Spinal cord injury cases can be incredibly complex and challenging. These types of injuries often result in severe and life-altering consequences for the victims, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. The good news is that the Evanston spinal cord injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C., understand these cases’ intricate nature and unique challenges.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and skills to manage the nuances of these cases and fight for the rights and compensation that spinal cord injury victims deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C., for a free consultation. Your future and your rightful compensation are too important to handle alone.
Evanston Spinal Cord Injury Guide
- Why Choose Us
- What is a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?
- What is Your Spinal Cord Injury Worth?
- Factors that Determine How Much Compensation
- Where Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur in Evanston?
- Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering an SCI
- What to Do After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury
- The Benefits of Hiring an Evanston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
- Contact an Evanston Lawyer Today for Help with Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
Why Choose Us
When it comes to choosing a spinal cord injury lawyer in Evanston, you want to work with a firm with a proven track record of success in handling similar cases. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients and our commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for them. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
- Experienced Attorneys: Our team of dedicated attorneys has extensive experience in handling a variety of personal injury claims, including spinal cord injuries. We have the skills and knowledge to handle the legal process and fight for your rights.
- Free Case Consultations: We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide you with an understanding of your legal options. It allows you to make an informed decision about moving forward with your claim.
- 24/7 Availability: We understand that accidents can happen at any time. That’s why we are available 24/7 to take your calls and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- Contingency Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that there is no fee unless we win your case. We are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve without adding any financial burden.
- Prompt and Open Communication: We pride ourselves on prompt and open communication with every personal injury client. We are readily available and always return phone calls and emails. We treat our clients with respect, as if they are family.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We aggressively advocate for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our spinal cord injury attorneys are known for being professional and thorough and addressing all client questions and concerns.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?
A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, leading to a loss of function or mobility. These injuries can have severe consequences, often resulting in paralysis, sensory loss, and other life-altering impairments. Spinal cord injuries can occur as a result of various accidents, including car accidents, slips and falls, workplace accidents, recreational and sporting activities, and acts of violence.
What is Your Spinal Cord Injury Worth?
Determining the value of a spinal cord injury case can be challenging as it depends on various factors, including the extent of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, ongoing medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we understand the importance of accurately valuing your claim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our experienced Evanston spinal cord injury attorneys will thoroughly assess your case, considering all relevant factors to determine the potential value of your claim.
Factors that Determine How Much Compensation
Several factors play a role in determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to in a spinal cord injury case. These factors include:
Severity of the Injury
The severity of your spinal cord injury will significantly impact the amount of compensation you may receive. A complete spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis will often lead to higher damages awarded compared to a partial injury.
Medical Expenses
The extent of your medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation, will be considered when calculating your compensation. It is important to keep detailed records of all medical expenses related to your spinal cord injury.
Future Medical Needs
Suppose your spinal cord injury requires ongoing medical treatment and future care, such as specialized equipment, modifications to your home, or home healthcare services. In that case, these future costs will also be factored into your compensation.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
If your spinal cord injury prevents you from working or limits your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity. It includes both present and future earning potential.
Pain and Suffering
Spinal cord injuries often result in chronic pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. Compensation for pain and suffering is subjective and varies depending on the individual case.
Where Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur in Evanston?
Spinal cord injuries can occur anywhere in Evanston, but some common locations include:
Road Accidents
Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are common causes of spinal cord injuries. These accidents can result from negligent or reckless driving, and the responsible party should be held accountable for their actions.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls can happen in various places, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and residential properties. If a property owner’s negligence contributed to your spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
Workplace Accidents
Certain occupations, like construction and manufacturing, carry a higher risk of spinal cord injuries. Workplace accidents, including falls from heights, being struck by objects, or machinery accidents, can result in severe spinal cord injuries.
