Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

An accident resulting in a spinal cord injury changes everything in an instant. The life you had is gone, and the future is suddenly and frighteningly uncertain. If another person's negligence caused this devastating injury to you or a loved one in Chicago, you have the right to seek compensation. It’s a way to secure the resources needed for a lifetime of care and regain a measure of control over your future.

Your focus should be on healing and adapting to a new reality. Our role is to lift that legal burden from your shoulders. We have years of experience handling these specific cases, and we are prepared to manage every detail while you concentrate on what matters most.

As Chicago spinal cord injury lawyers, we offer free consultations 24/7 to help you understand your options. Call us at (312) 924-7575 to speak with a member of our team today.

Why Choose Abels & Annes, P.C. for Your Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Case?

At Abels & Annes, P.C., our practice is built on securing the resources our clients need to live with stability and dignity after a life-altering injury. We provide dedicated, personalized attention to every person we help. 

Our track record includes substantial multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts, which demonstrates our commitment to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law. This success has earned our attorneys recognition, including being named to the Top 100 Lawyer List by Super Lawyers and Thomson Reuters, and achieving a 10.0 Superb personal injury lawyer rating from AVVO. We are also lifetime members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

We understand the financial pressure that mounts after a severe injury. That’s why we work on a "No Fee Unless You Win" basis. You pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you. Your initial consultation is always free, and we are available 24/7. Our team includes Polish and Spanish speakers to ensure you feel heard and understood.

Our two offices in Chicago are located at:

• 100 N LaSalle St, Suite 1710 in the heart of downtown Chicago, South of Cadillac Palace Theatre and East of N. Wacker Dr.
• 5371 W Lawrence Ave #1B, Southeast of Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park and off the I-90 highway.

What Does a Spinal Cord Injury Really Mean?

The spinal cord is the central highway for communication between your brain and the rest of your body. When it's damaged, that communication is disrupted. The consequences depend heavily on the location and severity of the injury.

Spinal cord injuries are generally categorized in two ways:

• Complete Injury: This means there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. The brain's ability to send signals past the damaged area is completely blocked.
• Incomplete Injury: In this case, the cord is only partially damaged, and some signals could still get through. A person with an incomplete injury may retain some sensation or have limited movement below the injury site.

These injuries often result in conditions you may have heard of:

• Tetraplegia (formerly Quadriplegia): This involves the loss of function in the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. It is typically the result of an injury high up on the spinal cord, in the cervical region (the neck).
• Paraplegia: This is paralysis that affects all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. It is caused by damage to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord, essentially from the upper back down.

What Is the Goal of a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

A spinal cord injury requires a lifetime of care, and the goal of a legal claim is to secure compensation that reflects this reality. In Illinois, you are able to pursue several types of damages:

Economic Damages

These are the calculable financial costs tied to your injury.

• Lifetime Medical Expenses: This is more than just the first hospital bill. It covers everything from emergency surgery and intensive care to long-term needs like physical therapy, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices like wheelchairs or home modifications.
• Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity: This includes the wages you've already lost and, critically, the income you will be unable to earn because of your injury.
• Ongoing Care: This may include the cost of in-home health aides, skilled nursing care, and necessary modifications to your home and vehicle to allow for accessibility.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for the intangible losses that have no line-item cost but deeply affect your quality of life.

• Pain and Suffering: This addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you've been forced to endure.
• Loss of a Normal Life: This isn't just a legal phrase; it's the loss of ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, and the simple pleasures you once took for granted.
• Emotional Anguish: Spinal cord injuries frequently lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD, which may require ongoing psychological support.
• Loss of Consortium: This is a claim a spouse can bring for the loss of companionship and intimacy resulting from the injury.

Punitive Damages

In some situations where the at-fault party's behavior was intentional or exceptionally reckless, Illinois law allows for punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and are awarded in addition to actual damages in certain situations.

How Does Illinois's Comparative Negligence Rule Work?

Illinois uses a "modified comparative negligence" rule. Put simply, you could still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of the blame is 50% or less. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you are barred from recovering any compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Where Do These Injuries Happen in Chicago?

In a busy city like Chicago, certain situations and locations carry a higher risk of the traumatic events that cause spinal cord injuries.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

• Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries nationwide. The force of impact would easily fracture or compress the vertebrae.
• Falls: Falls from heights, especially on construction sites, and slip-and-fall incidents are another primary cause, particularly for older adults.
• Acts of Violence: Gunshot and knife wounds are a tragic and significant cause of these injuries in urban areas.
• Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery or a failure to diagnose a condition like a spinal infection may lead to permanent nerve damage.
• Defective Products: Poorly designed or malfunctioning equipment can fail and cause catastrophic accidents.

