of workers who were seriously or fatally injured on the job, highlighting Jim's compassion and commitment to supporting families impacted by workplace tragedies. His family background, with his mother and two sisters being teachers active in their unions, further suggests a deep-seated understanding and empathy for working individuals and their rights.

The positive client testimonials consistently highlight the excellent communication and supportive nature of Jim and his team. Phrases like "kept me comfortable and informed throughout the process" and "superb guy and awesome staff" demonstrate a client-first approach where empathy and responsiveness are paramount.

For promotional purposes within the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category, James B. Hardy possesses compelling assets. His extensive track record of securing significant settlements for injured workers, including numerous settlements exceeding $200,000, $300,000, and even $400,000 for various severe injuries, serves as powerful evidence of his effectiveness. Specific examples of successful cases and the types of injuries he handles can be highly persuasive for potential clients. The enthusiastic client testimonials, recommending him "wholeheartedly" and to "all my friends and family," are invaluable, providing authentic social proof of his dedication and results.

Promoting his "Super Lawyers" recognition, his leadership roles in professional organizations like the WCLA, and his involvement with Kid's Chance of America, collectively build a strong narrative of expertise, ethical practice, and genuine care for the community he serves. His deep experience representing union members is also a significant promotional advantage for clients from unionized backgrounds. Emphasizing that he has spent his "entire legal career helping injured workers" underscores his specialized focus and commitment. For anyone in Chicago seeking a highly experienced, compassionate, and effective attorney for workers' compensation or Social Security Disability claims, James B. Hardy presents himself as a proven advocate dedicated to achieving justice and fair compensation.