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Spinal cord injury (SCI) from a Car Accident in Chicago
Car accidents can be life-altering in countless ways, but suffering a spinal cord injury (SCI) is among the most devastating outcomes. If you or someone you love has endured a spinal cord injury from a car accident in Chicago, you’re facing a journey that is physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we understand what you’re going through and are here to guide you through every step of your recovery and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries After a Car Accident
The spinal cord is a delicate and essential part of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of your body. When it is damaged, the effects can be catastrophic. In Chicago, car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. These injuries may result from the intense force of a collision, sudden jolts, or even being ejected from a vehicle.
Have you ever wondered why spinal cord injuries are so serious? The answer lies in the spinal cord’s inability to repair itself after severe trauma. Damage can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired bodily functions below the injury site. For example, a person with a cervical (neck) SCI might lose the use of their arms and legs, while someone with a lower back (lumbar) injury could face paralysis of the legs (paraplegia).
Beyond the physical limitations, spinal cord injuries often lead to chronic pain, secondary health problems, and a dramatic shift in daily routines. Medical treatments, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment can help improve quality of life, but the road to recovery is long and costly.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Chicago Car Accidents
In a bustling city like Chicago, car accidents happen for many reasons, but certain scenarios are more likely to cause spinal cord injuries. High-speed collisions on the Kennedy Expressway, distracted driving incidents on Lake Shore Drive, or even multi-vehicle crashes on icy roads can all result in severe trauma.
What happens in a car crash that leads to an SCI? Sometimes, the violent whipping motion (whiplash) throws the body forward and backward, causing vertebrae to fracture or dislocate. In other cases, the force of the collision compresses the spine or causes bone fragments to damage the spinal cord. Rollover accidents, especially in SUVs or trucks, are particularly notorious for causing serious back and neck injuries.
To make matters more complex, the aftermath isn’t always immediately apparent. Some patients walk away from the scene, only to experience numbness, weakness, or loss of motor control hours or days later. This is why immediate medical evaluation following any car crash is so crucial.
The Long-Term Effects and Challenges of SCI
Living with a spinal cord injury is never easy. Victims aren’t just grappling with immediate pain and hospitalization—they’re facing a lifetime of changes. Did you know that the average cost of care for a severe SCI can run into millions of dollars over a lifetime? Expenses include surgeries, physical therapy, mobility aids, home modifications, and ongoing medical care.
Many SCI survivors in Chicago find they are unable to return to their previous jobs or enjoy the same hobbies. This sudden loss of independence can lead to emotional hurdles, such as depression and anxiety. Families are affected too, as they often become caregivers, shouldering both economic and emotional burdens.
Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, but the long-term impact of a spinal cord injury calls for a settlement that truly reflects your needs. That’s why having the right legal team can make a world of difference.
Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident Spinal Cord Injury
If your spinal cord injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, Illinois law entitles you to seek compensation. But the legal process is complex, especially in catastrophic injury cases. It’s not just about paying for hospital bills; compensation can also cover lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
What does negligence look like in Chicago car accidents? It could be a drunk driver, someone texting behind the wheel, or a motorist who ran a red light. Sometimes, it’s a combination of factors, which is why a thorough investigation is key. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts are all necessary steps.
The top-rated car accident lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we approach every SCI case with compassion and determination. We’ll work with you to build a strong claim, advocate on your behalf with insurance companies, and, if needed, represent you in court. Our goal is to help you secure the resources needed to move forward with your life.
How Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Can Support You
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, you need more than just legal advice—you need a reliable ally. Our Chicago-based car accident lawyer team has decades of experience helping injured individuals and their families recover compensation after serious car accidents. We understand the unique challenges posed by spinal cord injuries and the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims.
Working with us means having someone in your corner who listens to your story, explains your rights, and handles every detail of your case so you can focus on healing. From negotiating with insurance adjusters to connecting you with expert witnesses and medical professionals, we leave no stone unturned.
Have you already been contacted by an insurance company? Before you accept any settlement, let us review your case for free. We know what fair compensation looks like, and we won’t settle for anything less. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
FAQs about Spinal Cord Injury from Car Accidents in Chicago
What are the first steps after a spinal cord injury in a car accident?
Seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms seem mild. Then, document everything—your injuries, the accident scene, and witness information. Contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.
How soon do I need to file a claim for my spinal cord injury in Illinois?
Illinois law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the sooner you start, the stronger your case will be, as evidence is easier to preserve.
What types of compensation are available for SCI victims?
You may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and future care needs. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be possible.
Why should I choose Briskman Briskman & Greenberg for my spinal cord injury case?
We offer personalized attention, decades of experience in Chicago personal injury law, and a track record of winning significant settlements for SCI victims. We are committed to fighting for your full recovery—financial and otherwise.
Other Spinal and Back Injuries Caused by Car Accidents
- Spondylolisthesis from a Car Accident in Chicago
- Sciatica (nerve compression) from a Car Accident in Chicago
- Lower back (lumbar) strain from a Car Accident in Chicago
- Fractured vertebrae from a Car Accident in Chicago
- Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) from a Car Accident in Chicago
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) from a Car Accident in Chicago
- Herniated or bulging disc from a Car Accident in Chicago
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