A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating events a person can experience. In an instant, a car accident, fall, workplace incident, or act of violence can cause permanent paralysis, loss of sensation, and life-altering disability. Spinal cord injuries affect not only the victim but their entire family, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and support for the rest of the injured person’s life.
The lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury can reach millions of dollars, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. When someone else’s negligence causes such a catastrophic injury, victims deserve full compensation to provide for their future needs. This guide highlights the best spinal cord injury lawyers in Chicago who have the experience and resources to handle these complex, high-stakes cases.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord carries nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, communication between the brain and body below the injury site is disrupted, resulting in loss of movement, sensation, and bodily functions.
Spinal cord injuries are classified as:
- Complete injuries – Total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level
- Incomplete injuries – Partial preservation of function below the injury level
The location of the injury determines the extent of disability:
- Cervical injuries (neck) – Can cause quadriplegia/tetraplegia, affecting all four limbs
- Thoracic injuries (upper/mid-back) – Typically cause paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower body
- Lumbar and sacral injuries (lower back) – Affect the legs, bladder, bowel, and sexual function
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, spinal cord injuries result from various types of accidents:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries (approximately 39% of cases)
- Falls – Slip and fall accidents, falls from heights, and falls at construction sites (approximately 31% of cases)
- Acts of violence – Gunshot wounds and physical assaults (approximately 13% of cases)
- Sports and recreation – Diving accidents, contact sports, and recreational activities (approximately 8% of cases)
- Workplace accidents – Construction injuries and industrial accidents
- Medical malpractice – Surgical errors and negligent medical care
- Defective products – Equipment failures and product defects
Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries have profound, life-changing effects:
Physical Effects
- Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Loss of sensation
- Chronic pain and spasticity
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Respiratory difficulties (especially with cervical injuries)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pressure sores and skin breakdown
- Blood clots and cardiovascular issues
- Muscle atrophy
Emotional and Psychological Effects
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of independence
- Relationship strain
- Career disruption or loss
- Social isolation
- PTSD and adjustment disorders
Financial Impact
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery and ongoing medical treatment
- Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, respiratory therapy)
- Wheelchairs, mobility devices, and adaptive equipment
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Personal care assistance
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Lifelong medical care and medications
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, the lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury can range from $1.2 million to over $5 million, depending on severity and age at injury.
Why You Need a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal cord injury cases require attorneys with specialized expertise:
- Understanding the medical complexities of spinal cord injuries
- Accurately calculating lifetime costs of care and lost earnings
- Working with medical experts, life care planners, and economists
- Identifying all liable parties and sources of compensation
- Negotiating with insurance companies that minimize catastrophic claims
- Taking cases to trial when necessary to secure fair compensation
- Ensuring settlements and verdicts are structured to meet lifetime needs
Insurance companies know that spinal cord injury claims are worth millions. They employ aggressive tactics to limit payouts. An experienced attorney levels the playing field and fights for compensation that truly addresses your lifetime needs.
How to Choose the Best Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
When selecting legal representation, consider:
- Extensive experience with catastrophic injury and spinal cord cases
- Track record of substantial verdicts and settlements in spinal cord cases
- Access to qualified medical experts and life care planners
- Financial resources to fully investigate and litigate complex cases
- Understanding of long-term care needs and costs
- Willingness to take cases to trial
- Contingency fee structure with no upfront costs
Best Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Chicago
Here is a carefully curated list of the top spinal cord injury attorneys in Chicago. These firms have the experience, resources, and dedication to handle these life-changing cases.
1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago’s Premier Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Phillips Law Offices is widely recognized as one of Chicago’s leading firms for catastrophic injury cases, including spinal cord injuries. With decades of experience representing victims of paralysis and permanent disability, their attorneys understand both the medical complexities and the profound life changes these injuries cause. The firm has successfully handled spinal cord injury cases arising from car accidents, truck crashes, workplace incidents, falls, and medical malpractice.
Phillips Law Offices works with leading medical experts, life care planners, and economists to accurately project lifetime costs of care and lost earning capacity. They fight aggressively to secure compensation that covers medical treatment, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, personal care assistance, and pain and suffering. Operating on a contingency fee basis, clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered. Their combination of legal expertise, medical knowledge, and compassionate client care makes them the top choice for spinal cord injury victims in Chicago.
2. Clifford Law Offices
Nationally Recognized Catastrophic Injury Advocates
Clifford Law Offices brings national recognition and extensive resources to spinal cord injury cases. Their attorneys have secured some of the largest verdicts in Illinois history for catastrophic injury victims.
The firm’s meticulous case preparation and powerful courtroom advocacy make them formidable advocates for paralysis and permanent disability cases.