High-Risk Accident Locations in Chicago

While an accident could occur anywhere, data from the Chicago Department of Transportation and other analyses point to certain "hotspots" where serious collisions are more frequent.

Dangerous Intersections

Complex layouts, high traffic volumes, and confusing signals make certain intersections notoriously dangerous. Some of the most frequently cited include:

• Stony Island Avenue & South Chicago Avenue
• Western Avenue & Peterson Avenue
• Lake Shore Drive & North Avenue/Grand Avenue
• Cicero Avenue & I-55 Interchange

Major Roadways with High Accident Rates

• Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/I-94): Known for high-speed crashes and dense traffic.
• Western Avenue: Consistently ranks as one of the most accident-prone streets in the city.
• Pulaski Road: Sees a high number of incidents, many involving pedestrians.
• Cicero Avenue: Heavy traffic, especially around Midway Airport, contributes to a high rate of collisions.

The Reality of Dealing with Insurance Companies

You will have to deal with an insurance company, whether it's your own or the at-fault party's. It is important to remember that these are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible on claims.

What to Expect:

• A Quick Settlement Offer: An insurer may offer a settlement very soon after the accident. This is usually a common strategy to close the case before the true, lifelong costs of your spinal cord injury are fully understood. Accepting an early, lowball offer prevents you from seeking more compensation later.
• Requests for Recorded Statements: You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster. They are trained to ask questions that could be used to weaken your claim. It is best to consult a lawyer before providing any statement.
• A Slow and Methodical Process: The claims process is deliberately slow and requires precise documentation. Some people get frustrated by the delays and accept a lower offer out of desperation.
• Downplaying Your Injuries: An adjuster might suggest your injuries are not as severe as you claim. This is why complete and consistent medical documentation is absolutely necessary to counter their arguments.

Protecting Your Claim: Steps You Should Take Right Now

While your legal team handles the heavy lifting, there are practical things you should do to strengthen your case.

Follow Your Treatment Plan

Adhering strictly to your doctor's orders is not only best for your health, but it also creates a clear record of the seriousness of your injuries.

Document Your New Reality

Keep a private journal detailing your daily pain levels, the challenges you face with everyday tasks, and your emotional state. This becomes a powerful tool for illustrating your non-economic damages.

Save All Paperwork

Keep a detailed file of every expense related to your injury, from medical bills and pharmacy receipts to parking stubs from doctor's appointments.

Stay Off Social Media

Insurance companies hire investigators to look at claimants' social media profiles. A single photo or comment may be twisted out of context to argue that your injuries are exaggerated. The safest policy is to refrain from posting until your case is resolved.

Direct All Communication to Your Lawyer

Do not speak with the at-fault party or their insurance company. Refer all calls and letters to your attorney. This ensures your rights are protected at every turn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you prove someone else was responsible for a spinal cord injury?

To prove responsibility, we establish negligence. This is a legal concept that requires us to show four elements: that the other party had a duty to act with reasonable care, they failed in that duty, their failure directly caused your injury, and you suffered damages as a result. We use evidence like police reports, witness testimony, surveillance footage, medical records, and expert analysis to build a strong case.

What is a life care plan, and why is it important?

A life care plan is a comprehensive document, typically prepared by a medical expert, that outlines an individual's projected medical and personal needs for the rest of their life. It quantifies the future costs of everything from medications, therapies, and future surgeries to home modifications, assistive technology, and in-home care. This plan is one of the most important tools we use to demonstrate the full value of your claim to an insurance company or a jury.

What if the accident happened at work?

If your injury occurred on the job, you are likely entitled to benefits through the Illinois workers' compensation system. This is a no-fault system that covers medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. In some cases, you might have both a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit against a separate third party (for example, the manufacturer of faulty equipment that caused your injury).

My loved one died from complications of a spinal cord injury. Can our family still take legal action?

Yes. In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate could file a wrongful death lawsuit under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. This type of claim seeks compensation for the family's grief and sorrow, as well as the financial support the deceased would have provided.

How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Chicago?

The time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is dangerously short. For most personal injury cases in Illinois, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, if your claim is against a government entity (like a city or county), the deadline could be as short as one year under the Tort Immunity Act. Because evidence can disappear and witness memories fade, it is important to speak with a lawyer long before these deadlines approach.

Let Us Handle the Legal Burdens

A spinal cord injury forces you into a new and difficult reality. Securing fair compensation is a foundational step toward building a stable and supported future. 

We are here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need. We will take on the legal burdens so you are able to focus on your health, your family, and your path forward. 

Your fight is our fight. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (312) 924-7575 for a free, no-obligation consultation.