Editorial disclosure: This website is owned and operated by Phillips Law Offices. The firms listed on this site are selected and described by the site’s editors, not by an independent third-party rating service. Phillips Law Offices is featured prominently as the site’s owner.

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 Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices

Phillips Law Offices is one of Chicago’s most established and respected personal injury law firms, with a history of fighting for spinal cord injury victims and their families that dates back to 1945. For decades, the firm has built a reputation for handling the most severe and life-altering injury cases in Illinois, including paralysis, quadriplegia, and traumatic spinal injuries caused by car accidents, truck crashes, falls, workplace incidents, and medical negligence. Founded by John Phillips, the firm was created with a singular mission: to represent injured people and hold negligent individuals, corporations, hospitals, trucking companies, and insurance carriers accountable for the harm they cause.

Today, Phillips Law Offices continues that legacy through a team of highly skilled trial attorneys who focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death litigation. The firm has successfully represented spinal cord injury victims in cases involving cervical and lumbar trauma, undiagnosed spinal infections in emergency rooms, surgical errors, paralysis from falls and construction site accidents, and catastrophic motor vehicle collisions. Their attorneys work closely with life care planners, neurologists, neurosurgeons, vocational economists, and rehabilitation specialists to fully document a client’s lifetime needs and pursue maximum compensation.

A Legacy of Catastrophic Injury Excellence Since 1945

Few personal injury firms in Chicago can match the history, experience, and legal reputation of Phillips Law Offices. For more than 75 years, the firm has remained committed exclusively to protecting the rights of injury victims. This long-standing focus has allowed the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices to develop extensive knowledge of Illinois injury law, insurance litigation strategies, trial preparation, medical evidence, and complex spinal injury litigation involving lifetime care and permanent disability.

The firm’s founder, John Phillips, immigrated to the United States from Sicily as a child and built the law firm through hard work, integrity, and dedication to helping injured people. Over the years, Phillips Law Offices became known not only for securing substantial verdicts and settlements, but also for helping shape injury law in Illinois through leadership roles, trial advocacy, legal education, and professional involvement within the Illinois legal community.

That commitment to excellence remains a defining characteristic of the firm today.

Comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Representation

Phillips Law Offices handles nearly every type of spinal cord and catastrophic injury case in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The firm’s attorneys understand that paralysis and severe spinal trauma alter every aspect of a person’s life physically, emotionally, and financially. Their legal team aggressively pursues compensation designed to cover lifetime medical care, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, home and vehicle modifications, in-home nursing and personal care, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the long-term needs unique to spinal cord injury survivors.

The firm regularly represents clients in spinal cord injury cases involving:

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents causing cervical or thoracic trauma
Pedestrian and bicycle collisions resulting in paralysis
Falls from heights on construction sites
Workplace and industrial spinal injuries
Undiagnosed spinal infections and epidural abscesses
Surgical errors during spinal procedures
Emergency room misdiagnosis leading to permanent paralysis
Defective products and equipment failures
Sports, diving, and recreational spinal injuries
Birth injuries causing neurological damage
Assault and violent acts resulting in spinal trauma
Nursing home falls and immobility-related injuries
Quadriplegia and tetraplegia cases
Paraplegia and incomplete paralysis
Complications from delayed diagnosis

Their attorneys have experience handling both incomplete injuries with partial preservation of function and complete cervical injuries requiring lifetime ventilator support and 24-hour personal care.

Proven Results in High-Value Spinal Cord and Catastrophic Cases

Phillips Law Offices has secured significant verdicts and settlements for spinal cord injury victims and catastrophically injured clients throughout Illinois. The firm’s track record reflects decades of aggressive advocacy and courtroom success against hospitals, insurance companies, and corporate defendants.

$16 Million Paralysis Settlement

Phillips Law Offices recovered a $16 million settlement for a client whose spinal infection allegedly went undiagnosed and untreated in an emergency room, resulting in paralysis from the waist down. The case demonstrated the firm’s ability to prove complex medical causation against a hospital defendant.

$17.5 Million Record Settlement for Permanent Disability

The firm obtained a record-setting $17.5 million settlement for a 37-year-old man who became severely disabled following hernia surgery. Notably, the case had previously been rejected by two other plaintiff law firms before Phillips Law Offices pursued the claim successfully.

$14 Million Permanent Neurological Injury Verdict

Following six years of litigation and a two-week jury trial, Phillips Law Offices secured a $14 million verdict for a 46-year-old father of two who suffered permanent neurological injuries after being improperly discharged from an emergency department in Mattoon, Illinois.

$10 Million Spinal Infection Paralysis Settlement

The firm recovered $10 million for a 31-year-old Chicago man who suffered paralysis from an undiagnosed spinal infection – a case requiring extensive medical expert testimony and detailed life-care planning.

$10 Million Escalator Amputation Verdict

Phillips Law Offices obtained a $10 million result for a child whose hand became trapped in a 42-year-old escalator at a Chicagoland commercial building, resulting in catastrophic injuries including amputation of two fingers.

These results reflect the firm’s commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for clients facing lifetime disability and catastrophic loss.

Respected Trial Attorneys in Chicago

One of the reasons Phillips Law Offices is consistently recognized among the top spinal cord injury firms in Chicago is its reputation for trial advocacy. Insurance companies and hospital defense attorneys know the firm is fully prepared to take cases to court when fair settlement offers are not made. This litigation-focused strategy often strengthens the firm’s negotiating position and allows its attorneys to pursue better outcomes for catastrophically injured clients.

