Andrew R. Makauskas
Andrew R. Makauskas (Andy) is a Partner and Director at BCM Law, P.C. specializing in both workers' compensation and civil litigation defense. Since joining the firm in 1998, he has been an advocate for his clients, consistently delivering outstanding results.
With a robust background in representing clients before Circuit Courts, Federal Courts, and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, Andy has become a trusted authority in the insurance defense practice area. His expertise extends to successfully defending high-stakes cases, marked by intricate medical and legal challenges.
Renowned for his unwavering dedication, Andy has particularly excelled in managing portfolios for large clients with a substantial volume of claims. His understanding of the intricacies of each case, coupled with his track record of success, establishes him as an invaluable asset to clients seeking top-tier service. Andy exemplifies client-centric representation by attentively listening to their philosophies and ensuring their principles are integrated at every stage of litigation.
He actively contributes to the firm's client seminars and webinars, imparting valuable insights and ensuring clients stay informed about the latest developments in workers' compensation and civil litigation defense.
As a pillar in the Illinois workers' compensation defense practice, Andy embodies the highest standards of professionalism and client-focused advocacy.
Practice Areas
Trial Results
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 1991
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 1991
Education
- University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign, Illinois, 1991, J.D.
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1988, B.A.
Honors and Awards
- Recognized as a "Leading Lawyer" by Leading Lawyers Magazine, 2019 - Present
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2021 - Present
- Martindale-Hubbell, Distinguished
Published Works
- "Reducing Construction Claim Costs" National Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.
- "Managing Concurrent Exposures: Workers' Compensation And Civil" BCM Law, P.C., Annual Spring Seminar
- "Limiting Costs Of Construction Litigation" Construction Safety Association Of America
- "How to Successfully Deny Improper Claims," EMCOR
- "Erosion of Limited Employer Liability and Its Impact on Insurance Coverage" Workers' Compensation Claims Association
- "Effective Handling Of Employer Liability Cases" Accident Fund Insurance Company
Classes/Seminars Taught
- "§19(b-1): Emergency Hearings", July 2023
- “Investigation at Every Stage: Tools to Bring Cases to Completion”, May 2023
- “Investigation and Claim Denial” April 2023
- “Illinois Workers’ Compensation Overview”, July 2022
- “Defending Employer Liability Claims”, April 2021
- “Psychological Injury Claims”, March 2021
- “Statutes of Limitations and Subrogation”, October 2020
- “Illinois COVID-19 Claims”, July 2020
- “Defending Insurance Claims in Illinois”, November 2019
- “Illinois Workers’ Compensation Overview”, June 2019
- “Resolving Claims: Identifying Windows of Opportunity”, May 2019
- “Reducing Claim Costs”, June 2018
- “Roadmap for Handling Work-Place Accidents in Anticipation of Third-Party Claims”, May 2018
- “Illinois Workers’ Compensation Overview”, November 2017
- “Penalties And Attorney’s Fees”, March 2017
- “Defending Insurance Claims in Illinois”, February 2017
- “Claims Investigation and Denial”, November 2016
- “Overview of Negligence Claims in Illinois”, April 2016
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Workers’ Compensation Lawyers’ Association, Member
- Illinois Defense Counsel, Member