Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, with life-altering consequences. If you have been the victim of such an injury caused by the negligence of another, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Hale & Monico in Chicago, our personal injury lawyers can help you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
Why Choose Our Chicago Firm?
- We have a history of success, recovering tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Attorneys Andy Hale and Brian Monico have more than 30 years combined experience, including extensive trial experience, and will not hesitate to take your case to court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
- We are thorough in our case preparation and open to a creative approach to investigation and litigation. We use new, innovative technologies and presentation methods in the courtroom to further substantiate your claim.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
As stated by the Mayo Clinic, the lowest normal part of the spinal cord is known as the neurological level of the injury. Paralysis caused by spinal cord injury can be either incomplete or complete:
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: The person still has some motor function or sensory perception below the level of the injury.
- Complete spinal cord injury: All feeling and ability to control movement are lost below the level of the injury.
Types of Paralysis Caused by Spinal Cord Injury
The type of paralysis will depend on the level of injury. Paralysis may be:
- Tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia): The arms, hands, trunk, pelvic organs, and legs are affected by paralysis.
- Paraplegia: All or part of the trunk, the pelvic organs, and the legs are affected.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
As reported by the Mayo Clinic, in the U.S., spinal cord injury is most commonly caused by:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Auto and motorcycle accidents account for nearly 50% of new spinal cord injuries every year.
- Falls: Among people age 65 and older, spinal cord injury is most frequently caused by falls. This type of accident accounts for more than 15% of all spinal cord injuries.
- Acts of violence: Approximately 12% of spinal cord injuries are caused by gunshot wounds, knife wounds, and other violent acts.
- Sports and recreation injuries: Impact sports, diving in shallow water, and other athletic activities account for approximately 10% of spinal cord injuries.
Who Is Liable in Chicago?
When a victim suffers a spinal cord injury caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another, the negligent party may be liable for the victim’s injuries. For example, if you were injured in an automobile accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the at-fault driver may be liable for your damages. If your injuries resulted from a slip and fall accident caused by a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable.
Why you Need an Attorney
Our experienced personal injury lawyers can thoroughly investigate your accident and injuries to determine cause and liability. We can collect and preserve evidence, construct a strong case, negotiate skillfully on your behalf, and fight aggressively in court for the compensation you deserve, if necessary.
Contact Our Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
At Hale & Monico in Chicago and New York City, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us right away for a free consultation with no obligation to discuss your legal options.