Springfield Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Sangamon County Law Firm Fighting for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe forms of physical trauma, often resulting in significant and lasting consequences for the victims. The road to recovery is typically long and arduous, involving extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and continuous care. Given the complexity and unpredictability of spinal cord injuries, victims often face substantial medical expenses and loss of income, further compounding their hardships. In such challenging circumstances, seeking professional legal guidance becomes crucial.
If you sustained a spinal cord injury because of negligence, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim and seek damages. If you suffered a spinal cord injury at work, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In either scenario, our compassionate and experienced team at Haxel Law is here to provide comprehensive legal support and advocacy. We are ready to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Insurers Can Lowball Spinal Cord Injury Victims. We Fight Back.
The insurance companies are not acting in your best interest in the wake of a spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, they are probably looking to pay you as little as possible, no matter what you are actually entitled to under the law. You will likely receive an insufficiently low settlement offer.
Our attorneys have insurance industry experience, so we know insurers approach these cases. We can use that knowledge to strategically negotiate a fair settlement that helps you move forward. Our goal is to maximize what you recover, so if the insurance company refuses to negotiate an acceptable settlement, we can prepare your case for trial and go to court.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options with our spinal cord injuries in Springfield, IL. Contact us online or call (217) 215-4166 today.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries generally fall into two primary categories: complete and incomplete injuries. Each type presents unique challenges and has varying implications for the affected person.
Complete spinal cord injuries occur when there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This means there is no communication through the spinal cord at the injury site, leading to total paralysis in all muscles controlled by nerves below the injury. Depending on the location of the injury, complete spinal cord injuries can result in paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower body, or quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs as well as the torso. Victims of complete spinal cord injuries typically face a long-term prognosis that involves significant lifestyle adjustments and reliance on assistive technologies or caregivers to manage daily tasks.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, are characterized by partial loss of sensory and motor functions below the injury site. The extent of the loss can vary significantly. Some individuals may retain some movement and sensation, while others have minimal functional abilities below the affected area. Incomplete injuries are more diverse, and their outcomes depend on the severity and specific location of the trauma. Conditions such as anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome, and Brown-Séquard syndrome are all considered incomplete spinal cord injuries, and each comes with a distinct pattern of neural impairment. With targeted therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation, individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries often have more potential to regain functions compared to those with complete injuries.
Long-Term Impacts of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries tend to have considerable long-term consequences that extend far beyond the initial physical impairments. One significant aspect is the chronic health issues that often arise following a spinal cord injury. Individuals with spinal cord injuries are at an increased risk for secondary conditions such as pressure sores, respiratory complications due to decreased lung capacity, urinary tract infections, and spasticity. These health problems necessitate continuous medical monitoring and interventions, which can be both physically taxing and emotionally exhausting for the individual.
Beyond health-related challenges, spinal cord injuries invariably lead to substantial financial burdens. The costs associated with spinal cord injuries are extensive and frequently continuous, encompassing immediate medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitative services, assistive devices, home modifications, and personal assistance. Some of these costs are not always covered entirely by insurance, forcing individuals and families to seek alternative financial resources, including legal compensation, to manage these lifelong expenses.
The economic impact of spinal cord injuries also includes loss of income, as many individuals are unable to return to their jobs. Adapting to new employment opportunities can be challenging due to physical limitations and a lack of accessible workplaces.
Additionally, the social and psychological effects of spinal cord injuries should not be underestimated. Individuals often face profound changes in their relationships and social roles. The injury can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety stemming from the loss of physical autonomy and changes in personal identity. Psychological support services can help foster resilience and improve quality of life.
You should not have to worry about how you and your family will manage these mounting expenses. Our spinal cord injury attorneys in Springfield, IL, can help you explore options for securing the compensation you need to get the necessary care and cover other long-term costs and impacts.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Illinois
Many spinal cord injuries are caused by:
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Motor Vehicle AccidentsAuto accidents include collisions involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians. High-speed impacts can lead to severe trauma, with the force exerted on passengers resulting in damage to vertebrae and the spinal cord.
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Slips and FallsWhen property owners or occupiers fail to maintain safe environments, they may inadvertently create conditions hazardous enough to cause slip-and-fall accidents. Examples of unsafe conditions can include uneven or damaged walkways, unmarked wet floors, and inadequate lighting in staircases and hallways. In these cases, individuals are at risk of slipping or tripping, which can result in serious spinal injuries if they fall awkwardly or with significant force.
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Acts of ViolenceSpinal cord injuries can also result from violent encounters, such as gunshot wounds or knife attacks. The violent nature of these events can cause direct injury not only to the soft tissue but also to the vertebrae, leading to spinal cord damage. If you suffered a spinal cord injury in a violent act that occurred on someone else’s property, you could have a negligent security claim against the property owner or occupier in some circumstances. Under the state’s premises liability laws, property owners are legally obligated to provide reasonable security protections to prevent foreseeable criminal activities, such as assaults, robberies, or other violent encounters. In scenarios where the incident occurred in locations with a history of violence, the property owner may be held liable if it is determined that they neglected to implement appropriate security measures. These measures might include security cameras, adequate lighting, security personnel, and controlled access points.
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Product DefectsA product is defective if it is inherently unsafe for its intended use due to issues in design, manufacturing, or labeling. For example, faulty car parts like malfunctioning brakes or airbags may fail during a collision, increasing the likelihood of spinal injuries. Similarly, defective sports equipment, such as helmets that do not provide adequate protection, can result in severe neck or spinal trauma during normal use. When a spinal cord injury is attributed to a defective product, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer can be held liable under product liability laws. Liability arises if it can be demonstrated that the product was used as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable way, and yet it caused injury due to its defectiveness.
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Workplace AccidentsEmployees in industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation are at a heightened risk due to the nature of their work environments. In construction, for example, workers frequently operate from significant heights on scaffolding or ladders, making them vulnerable to falls that may result in serious spinal injuries. Additionally, the use of heavy machinery and power tools increases the risk of accidents that can lead to catastrophic bodily harm. Slips and falls that cause spinal cord injuries can also occur in a variety of seemingly lower-risk environments, from restaurants to offices.
Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Illinois
Generally, you have two years from the date you suffered a spinal cord injury to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. If you miss this deadline, you will be unable to take legal action and recover damages, which is why it’s always wise to consult a legal professional as soon as possible.
If you were injured at work, you have even less time to start the legal process. You must inform your employer about your work-related spinal cord injury within 45 days of the date you were injured. Afterward, you have three years from the date of the accident or two years from the last payment of benefits (whichever date comes later) to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Our team at Haxel Law is prepared to fight to maximize what you recover when you suffer a spinal cord injury, so call (217) 215-4166 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help today.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries in Illinois
When filing a personal injury claim involving spinal cord injuries, you can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic cover quantifiable financial losses resulting from your injury, while non-economic damages are meant to address the less tangible losses.
Our Springfield, IL, spinal cord injury lawyers can work to secure full and fair compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Workers’ compensation benefits include compensation for medical bills as well as a percentage of your lost wages. They do not include non-economic damages.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.
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"Thanks For All You Have Done!"Marty Haxel provided exceptional help with a complex work men's comp case, made our part seem small. Would refer him to anyone that needs help fighting the big guys!- David E.