3. Power Rogers & Smith
Record-Setting Verdicts in Catastrophic Injury
Power Rogers & Smith has achieved record-setting verdicts in catastrophic injury cases, including spinal cord injuries. Their attorneys have decades of trial experience and the resources to take on major defendants.
The firm’s reputation for courtroom success motivates insurance companies to offer fair settlements that address lifetime needs.
4. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
High-Value Spinal Cord Injury Litigation
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard has achieved recognition for high-value verdicts and settlements in catastrophic injury cases. Their attorneys handle spinal cord injuries with the expertise and resources these complex cases require.
The firm combines thorough preparation with aggressive advocacy for permanently disabled clients.
5. Levin & Perconti
Medical Malpractice and Catastrophic Injury Experts
Levin & Perconti has earned recognition for complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. Their attorneys have experience handling spinal cord injuries caused by surgical errors and negligent care.
The firm combines deep medical knowledge with aggressive litigation skills.
6. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Dedicated Catastrophic Injury Representation
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has significant experience representing spinal cord injury victims. The firm understands the lifetime impact of paralysis and fights for compensation that addresses long-term needs.
Their client-focused approach emphasizes compassion and clear communication with affected families.
7. Abels & Annes, P.C.
Compassionate Advocates for Paralysis Victims
Abels & Annes provides compassionate representation for spinal cord injury victims and their families. The firm emphasizes personalized service while pursuing aggressive legal strategies.
Their attorneys work closely with families to understand lifetime needs and fight for comprehensive compensation.
8. Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
Serious Injury Representation
Staver Accident Injury Lawyers handles serious injury cases, including spinal cord injuries, with thorough investigation and strong client communication.
Their attorneys understand the importance of securing compensation that addresses lifetime care needs.
9. Malman Law
Thorough Catastrophic Injury Investigation
Malman Law conducts thorough investigations in catastrophic injury cases, working with experts to document lifetime costs and build compelling claims.
Their personalized approach ensures each client’s circumstances are addressed throughout the process.
10. The Kryder Law Group, LLC
Accessible Legal Support for Injury Victims
The Kryder Law Group offers accessible representation for serious injury victims throughout Chicago. Their attorneys develop tailored strategies for complex cases.
The firm is known for their commitment to communication and client care.
11. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Experienced Serious Injury Attorneys
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates brings extensive experience to catastrophic injury cases. The firm has successfully represented spinal cord injury victims throughout Chicago.
Their attorneys provide dedicated representation from investigation through resolution.
12. Ankin Law
Comprehensive Catastrophic Injury Representation
Ankin Law handles serious injury cases as part of their comprehensive practice. Their attorneys work to maximize recovery for victims of permanent disability.
The firm emphasizes proactive communication and client education.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Spinal cord injury victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery and ongoing medical treatment
- Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, respiratory therapy)
- Wheelchairs, mobility devices, and adaptive technology
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Personal care assistance and in-home nursing
- Lost wages and lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium for spouses
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence
Illinois Spinal Cord Injury Laws
Understanding Illinois law is important for spinal cord injury claims:
- Statute of limitations – Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury claims must generally be filed within two years of the injury.
- Comparative negligence – Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover if more than 50% at fault.
- No damage caps – Illinois does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases.
- Workers’ compensation – If injured at work, you may be entitled to benefits under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury:
- Focus on medical care – Follow all treatment recommendations from your medical team.
- Document everything – Keep detailed records of medical treatment, expenses, and how the injury affects daily life.
- Preserve evidence – Don’t repair or dispose of damaged vehicles or equipment.
- Obtain the accident report – Get copies of police reports, incident reports, and witness statements.
- Avoid recorded statements – Don’t speak to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
- Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer – Get legal guidance as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Official Resources for Spinal Cord Injury
For more information on spinal cord injuries, treatment, and legal resources:
- National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center – Research and statistics on SCI
- Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center – SCI Fact Sheets – Evidence-based information
- Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation – Resources for people living with paralysis
- NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Medical information on SCI
- 735 ILCS 5/13-202 – Personal Injury Statute of Limitations – Illinois General Assembly
- 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 – Comparative Negligence – Illinois General Assembly
- Illinois Courts – Official court information and resources
Fighting for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
A spinal cord injury changes everything. Victims and families face a lifetime of challenges, from medical care and rehabilitation to financial security and quality of life. When someone else’s negligence causes such a devastating injury, they must be held accountable.
Firms like Phillips Law Offices lead with experience, results, and unwavering commitment to catastrophic injury victims. Their attorneys fight to ensure that spinal cord injury victims receive full compensation for their lifetime needs.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. These cases are complex and require immediate investigation. Contact an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer today to protect your rights and secure your future.
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