Terence Naughton

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”  -- Albert Einstein.  

Terence Naughton, 38, a partner at Krzak Rundio Law Group, focuses primarily on trucking accidents and construction negligence cases.  After 10 years of defending insurance companies, Naughton changed sides to represent injury victims in late 2019.  Naughton hit the ground running -- earning more than $20 million in settlements for his clients since joining the firm. 

This includes a $9.2 million truck crash settlement; a $2 million settlement for a young client struck by a motor vehicle in a garage; a $2 million settlement for the estate of a child burned in a bathtub at an apartment complex; and a $1.35 million settlement for a good Samaritan injured on the roadway. 

Kevin Burke, attorney with Coplan and Crane, said that Naughton understands that he has a responsibility to provide his clients with the best possible representation. He has a deep respect for the legal system, Burke said. This combination is one reason why Naughton is already succeeding in the plaintiffs' side of the personal injury arena, Burke said. Naughton is committed to his clients and works long hours to earn the best results for them – never taking shortcuts and never being outworked. 

"Similar to my path, Terry began as a defense attorney," Burke said. "He learned the values of hard work, organizational skills and the tools for case analysis. He has now added a commitment to service of his clients. Being able to evaluate a case from both sides is rare. This experience also allows him to respect his opponents."

Thomas Prindable, an attorney with Cogan & Power in Chicago, first met Naughton when this talented legal mind was working as a defense attorney. Prindable says that Naughton was always well-prepared, civil and passionate in representing his clients.  

"Terry's legal work is a testament to his maturity in the law, and his experience as a defense attorney has helped him appreciate how attorneys on both sides of a case think and how adjusters evaluate cases," Prindable said.

Jeff Scolaro, attorney with Daley Mohan Groble P.C., said Naughton represents clients who have been hit with tragedies. They need a zealous advocate to fight for them. 

"Terry is a great lawyer," Scolaro said. "When he was on the defense side, he always displayed an incredible talent for cutting to the heart of the matter and displayed a dedication to his clients that I know he has carried to his practice on the plaintiff side of the fence. Terry also was great at picking off claims that he knew the plaintiff counsel could not prove, limiting the exposure for his clients. Terry's experience as a defense attorney really helps him understand how attorneys think on both sides of the 'v.'"

When not representing his clients, Naughton is involved with multiple legal organizations, American Association for Justice (AAJ), Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. He also remains active in his community and volunteers his time with the Knights of Columbus.