Experienced Illinois Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
When life takes an unexpected turn, and you or a loved one face the devastating consequences of a spinal cord injury, you need experienced and professional lawyers who will relentlessly fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. At Deratany & Kosner, our attorneys understand the challenges that come with spinal cord injuries, and we’re here to provide knowledgeable and powerful legal representation. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys are committed to advocating for you, both in Chicago and across the nation.
What Is A Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is an important part of the body and nervous system that serves to send nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Nerve signals sent from the brain are used to control body movements. Signals are also sent back up from the spine to the brain to report senses. The spine itself is a band of tissues, nerves and cells that are protected by bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other and separated by soft, cushion-like intervertebral disks used for shock absorption.
A spinal cord injury is any kind of damage to the spinal cord. The injury could damage the nerves, vertebrae or intervertebral disks. If the spinal cord is injured, it could disrupt the passage of signals to and from the brain, which can lead to serious medical conditions. An individual could suffer a spinal cord injury from car accidents and slip-and-fall accidents. While some spinal cord injuries can eventually heal, many people who have experienced spinal cord injuries can suffer from long-term disabilities for the rest of their lives.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Back Injury?
The symptoms of a back and spinal cord injury often depend on the nature of the accident and the location of the injury. Sometimes, someone may not even realize that they are seriously injured until their adrenaline drops and swelling sets in – while other people may instantly know that they are hurt or even paralyzed.
Paralysis can be caused by an injury on the upper or lower back. Individuals suffering from paralysis can lose feeling and motor control over their bodies. Some forms of paralysis can cause victims to lose control over entire limbs, while others may cause slight loss of feeling over smaller parts of the body.
Other kinds of back injury symptoms include:
- Weakness in the body
- Pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bladder control
- Unnatural bending of the spine
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling and bruising
Anybody who suspects they may have a spinal cord injury should seek immediate medical help.
Common Causes Of Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can happen for a wide variety of reasons. How they occur can be important when considering factors like fault, negligence and potential compensation. Examples include:
● Car accidents: Approximately 50% of new spinal cord injuries each year are caused by motor vehicle accidents. These include accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and others.
● Falls: For individuals aged 65 and older, most spinal cord injuries occur due to falls. However, falls can also affect younger people, such as construction workers who experience workplace accidents.
● Diseases: Certain diseases, such as cancer or osteoporosis, can lead to spinal cord injuries. Some diseases cause inflammation of the spinal cord, resulting in pain, restricted mobility and other symptoms.
● Recreational injuries: Swimming injuries, like diving into water that is too shallow, account for about one out of every 10 spinal cord injuries. Other athletic activities, such as football or hockey, also contribute to these injuries.
● Violence: Approximately 12% of spinal cord injuries are caused by violence, such as knife wounds or gunshot wounds. These can result in irreversible damage.
No matter how they occur, spinal cord injuries must be taken seriously, as they can have life-changing ramifications.
Determining Liability For A Spinal Cord Injury
Liability for a spinal cord injury often centers on the aspect of negligence. For example, if someone suffers an SCI in a car accident caused by another driver, that driver’s negligence may be the ultimate cause of the injury. Perhaps the driver was distracted, impaired or reckless.
In sports injuries, negligence can sometimes be attributed to the team or institution. For instance, a hockey player who is given improper equipment and then gets injured during a play may have grounds to claim negligence. In such cases, the coach or team may be held responsible.
The exact process of determining negligence will vary from case to case. Generally, it must be shown that:
● One party owed a duty of care to the injured party.
● They breached that duty of care.
● Their actions directly caused the injury.
● The financial damages – such as medical bills – are directly related to that injury.
At this stage, it can often be helpful to review medical records or obtain statements from medical professionals, such as spinal cord specialists. These experts can help determine the extent of the injury, the necessary treatment and whether the injury is likely to result in a lifelong disability.
Comprehensive Analysis For Your Case
As relentless litigators, we leave no stone unturned when seeking justice for our clients. Spinal cord injuries can result from a range of circumstances, including medical malpractice and accidents. Our attorneys comprehensively analyze every aspect of your case, from the initial incident to the medical treatment you’ve received. We’re dedicated to finding the facts and building the strongest possible legal case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Personalized Attention For Every Case
We are focused on clients first. Our team knows that every spinal cord injury case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific situation. This personalized attention allows us to tailor our legal strategies to your needs, ensuring you receive the support and representation you require.
Get Started Today
Our passion for advocacy and justice drives us to stand up for the rights of victims who have suffered spinal cord injuries due to medical malpractice, accidents or other forms of negligence. We’re not only experienced spinal cord injury lawyers, but we’re also winners of historic verdicts in Chicago and nationwide. Our commitment to your case is unwavering, and we are here to guide you through the legal process, fighting for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury, our attorneys are here to help. Contact us today by calling 312-815-6231 or completing this online form for a free consultation. We serve and support clients in Chicago and nationwide, and we’re ready to advocate for your rights and well-being.