Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Did You Suffer a Life-Changing Spinal Injury?
You Are Not Alone.
A Chicago spinal cord injury lawyer at Ankin Law can help you seek financial recovery in the wake of a catastrophic accident. When you retain our legal team, you get:
- Over 100 years of combined experience representing plaintiffs in catastrophic injury lawsuits.
- 24/7 availability to discuss your case
- Attorneys who will come to you when you can’t travel to the office.
- FREE consultations
- NO FEES unless we win your case
Our Team Has Recovered Hundreds of Millions on Behalf of Injured Victims
Don’t face the fallout of a catastrophic back injury alone. Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 to start your spinal cord injury claim today.
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Why Hire Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers?
By hiring our spinal cord injury lawyers, you’ll significantly increase your chances of winning your lawsuit. That’s not the only reason you should let our legal team handle your case, however. We will help you obtain medical care. We will identify all liable parties. We’ll deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Most of all, our attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and resources to help you increase your settlement by up to 300%. How?
We Have Access to Valuable Resources
Our law firm has been winning injury cases like yours for decades. As such, we have developed lasting relationships with top medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, investigators, and more. This enables our team to put you in touch with the local resources you need to recover physically, while we concentrate on winning your case.
We Know What Evidence to Look for, and How to Find It
We don’t rely upon the accident reports and investigations by police, insurance companies, or other parties. Instead, we hire our own investigators, and experts to deliver the truth about what happened. With over 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers know what evidence to look for, how to find it, and how to use it to your advantage.
We Identify and Pursue All Sources of Recovery
Our attorneys will help you take legal action against the party who caused your spinal cord injury, but we don’t stop there. We’ll look for additional insurance policies and other sources of recovery to maximize your compensation. With workers’ compensation lawyers, medical malpractice lawyers, personal injury attorneys, and Social Security Disability lawyers on our team, we can make sure you recover through all paths available.
We Don’t Charge Any Upfront Fees
Our lawyers understand that your spinal cord injury has caused you to face significant financial burdens already. The last thing we want to do is increase your stress. When you hire our law firm to handle your case, we won’t charge you any upfront fees. You’ll receive top-notch legal services, access to experts and the medical care you need, and you won’t pay attorney fees until you receive your settlement or injury award.
We Don’t Back Down
At Ankin Law, we don’t believe in backing down to insurance companies and large corporations just to get a case settled fast. We will negotiate with the liable party to obtain full and fair compensation on your behalf, but as trial lawyers, we know that sometimes it takes more than that to do right by our clients. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we will bring your case before the judge and jury, and we’ll fight for your rights in court.
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Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
What Are Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are complex and often life-altering conditions that result from damage to the spinal cord, a crucial part of the central nervous system. These injuries are primarily classified into two main types: complete and incomplete. However, there are various types of spinal cord injuries based on the location and nature of the damage.
What Is a Complete Spinal Cord Injury?
In a complete spinal cord injury, there is a total loss of sensation and voluntary muscle control below the level of the injury. This means the individual has no motor or sensory function in the affected areas. Complete injuries frequently result in paralysis, and the degree of paralysis depends on the level of the spinal cord where the injury occurred.
What Is an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury?
In incomplete spinal cord injuries, some degree of motor or sensory function remains below the level of the injury. Individuals with incomplete injuries may retain some ability to move or feel sensations. The severity and extent of preservation vary widely among incomplete injuries. With incomplete spinal cord injuries, recovery is often possible to some degree.
No matter the type of back injury you suffered, our experienced spinal cord injury lawyers can help you seek compensation that represents the true impact your accident had on your life.
Types of Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Incomplete spinal cord injuries can vary in nature. The location of the injury along the spinal cord plays a crucial role in determining the extent of the resulting impairments. Common incomplete spinal cord injuries seen by catastrophic injury lawyers include:
Central Cord Syndrome
This type of injury affects the center of the spinal cord and often results from hyperextension injuries, such as those caused by falls or accidents. Individuals with central cord syndrome may experience weakness or paralysis that is more pronounced in the arms than in the legs. Physical or occupational therapy can help some individuals recover partial functionality.
Anterior Cord Syndrome
Anterior cord syndrome involves damage to the front part of the spinal cord, impacting pain, touch, and temperature sensations. While some motor function may be preserved, individuals face challenges in sensation and movement. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, can aid in restoring some level of motor function.
Posterior Cord Syndrome
This type of injury occurs when the back of the spinal cord is damaged. It leads to a loss of proprioception (sense of body position) and difficulty perceiving deep touch beneath the injury site. Unlike other incomplete injuries, posterior cord syndrome does not typically impact muscle tone, movement, or sensations of temperature, pain, and light touch.
Brown-Sequard Syndrome
Brown-Sequard syndrome results from damage to one side of the spinal cord. This injury may cause the loss of motor function on the same side as the injury and reduced proprioception. Sensations of temperature and pain on the other side of the injury may also be affected. The severity varies, and rehabilitation aims to maximize functionality.
How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions may apply based on the circumstances of the case. It’s crucial to contact our injury attorneys right away. Early consultation ensures a clear understanding of the applicable time constraints, helps preserve crucial evidence, and allows for a timely initiation of the legal process.