The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices are known for:

Thorough investigation of medical records and accident scenes
Detailed life care planning with medical and economic experts
Aggressive courtroom advocacy in high-value catastrophic injury cases
Medical evidence analysis with neurologists and neurosurgeons
Effective negotiation with hospital insurers and major carriers
Strong jury trial experience in complex paralysis litigation
Client-focused, family-centered representation

Their experience handling spinal cord and catastrophic injury litigation has helped establish the firm as a trusted name throughout the Chicago legal community.

Meet the Attorneys at Phillips Law Offices

Stephen D. Phillips

Stephen D. Phillips is widely recognized for his work representing victims in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation throughout Illinois. Known for his courtroom skill, compassion for clients, and extensive litigation experience, Stephen Phillips has helped continue the firm’s longstanding reputation for excellence in spinal cord and paralysis cases.

Stephen J. Phillips

Stephen J. Phillips continues the family legacy of trial advocacy at Phillips Law Offices, representing spinal cord injury victims and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. He is known for thorough case preparation, strong client communication, and a steady focus on building cases that withstand scrutiny at trial.

Terrence M. Quinn

Terrence M. Quinn brings substantial trial experience to the litigation team at Phillips Law Offices, with a practice focused on catastrophic injury, medical negligence, and wrongful death cases. Clients consistently praise his thorough preparation, courtroom presence, and commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for serious injuries.

Michael J. Phillips

Michael J. Phillips has earned praise from clients for his communication, professionalism, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. He works closely with injury victims throughout every stage of the legal process and is known for keeping clients informed while aggressively protecting their interests.

Alec D. Mesrobian

Alec D. Mesrobian has developed a strong reputation for handling complex injury litigation with professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail. Clients consistently praise his strategic guidance, thorough preparation, and commitment to achieving successful resolutions.

Together, the attorneys at Phillips Law Offices bring generations of combined legal experience to every spinal cord injury case they handle.

What Clients Say About Phillips Law Offices

Phillips Law Offices has earned outstanding reviews from injury victims and clients throughout Chicago who consistently praise the firm’s professionalism, communication, legal knowledge, and compassionate representation.

One client, Dani Berny, praised attorney Michael Phillips for consistently providing updates throughout her personal injury case and ensuring she always felt confident that her legal team was acting in her best interests. She also highlighted the firm’s professionalism, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of injury law.

Another client, Khaled Aboushaala, described attorney Alec D. Mesrobian’s representation as “exceptional in every respect,” noting that the case progressed efficiently once Alec assumed representation and praising his organization, responsiveness, and strategic judgment.

Marge S. commended Alec Mesrobian and Amanda Daliege for guiding her family through the legal process step-by-step while answering every question thoroughly and patiently.

Brandon DeWitt referred to Phillips Law Offices as home to some of the “best, skilled, elite personal injury attorneys in Chicago,” praising the firm’s compassion, responsiveness, and decades of experience helping injured victims.

Sasha Spektor described the caliber of talent at Phillips Law Offices as “unmatched,” specifically recognizing Stephen Phillips for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to clients.

Reagan Tokoly highlighted Michael Phillips’ clear communication and willingness to explain every stage of the process in detail following an accident case that resulted in a highly favorable outcome.

“I highly recommend Phillips Injury Attorneys of Chicago for anyone that needs a highly skilled injury lawyer in Chicago. Stephen Phillips has an amazing record of providing great representation throughout the greater Chicagoland area. If you’re living in Chicago, you should know about Stephen and his firm’s abilities to help people that have been involved in an accident. If I was ever in an accident, I would call Stephen Phillips.”

– Darrell Blue

Client-Focused Representation

What truly distinguishes Phillips Law Offices from many other personal injury firms is its client-centered approach. The firm understands that a spinal cord injury affects not only the victim, but the entire family. Because of this, their attorneys prioritize communication, accessibility, compassion, and personalized legal support throughout every case.

Clients are never treated like numbers or files. Instead, the firm takes time to understand each client’s injuries, concerns, financial challenges, rehabilitation goals, and long-term needs. The attorneys at Phillips Law Offices remain accessible throughout the legal process and work closely with families to ensure they understand every available legal option.

The firm also operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless compensation is successfully recovered. Free consultations are available for injury victims seeking guidance after serious accidents or acts of negligence.

Deep Roots in Chicago and Illinois

Phillips Law Offices has represented injury victims throughout Chicago, Cook County, and communities across Illinois for generations. Their attorneys possess extensive familiarity with local courts, judges, insurance defense tactics, Illinois personal injury statutes, and the specialized medical infrastructure for spinal cord injury treatment and rehabilitation across Chicagoland.

From catastrophic accidents on Chicago expressways to complex medical malpractice litigation involving local hospitals and rehabilitation centers, the firm’s experience handling spinal cord injury cases throughout Illinois provides clients with a significant advantage.

Their longstanding reputation in the Chicago legal community reflects decades of dedicated advocacy, successful litigation, and commitment to helping spinal cord injury survivors rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.

Why Clients Choose Phillips Law Offices for Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Phillips Law Offices continues to be recognized among Chicago’s leading spinal cord injury law firms because of its:

More than 75 years of catastrophic injury experience
Exclusive focus on personal injury and wrongful death law
Proven record of multi-million-dollar paralysis verdicts and settlements
Highly respected trial attorneys
Strong client reviews and testimonials
Compassionate, family-centered representation
Extensive litigation experience against hospitals and major insurers
Deep knowledge of Illinois injury law and life-care planning
Commitment to maximizing lifetime compensation for clients
Longstanding reputation within the Chicago legal community

For individuals and families facing the lifetime impact of a spinal cord injury, Phillips Law Offices remains one of the most trusted and accomplished personal injury firms in Chicago.

Every case is evaluated on its own facts, and prior results do not predict future outcomes.

Contact Phillips Law Offices

Address: 161 N Clark St, #4925, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: (312) 346-4262
Website: phillipslawoffices.com

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.