Michael L. Shanahan

Partner, Gallagher & Kosner Law, LLC

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Michael L. Shanahan is a highly accomplished trial attorney whose practice focuses on representing individuals and families in wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. He has secured over $150 million in settlements and verdicts, establishing a strong reputation for delivering exceptional results in complex, high-stakes litigation involving trucking accidents, medical and nursing home malpractice, construction accidents, products liability, and motor vehicle collisions.

Michael’s record of success includes a series of significant recoveries in some of the most challenging cases. He has obtained a $31 million settlement in a maritime allision resulting in the death of a minor, a $31.5 million jury verdict arising from the death of a firefighter, and a $27 million settlement arising from a reckless police pursuit, along with a $13.5 million negligent security wrongful death settlement and numerous additional multi-million-dollar recoveries. These results reflect his ability to manage complex liability issues, work with experts across multiple disciplines, and deliver meaningful outcomes for clients facing devastating losses.

In addition to his trial work, Michael is deeply involved in all phases of litigation, from early case investigation through resolution. He works closely with clients, experts, and co-counsel to develop comprehensive case strategies, evaluate damages, and position cases for trial or favorable settlement. His disciplined approach to case preparation and his ability to simplify complex facts for judges and juries have been central to his success.

Michael’s practice is also defined by his commitment to client advocacy. He prioritizes clear communication and accessibility, ensuring that clients understand each stage of the litigation process and feel supported throughout. This approach, combined with his aggressive advocacy and attention to detail, has made him a trusted advocate for individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives.

Michael earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law, where he received CALI Excellence Awards in Trial Advocacy and Legal Drafting. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Practice Areas:

• Truck Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Nursing Home Malpractice
• Products Liability
• Car Accidents

Notable Results

• $32 million settlement in a maritime allision resulting in the death of a minor.
• $31.5 million verdict against the City of Rock Falls arising out of the death of a firefighter.
• $27 million settlement at trial arising from a reckless police pursuit by the Chicago Police Department.
• $13.5 million settlement at trial in a negligent security case arising from the death of a building resident.
• $8 million medical malpractice settlement during trial against a Chicago hospital for failure to diagnose and treat an obstructing kidney stone leading to urosepsis and death.
• $3.8 million pre-trial settlement for a bicyclist struck by a motor vehicle resulting in multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury.
• $2.5 million medical negligence settlement against an attending physician and a long-term care facility for its failure to manage anticoagulation medications leading to an ischemic stroke.
• $2 million settlement for a developmentally disabled adult against a facility for negligence that caused a choking event resulting in an anoxic brain injury and death.
• $1.75 million settlement for a chemical plant operator who suffered severe burns to her arm after an overhead chute pinned it inside a discharge hopper.
• $1.5 million settlement for a disabled adult who suffered a choking event due to being left unsupervised and receiving food that did not meet his dietary restrictions.
• $1.17 million medical malpractice verdict for an 80-year-old nursing home resident who suffered an ischemic stroke after her physician failed to restart her anticoagulation medication.
• $1 million medical malpractice settlement against a Chicago hospital and physician for failing to recognize a post-operative neck hematoma leading to an anoxic brain injury and death.
• $1 million nursing home negligence settlement for a resident who developed multiple stage 4 bed sores.
• $800,000 settlement from a trucking crash in which the client's car was struck by a tractor-trailer that lost control resulting in rotator cuff tears on both shoulders.
• $750,000 nursing home negligence settlement for a resident who developed multiple stage 4 bed sores to her sacrum and buttocks.

Bar Admissions

• State of Illinois
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Education

• DePaul University College of Law. Chicago, Illinois. J.D. - 2013; CALI Award Trial Advocacy II (2013), Legal Writing (2012)
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. B.S. - 2009

Honors and Awards

• Selected by his peers as an Illinois "Super Lawyers Rising Stars" (2019 - 2024)
• Leading Lawyers magazine's 2021, "Illinois Emerging Lawyer"
• 2020 Law Bulletin Publishing Company's Top "Forty Under 40"

Professional Associations

• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)
• American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Chicago Bar Association (CBA)
• Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)