Did another party’s negligence cause damage to your spinal cord? Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 to recover full compensation.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims of spinal cord injuries often face financial consequences. The cost to treat these catastrophic injuries, as well as the impact resulting disabling conditions have on victims’ lives, can put injured parties at risk of substantial financial hardship.
By filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit, victims can circumvent the adverse financial outcomes associated with these injuries. In these cases, the liable party may be required to pay the economic damages suffered by the victim, such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills and expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost earning opportunities
- Other direct costs resulting from the accident
In addition to recovering economic losses, victims of spinal cord injuries may also seek non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Resulting mental health conditions, such as PTSD
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Understanding the causes of spinal cord injuries is crucial for prevention, early intervention, and appropriate medical and legal responses. Individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries often require comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and legal support to navigate the complexities of their recovery.
Spinal cord injuries can result from various causes, including:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Spinal cord injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents are often life-changing. High-speed collisions and impact forces can lead to trauma, causing damage to the spinal cord.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Spinal cord injuries from slip and fall accidents can have serious consequences. Falls, especially from heights or on slippery surfaces, may cause trauma to the spinal cord.
Sports/Recreational Activities
High-impact collisions, falls, or accidents during athletic activities can lead to trauma affecting the spinal cord.
Medical or Surgical Errors
Spinal cord injuries arising from medical or surgical errors are distressing and often avoidable. Mistakes during medical procedures may lead to trauma to the spinal cord, causing severe and lasting damage.
Workplace Accidents
Spinal cord injuries resulting from workplace accidents pose serious challenges. Industrial mishaps, falls, or machinery incidents can cause trauma to the spinal cord.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Cases
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
The duration to settle a spinal cord injury lawsuit varies widely, depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, how negotiations progress, and whether it goes to trial. Simple cases might settle in months, while more complex ones could take years. Each case is unique, and timelines differ based on individual circumstances.
What Evidence Is Needed for a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Evidence crucial for a spinal cord injury lawsuit includes medical records, bills, and documentation of treatments establishing the extent of the injury. Additionally, records indicating the defendant’s fault, witness statements, and expert testimony may be essential. Evidence supporting financial losses, like lost wages and rehabilitation costs, strengthens the case.
How Much Is a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit Worth?
The value of a spinal cord injury lawsuit varies widely based on factors like injury severity, liability, and the impact on the victim’s life. Settlements can range from five to six figures or extend into millions, particularly in cases of extreme negligence. Each case is unique, and its value is determined by the exact damages suffered by the victim.
What Our Clients Say About Us
When I was injured in a hit-and-run last year by a stolen vehicle, I had no choice than to recover from my damages through my insurance. I received so many calls from attorneys looking to gain my business. I turned them all down. I chose Ankin Law because of my familiarity with the firm, as I’ve seen Mr. Howard Ankin active on my job campus and speaking to many of the union members. He’s always kind and informative, so there was no hesitation for me to reach out to his legal team. It was only right. I was connected with attorney Maria Merman. I initially misjudged her, thinking she was too nice and not aggressive enough to go up against my own insurance. Oh boy was I wrong. It took time, but it was well worth the wait, especially considering how low the first offer from State Farm was. She was able to get the best and final offer that surpassed the initial. She was great! And I recommend her and the Ankin Law team to all!
Helpful Resources From Our Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
The value of a spinal cord injury lawsuit depends on factors like the defendant’s fault and the injury’s severity. Compensable damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, while punitive damages may apply for egregious behavior. Medical costs, lost earnings, and general damages like pain and suffering are considered. Factors influencing the lawsuit’s worth include paralysis, negligence, severe injuries with significant repercussions, partial liability, and typical versus outlier cases. For instance, government involvement or severe, lasting injuries may increase settlement amounts. Consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer is recommended for accurate assessment and legal guidance due to the complexity of factors affecting the case’s value.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries involve partial damage, affecting signals between the brain and affected areas. Types of incomplete SCIs include Central Cord Syndrome, Anterior Cord Syndrome, Posterior Cord Syndrome, and Brown-Sequard Syndrome. Causes range from motor vehicle accidents to falls, violence, and medical errors. Filing a lawsuit involves prompt medical attention, meticulous record-keeping, finding a lawyer, and initiating settlement talks or filing a lawsuit. In pursuing a lawsuit for incomplete spinal cord injuries, the initial step is seeking immediate medical assistance after the incident to prevent worsening and document injuries. Detailed record-keeping of all case-related information follows, and finding a lawyer experienced in spinal cord injury cases is essential. The lawyer conducts thorough research to identify at-fault parties and gather evidence.
Catastrophic injuries, such as brain and spinal injuries, profoundly impact victims, potentially altering their lives permanently. Seeking immediate medical help after an accident and documenting all related information is crucial. A personal injury lawyer specializing in catastrophic injuries aids in understanding the injury’s significance and navigating the legal process for maximum recovery. Catastrophic injuries often result in lifelong physical, emotional, or financial consequences, with limited prospects for full recovery. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, burns, amputations, loss of senses, and disfigurement are considered catastrophic. Damages for such injuries fall into economic and non-economic categories, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Common causes of catastrophic injuries in Illinois include car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall incidents, violent crimes, and fires/explosions. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial for understanding the nature of catastrophic injuries and pursuing compensation.