FREE, NO-RISK CONSULT
Personal Injury Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Chicago, IL Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
After a serious accident in Chicago, your life can change in an instant. While broken bones may heal over time, a spinal cord injury (SCI) can have long-term effects on your mobility, independence, and quality of life. Chronic pain, muscle weakness, or permanent disability can make daily activities difficult or impossible.
You may be entitled to compensation if someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused your injury. The spinal cord injury lawyers with Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., are ready to help. Schedule a free consultation with our Chicago injury lawyers – we’re ready to hear your case and help you calculate your damages.
Your spinal cord is a column of nerves running from your brain down your back, protected by vertebrae. It is a central part of your nervous system, carrying messages between your brain and body. Damage to this network can disrupt mobility, sensation, or bodily function.
Spinal cord injuries can be devastating, often resulting in long-term consequences that affect your independence, health, and quality of life. Our Chicago spinal cord injury lawyers see these challenges firsthand and understand the full impact they can have on victims and their families.
Spinal cord injuries can vary in severity and are typically classified as complete or incomplete. With an incomplete spinal cord injury, some nerve signals can still pass through the damaged area, allowing limited motor or sensory function,
The other kind of spinal cord injury is a complete injury. A complete injury results in no nerve activity below the injury site, causing a total loss of movement and sensation.
Common symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include:
Spinal cord injuries can result from a wide range of accidents, but the most common causes in the United States are motor vehicle accidents and catastrophic falls. Other causes include acts of violence, sports injuries, medical or hospital errors, industrial accidents, and certain diseases.
Whiplash-related car accidents are a frequent source of spinal column or nerve injuries. Any sudden change in speed or direction can damage the spinal cord. Rear-end and side-impact collisions are common examples of car accidents that can lead to spinal cord injuries.
Certain factors increase the risk of spinal cord injury. People aged 16 to 30 and those over 65 are more vulnerable. Additional risk factors include alcohol use, preexisting medical conditions, or failing to use proper safety equipment, such as seat belts or protective gear.
Medical professionals may use several imaging methods to evaluate a spinal cord injury:
Early diagnosis is essential to prevent further damage and to guide treatment options.
Treatment for spinal cord injuries can range from non-invasive therapies to complex surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries, such as whiplash, may improve with time, medication, and physical therapy. More severe injuries may require intensive interventions, including surgical stabilization of the spine.
The treatment plan for a spinal cord injury depends on the severity and location of the damage. Doctors often combine multiple approaches to address both immediate and long-term needs. Early intervention and personalized care are key to reducing complications and improving recovery outcomes.
Medications are often prescribed to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and prevent secondary damage to the spinal cord. Early intervention can limit swelling, which reduce long-term complications.
Therapy plays a critical role in regaining mobility and improving daily function. Physical and occupational therapists design personalized programs to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and help patients adapt to changes in their physical abilities.
Spinal surgery may be necessary to stabilize vertebrae, relieve pressure on nerves, or repair structural damage. Procedures such as vertebrae fusion or decompression surgery can prevent further injury and support long-term recovery.
Emerging techniques, including nerve regeneration therapies, aim to repair damaged spinal nerves. While not yet a complete cure, these treatments can improve functional outcomes, especially in incomplete injuries.
Many patients with spinal cord injuries rely on wheelchairs, walkers, reacher tools, or home modifications to maintain independence. Customized solutions help improve quality of life and enable patients to perform daily activities safely.
Every spinal cord injury is unique, and recovery can vary greatly from person to person. Factors like the type of injury, promptness of medical care, and access to rehabilitation all influence how much function can be regained. Understanding the typical recovery stages can help patients and families plan for both short-term treatment and long-term care needs.
Recovery depends on the injury type, severity, and speed of medical response. Swelling from the initial injury may recede, allowing nerves to regain some function.
In incomplete injuries, therapy and ongoing care may help patients recover over 12–18 months, and in some cases, progress can continue for years. Complete injuries often result in permanent limitations, but adaptive strategies and rehabilitation can enhance independence and quality of life.
Several factors influence recovery outcomes:
Yes. Even years after an accident, patients with incomplete injuries may continue to make measurable gains through ongoing therapy and advances in treatment. Consistent rehabilitation and adaptive strategies can maximize mobility, independence, and overall function over time.
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue financial compensation under Illinois personal injury laws. Compensation can help cover both the immediate and long-term costs of your injury, ensuring you have the resources needed for treatment, recovery, and daily living. Acting quickly is important, as Illinois law gives you only two years to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.
Economic damages are out-of-pocket expenses directly related to your spinal cord injury. These may include:
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that do not have a direct monetary value but significantly affect your quality of life. Examples include:
Our team of dedicated lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., can help calculate the full value of your case, ensuring both your economic and non-economic losses are accounted for.
In many cases, spinal cord injuries result in permanent impairments, making you eligible for Social Security disability benefits. These payments can provide critical financial support if you experience paralysis, severe pain, loss of muscle control, impaired coordination, or other functional limitations.
Receiving disability benefits should not prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim. Personal injury compensation is designed to recover damages caused by the accident, including medical costs, lost income, and diminished quality of life. A skilled Chicago spinal cord injury lawyer can explain how disability payments may interact with your claim and help you navigate both systems effectively.
The amount of compensation depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A skilled Chicago spinal cord injury lawyer can help calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you receive fair compensation.
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly is crucial to protect your legal rights and preserve important evidence.
A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. An incomplete injury allows some nerve function to remain, meaning partial movement or sensation may be preserved.
Yes. Experienced lawyers know how to document damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate effectively in court. Hiring a skilled attorney can significantly increase the likelihood of obtaining a fair settlement.
Illinois follows a comparative fault system, which means you may still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident. A Chicago spinal cord injury lawyer can help ensure your claim accounts for your percentage of fault while maximizing compensation.
A spinal cord injury can dramatically change your life, impacting your mobility, independence, and ability to work. When someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you deserve full financial compensation. Hiring a Staver spinal cord injury lawyer in Chicago ensures you have an experienced advocate who understands the complexities of these cases and knows how to fight for your rights.
A Staver personal injury attorney can:
We understand the long-term impact of spinal cord injuries and will make sure your claim accounts for current and future medical expenses, lost income, and diminished quality of life.
We provide personalized support throughout your case, keeping you informed at every stage. Our firm operates under a “no win, no fee” policy, so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Spinal cord injuries carry serious consequences, from permanent disability to loss of independence. You shouldn’t face the legal process alone while focusing on recovery. The Chicago spinal cord injury lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. are here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your consultation today by calling us at (312) 236-2900 or by using our contact form. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the first step toward financial recovery.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
We’re ready to fight for you. We’re ready to be your ally. And we’re ready to start right now. Don’t waste time, contact our law offices today.
FREE CASE EVALUATION – (312) 236-2900Serious injuries don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, which is why we are always available to help if you have been hurt. Our team is available around the clock to provide the support you need.