Acts of Violence
Acts of violence, such as physical assaults or gunshot wounds, can cause severe spinal cord injuries. These traumatic events can have life-altering consequences for the victims and may require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Sporting and Recreational Activities
Sports-related accidents, such as those that occur during contact sports or extreme activities, can lead to spinal cord injuries. Diving into shallow water or colliding with other players can cause significant damage to the spinal cord.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be classified into two categories: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is a total loss of function and sensation below the level of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is still some degree of function and sensation below the level of injury.
Some common types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): This type of injury results in partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs and the torso. It often occurs when there is damage to the cervical spinal cord.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia refers to the paralysis of the lower extremities. It usually occurs when there is damage to the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord.
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome: This condition occurs when one side of the spinal cord is damaged. It results in weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and a loss of sensation on the opposite side.
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: Anterior cord syndrome is characterized by damage to the spinal cord’s front (anterior) part. It often leads to paralysis and loss of sensation below the level of the injury.
- Central Cord Syndrome: This type of injury typically affects the central part of the spinal cord and often results in weakness or paralysis of the arms, with relatively preserved leg function.
You will want to consult with a well-versed Evanston spinal cord injury lawyer from our firm to assess the specific details of your case and determine the appropriate legal steps to take.
Fighting the Insurance Company After Suffering an SCI
After suffering a spinal cord injury, it is common for insurance companies to try to minimize or deny your claim. They may attempt to shift blame or downplay the severity of your injuries to avoid paying the compensation you deserve. That’s why you need to have a skilled attorney by your side from Abels & Annes who can effectively fight against the insurance company on your behalf.
You will want our skilled Evanston spinal cord injury lawyers to ensure you receive fair compensation. An attorney can:
- Communicate with the insurance company, protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests.
- Gather evidence to support your claim and establish liability.
- Work with medical experts to accurately determine the full extent of your injuries and the associated costs.
- Handle all negotiations with the insurance company to pursue a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit if necessary to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working on their behalf. To level the playing field and protect your rights, you need to have an experienced legal professional fighting for you.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our spinal cord injury attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and understand their tactics. We will steadfastly advocate for your rights, gathering evidence to prove the negligence or fault of the responsible party. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages.
What to Do After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, be sure to take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment and establish documentation of your injuries.
- Continue with Necessary Follow-up Medical Appointments: Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. Attend all necessary follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and receive the care you need.
- Adhere to Your Doctor’s Instructions with Work and Activities: Your doctor will provide guidance on what activities you should avoid or limit during your recovery. Adhere to these instructions to prevent further injury and optimize your chances of recovery.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, obtain a copy of any police or incident reports related to the accident that caused your spinal cord injury. These documents can be imperative in establishing liability and supporting your claim.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document your medical treatment, expenses, and any impact the injury has had on your daily life. It includes keeping track of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, income loss, and any changes in your physical and emotional well-being.
- Be Aware of the Illinois Statute of Limitations: In Illinois, there is generally a two-year time frame within which you can file a personal injury claim. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.
- Consult an Attorney: Spinal cord injury cases are often extremely detailed, and making your way through the legal process can be challenging. Consulting with one of our reputable Evanston spinal cord injury attorneys will help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and determine the best course of action.
The Benefits of Hiring an Evanston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Working with our firm’s knowledgeable Evanston spinal cord injury lawyer provides several advantages. We understand the intricate details of spinal cord injury cases and can provide valuable guidance throughout the legal process. Our attorneys thoroughly understand the applicable laws and regulations, allowing them to build a strong case on your behalf. They will handle all the negotiations and legal complexities, ensuring that your rights are protected. Hiring one of our skilled spinal cord injury lawyers gives you the best chance of obtaining the compensation you need for your recovery and future well-being.
Contact an Evanston Lawyer Today for Help with Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Evanston, don’t hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C., for a free consultation. Our experienced Evanston personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of spinal cord injury victims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Remember, your future and rightful compensation are too important to handle alone.
Call us today at (312) 924-7575 and let us help you successfully navigate your spinal cord injury case.
Abels & Annes, P.C.
Address: 2822 Central St #300,
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: (855) 529-2442