Paralysis affects your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. The consequences are tragic, whether caused by a car accident or medical malpractice.
We are here for you, specializing in advocating for paralysis injury victims and helping them secure justice. We will guide you every step, providing personalized, compassionate, and results-driven legal representation!
Why Choose Us as Your Paralysis Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer with experience in paralysis cases is crucial. Chicago Injury Lawyer navigates the complexities of all legal processes with expert hands. We understand you deserve to know your legal rights and what steps to take next.
Our paralysis injury lawyer can assist in the following ways:
Experience and Expertise
With years of experience handling complex personal injury cases, our paralysis attorneys understand the intricacies of paralysis injury claims. They know how to maximize compensation for clients.
Personalized Attention
Every client’s story is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific needs and goals. You will receive one-on-one attention and tailored legal strategies from our attorneys.
Proven Results
Our lawyers have a track record of securing substantial client settlements and verdicts. It enables them to move forward with financial security.
Our Services for Paralysis Injury Victims
It may surprise you to learn how beneficial our attorney can be. Here’s what more services you can expect when working with us:
- Free Consultation:
We will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. - Investigation and Evidence Collection:
We will gather crucial evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident reports, to build a strong case. - Negotiation with Insurance Companies:
Our lawyers will handle all communication with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. - Litigation (if necessary):
We will take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court if a fair settlement cannot be worked out.
Understanding Paralysis Injuries: Common Causes
Paralysis is when you lose the ability to move or feel parts of your body due to nerve damage. It can occur in different forms, affecting various body parts, from the arms and legs to the entire body (quadriplegia or tetraplegia).
A paralytic condition is more frequent than you think in the US, including Chicago. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are approximately 17,500 new spinal cord injuries each year in the United States.
The severity and long-term impact of paralysis can be life-altering. It often requires extensive medical care, therapy, and assistance with daily activities.
Some common causes of paralysis injuries in Chicago include:
- Car Accidents:
Car crashes are one of the leading causes of paralysis. A severe collision can cause damage to the spinal cord or brain, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Medical Malpractice:
A mistake made during surgery or an improper diagnosis can result in spinal cord injury or brain injury, leading to paralysis.
- Workplace Accidents:
Construction sites and other hazardous work environments are familiar places where paralysis injuries occur. Falls, equipment malfunctions, and being struck by heavy objects can all cause significant injuries.
- Slip and Fall Accidents:
Property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe premises. If you suffer a fall due to unsafe conditions on someone’s property, it could result in spinal or brain injuries, leading to paralysis.
- Violence and Assault:
Acts of violence, including shootings or physical assaults, can cause severe injuries, including paralysis.
Different Types of Paralysis Injuries and Their Impact
Illinois, being one of the largest states in the U.S., reports a significant number of spinal cord injuries each year. Here are some types of paralysis injuries and their harmful impact:
- Paraplegia:
This paralysis affects the lower half of the body, including the legs. It can result from spinal cord injuries and often requires lifelong rehabilitation, assistive devices, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia):
Affecting all four limbs and the torso, quadriplegia is one of the most severe forms of paralysis. Victims may lose the ability to perform basic tasks and require full-time care.
- Hemiplegia:
This paralysis impacts one side of the body, typically due to a stroke or brain injury. It can impair mobility and coordination, making daily activities challenging.
- Monoplegia:
Monoplegia impacts a single limb, often as a result of nerve damage or localized trauma. While less severe than other types, it can still limit functionality and independence.
- Partial Paralysis (Paresis):
In this condition, there is reduced strength or mobility in the affected area rather than a complete loss of function. It may improve with therapy but still impacts quality of life.
Legal Recourse for Paralysis Victims in Chicago
Several laws and legal frameworks protect victims of paralysis injuries in Illinois. Let’s understand these laws to navigate your claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
1. Illinois Personal Injury Law
This rule applies to car accidents, slip and fall injuries, and other personal injury cases. Under Personal Injury Law (735 ILCS 5/13-202), victims can pursue compensation from those whose negligence caused their injuries. For example, if a distracted driver caused a car accident that resulted in your paralysis, you can hold them liable for damages.
2. Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act
If you sustain a paralysis injury while working, the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. It provides a no-fault system where you don’t need to prove the employer was negligent, only that the injury occurred during your employment.
3. Premises Liability Laws
Property owners in Chicago have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. If unsafe conditions caused your paralysis, you could file a premises liability claim under Illinois law (740 ILCS 130). This law allows victims to seek compensation from property owners who fail to fix dangerous conditions or warn visitors of risks.
4. Product Liability Laws
If a defective product caused your injury, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer under Illinois law. This could include defective vehicles, machinery, or medical equipment. The law (735 ILCS 5/2-621) allows individuals to hold the responsible parties accountable for injuries caused by their faulty products.
5. Medical Malpractice Laws
Victims of paralysis caused by medical errors, such as botched surgeries or anesthesia mistakes, can file a medical malpractice claim under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/2-622). To succeed in a medical malpractice case, you must prove that the healthcare provider’s actions or failure to act fell below the standard of care and directly caused your injury.
Statute of Limitations: Paralysis Injury Laws
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the severe injury or the discovery of the injury. This applies to most claims, including paralysis caused by accidents, negligence, or malpractice.
It is important to note that if your injury was caused by medical malpractice, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of discovery of the malpractice. You may have up to four years from the date the malpractice occurred, whichever is sooner.
For workers’ compensation claims under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the injury or two years from the last payment of compensation.
If you miss the deadline, you may forfeit your right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with our experienced Chicago paraplegic or quadriplegia injury lawyers immediately after the injury. They can expertly handle any type of paralysis injury claims.
Fight for Justice with Our Chicago Paralysis Injury Lawyer!
A paralysis injury can feel like the end of the road. However, with proper legal representation, it can mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Our mission is to empower paralysis victims in Chicago by securing equal rights and compensation. Your future is worth fighting for; don’t wait another day. Contact Chicago Injury Lawyer for a free consultation today, and let’s take the first step toward justice together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can family members recover compensation for a loved one’s paralysis injury?
Sometimes, family members may be eligible for compensation for loss of companionship or support.
What types of compensation can I receive for paralysis injuries?
Victims of paralysis injuries may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and even punitive damages in some cases.
What evidence do I need to support my paralysis injury claim?
Essential evidence includes medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
