Role of Your Spinal Cord
The spinal cord connects the nerves in the body and controls movement and organ function. If negligence results in a catastrophic spinal cord injury, a victim’s ability can be impacted to the point of paralysis.
In the United States, more than 2 million people are paralyzed. Because paralysis typically prevents you from moving your arms or legs (or both), people with severe spinal cord injuries experience a significantly decreased quality of life.
If you have become paralyzed, you may not find work or enjoy life in the ways you did before your accident. You need a Chicago paralysis lawyer.
Why Choose Walner Law for Your Paralysis Injury Claim
A paralysis of any degree is devastating, leaving you to navigate an uncertain future. Since 1961, Walner Law has been helping individuals and families in Chicago pursue justice after calamitous injuries.
Drawing on decades of experience and a history of multi-million-dollar settlements, our team is committed to helping you recover the resources needed to move forward.
Catastrophic injuries bring equally dramatic challenges, from mounting medical expenses to lost income and emotional hardships. At Walner Law, we hear your story, fully grasp the impact of your injury, and guide you with care through every stage of your claim.
Trust is at the core of our client relationships. When you choose Walner Law, you’ll gain a steadfast advocate prioritizing your rights and well-being.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
When your spinal cord is injured, it swells. The swelling is what causes the paralysis. Sometimes, when the swelling goes down, you may regain movement and use of your extremities.
There are two primary forms of paralysis:
- Paraplegia: This paralysis occurs when victims have no feeling and cannot move any lower part of their bodies, usually below the torso.
- Quadriplegia: This paralysis occurs when victims cannot move their arms and legs.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential to help improve function. Sadly, some people will never completely recover from their paralysis.
Additionally, paralysis victims may be in recovery for months, or even a year or longer, and never regain mobility.
Leading Causes of Paralysis
The leading cause of paralysis is motor vehicle accidents. Trauma resulting from an automobile accident can cause temporary or permanent paralysis.
Statistics reveal that about 55 percent of all paralysis cases are caused by a motor vehicle collision.
Other common causes include:
Medical malpractice
Medical negligence, including surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, or improper treatment, can lead to paralysis. For example, a mistake during spinal surgery or a failure to properly manage an infection can cause irreversible damage to the spinal cord.
Paralysis victims affected by medical malpractice may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit to seek compensation for their medical bills, ongoing care, and lost wages.
Workplace and construction accidents
Injury victims working in high-risk industries such as construction face a greater likelihood of experiencing severe spinal cord injuries. Falls from heights, being struck by heavy equipment, or unsafe working conditions can result in paralysis.
Injured clients can claim personal injury against negligent parties or employers who failed to maintain a safe work environment.
Sports injuries
High-impact sports, such as football, gymnastics, and diving, are common causes of spinal cord injuries, especially when safety equipment is faulty or rules are not enforced.
Victims of sports injuries who experience a paralysis injury due to someone else’s negligence may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover maximum compensation.
Acts of violence
Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage from gunshot wounds or other acts of violence often lead to complete paralysis or severe motor function impairment.
Paralysis injury cases involving violence can be complex, requiring skilled legal support to identify responsible parties and build a strong personal injury case.
Defective products
Defective products, such as malfunctioning vehicles or unsafe equipment, can cause catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries. Paralysis injury attorneys can assist victims in pursuing legal action against manufacturers to obtain financial support for their recovery.
Slip-and-fall accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents, whether in public spaces or private properties, frequently result in spinal cord injuries. Injury lawyers help paralysis victims file personal injury claims to hold property owners accountable for their negligence.
Birth injuries and cerebral palsy
Paralysis cases stemming from medical negligence during childbirth, such as improper use of delivery tools, can cause paralysis or cerebral palsy in newborns. Medical professionals involved may be liable for damages through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Paralyzing Accident
The aftermath of a paralyzing accident reshapes every aspect of life, leaving you to face the heavy financial burden of medical bills, a sudden loss of income, and the daily challenges of adapting to severe spinal cord injuries.
Each day can feel like an uphill battle, and the legal complexities of pursuing compensation only add to the strain.
Working with skilled Chicago paralysis injury attorneys gives you the advantage of experienced guidance and advocacy, allowing you to focus on healing while they fight for your rights.
Here’s how they make a meaningful difference in your recovery:
Build a strong personal injury case
An injury lawyer will gather critical evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to support your personal injury claim. They thoroughly document your case, strengthening your position against the responsible party or their insurance company.
Seek maximum compensation
Paralysis injury victims face extensive costs, including medical treatment, physical therapy, lost wages, and home modifications. Paralysis lawyers calculate the full financial burden of your injuries and fight for maximum compensation to cover your current and future needs.
Handle insurance companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in personal injury cases. A paralysis injury attorney negotiates directly with insurers, leveraging their proven track record to secure fair compensation for catastrophic injuries like complete spinal cord injury or permanent paralysis.
Pursue accountability for negligence
Whether your injury resulted from a motor vehicle crash, medical malpractice, or another form of negligence, your lawyer ensures those responsible are held accountable. Legal action can provide the financial recovery you need while sending a message about the importance of safety and care.
Navigate complex legal processes
Personal injury lawsuits involve intricate legal procedures, deadlines, and paperwork. An experienced law firm manages these complexities, allowing you to focus on healing while they advocate on your behalf.
Secure financial support for the future
Paralyzing accidents often create long-term challenges, including ongoing medical treatment and loss of earning capacity. A skilled injury lawyer helps you receive the financial support necessary to rebuild your life after a catastrophic injury.
Free Consultation with Chicago Paralysis Attorneys
At Walner Law, our experienced team of Chicago paralysis lawyers is dedicated to helping paralysis injury victims recover fair compensation.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Let us help you take the next steps toward financial recovery and justice.
The Chicago personal injury lawyers at Walner Law® are here to help you get the money you deserve for your paralysis injury and assist with your workers’ compensation claim.
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