Illinois Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

A Team of Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Fighting for You

Our spinal cord injury lawyers have decades of experience in cases involving life-changing injuries, including spinal cord injuries, and paralysis. When you choose Strong Law Offices, your spinal cord injury attorney will go to work immediately to begin building your case. Our spinal cord injury lawyers will investigate the events leading to your injury, calculate the full value of your economic and non-economic losses, and seek maximum compensation for you.

Levels of Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are categorized based on the location and severity of the damage to the spinal cord. These injuries can lead to varying degrees of impairment and disability, affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions. Understanding the levels of spinal injuries is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Cervical Spine Injuries (C1-C7)

The cervical spine, consisting of seven vertebrae (C1-C7), is located in the neck. Injuries to this region are often the most severe due to their proximity to the brain and the involvement of nerve pathways controlling vital functions. High cervical injuries (C1-C4) can result in quadriplegia, where all four limbs and the torso are affected, often requiring mechanical ventilation. Lower cervical injuries (C5-C7) may allow limited arm and hand movement, but still result in disability.

Thoracic Spine Injuries (T1-T12)

The thoracic spine, encompassing twelve vertebrae (T1-T12), is located in the upper and mid-back. Injuries in this region typically result in paraplegia, affecting the lower body and legs. Thoracic injuries can impair bowel and bladder control and autonomic functions, though upper body strength and function are usually preserved.

Lumbar and Sacral Spine Injuries (L1-L5 and S1-S5)

The lumbar (L1-L5) and sacral (S1-S5) regions of the spine are located in the lower back and pelvis, respectively. Injuries here often result in varying degrees of paraplegia, affecting the hips, legs, and feet. Lumbar injuries can impact motor and sensory functions in the lower extremities, while sacral injuries might primarily affect bowel, bladder, and sexual functions.

Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries 

Spinal injuries are also classified as complete or incomplete. A complete injury results in total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site. An incomplete injury retains some motor or sensory function, allowing for greater recovery.

Understanding these levels and types of spinal injuries is vital for developing appropriate treatment plans and maximizing rehabilitation outcomes.

What Are the Top Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can result from various traumatic events or medical conditions, each contributing to different extents. The top causes of SCIs are:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCIs, accounting for nearly half of all cases. The high-impact collisions often cause trauma to the spinal cord, leading to disabling injuries.

Falls

Falls are the second most common cause of SCIs, especially among older adults. Slips, trips, and falls from heights can result in severe spinal damage, particularly affecting the cervical and lumbar regions.

Acts of Violence

Acts of violence, including gunshot and stab wounds, are responsible for a considerable percentage of SCIs. These injuries often occur in urban settings and can cause damage to the spinal cord, depending on the location and severity of the trauma.

Sports and Recreational Activities

High-impact sports and recreational activities, such as football, diving, and skiing, contribute to SCIs. Athletes are at higher risk due to the physical nature of these sports, which can lead to falls, collisions, and other traumatic injuries.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions, such as tumors, infections, and degenerative diseases can cause SCIs. These non-traumatic injuries develop over time and can result in gradual or sudden loss of spinal cord function.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation, can lead to SCIs. Heavy machinery, falls from heights, and other hazards pose significant risks for spinal injuries.

Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury

Recognizing the signs of a spinal cord injury (SCI) is crucial for prompt medical intervention and better outcomes. SCIs can present a range of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

• Loss of movement, sensation, or function. One of the most apparent signs is the sudden loss of movement in any part of the body, which can range from partial weakness to complete paralysis, typically affecting areas below the injury site. Additionally, individuals may experience a loss of sensation, including the inability to feel heat, cold, and touch, often occurring below the level of the spinal injury. Problems with walking, balance, and coordination can also signal an SCI. 
• Bowel, lung, and bladder function impairment. Difficulty or inability to control bowel and bladder functions is a common sign of SCI due to disrupted nerve signals. Other symptoms include altered sensation, such as numbness, tingling, or a sensation of electric shock running down the spine and into the limbs, known as paresthesia. Injuries to the cervical spine can impair breathing, requiring immediate medical attention, as they may affect the diaphragm and respiratory muscles. 
• Pain and pressure. Severe pain or an intense pressure sensation in the neck, head, or back can indicate a spinal cord injury. 

Early recognition of these signs and seeking medical care are essential for minimizing damage and improving the injured victim’s prognosis.

How Much Is My Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?

The value of a spinal cord injury (SCI) case can vary widely, depending on several factors. Key considerations include the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment required, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life. 

Compensation typically covers medical expenses, including ongoing and future care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Additionally, lost wages and loss of earning capacity are components, especially if the injury prevents the victim from returning to work.

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life also play crucial roles in determining the case’s worth. Factors such as the victim’s age, pre-injury health, and the degree of negligence or fault of the responsible party can further influence the settlement amount. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to accurately evaluate and maximize the compensation in an SCI case.Find out how much your spinal cord injury case may be worth. Call our experienced attorneys at 309-393-2928. 

The Role of the Life Care Planner in Your Spinal Cord Injury Case

As part of the legal effort, our Chicago spinal cord injury lawyers will consult with your doctor and other medical specialists to learn about your injuries and the care and services you need to rebuild your life. If you have suffered a severe spinal cord injury, we will ask a life care planner to join our team. This medical professional will interview you, your family, and a host of other medical professionals and specialists. The purpose will be to identify all the medical care, rehabilitation services and personal services you will need for the rest of your life.

This list of services will be comprehensive in scope, compassionate, and reflective of your needs and of those of your family. It could, for example, specify the need for a wheelchair-compatible van, alterations to your home and more. Strong Law Offices will then work tenaciously to help you obtain the financial resources to pay for those needed services.

Free Consultation — Contact Our Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Contact spinal cord injury lawyers at 309-393-2928 to schedule your free consultation.

Jurisdictions We Serve

The spinal cord injury lawyers at Strong Law Offices serve injured victims throughout Illinois. We have locations in Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington, Chicago, and Champaign. We offer free consultations. Evening, weekend, and off-site appointments are available on request. 

FAQs About Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits

How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Spinal Cord Injury?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations to sue for a spinal cord injury is generally two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury. It’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney promptly to understand deadlines and preserve your legal rights.

What Is the Lifelong Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The lifelong impact of a spinal cord injury (SCI) varies depending on its severity and location. Common effects include loss of movement, sensation, and function below the injury site, potentially leading to permanent paralysis. SCI can also impact bowel and bladder control, respiratory function, and overall quality of life, necessitating ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. Emotional and psychological challenges, such as depression and anxiety, are also prevalent among those with SCI, highlighting the comprehensive and lifelong adjustments required for individuals and their families.

When Can You Sue for a Spinal Cord Injury?

You can sue for a spinal cord injury when it results from another party’s negligence or intentional harm. Common scenarios include motor vehicle accidents, falls due to unsafe premises, medical malpractice, and acts of violence. To file a lawsuit, you must establish that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury, resulting in damages.