Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Naperville
Serving Naperville, Aurora, Wheaton, and all of DuPage County
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you’re facing life-altering challenges that extend far beyond medical bills. At Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy, our spinal cord injury lawyers in Naperville help victims throughout Illinois secure maximum compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.
- FREE consultations
- Attorneys who see you as a person
- Over 50 years of combined experience
- No attorney fees unless you win your case
The True Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
When a spinal cord injury occurs, the consequences extend far beyond the initial trauma. These life-altering injuries create immediate medical emergencies and long-term challenges that affect every aspect of a victim’s life. Understanding the scope of spinal cord injuries helps illustrate why maximum compensation is essential for victims and their families.
- Approximately 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries occur each year in the U.S.
- About 305,000 people with traumatic spinal cord injuries currently live in the United States
- Males account for about 79% of new spinal cord injury cases since 2015
- Less than 1% of people experience complete neurological recovery by hospital discharge
- Illinois experiences approximately 400-450 new spinal cord injuries annually based on population
- High Tetraplegia (C1-C4): $4.7 million lifetime cost for 25-year-old victims, $2.6 million for 50-year-olds
- Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8): $3.5 million for 25-year-olds, $2.1 million for 50-year-olds
- Paraplegia: $2.3 million for 25-year-olds, $1.5 million for 50-year-olds
- Incomplete Motor Function: $1.6 million for 25-year-olds, $1.1 million for 50-year-olds
These figures represent direct medical and living expenses only. They don’t include lost wages, reduced productivity, or the immeasurable emotional toll on families.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries We Handle
Spinal cord injuries are medically classified based on the completeness of the injury and the level of the spinal cord affected. Understanding these classifications helps determine the extent of medical care needed and the appropriate compensation to pursue in your case.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
Complete injuries result in total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
Complete injury classifications include:
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Paralysis affecting all four limbs and trunk
- Paraplegia: Paralysis affecting the legs and lower body
- High cervical injuries: Often requiring ventilator assistance
- Thoracic and lumbar injuries: Affecting lower body function and mobility
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Incomplete injuries allow some sensation or movement below the injury level.
Common incomplete injury types:
- Anterior cord syndrome: Loss of motor function and pain sensation
- Central cord syndrome: Greater weakness in arms than legs
- Brown-Sequard syndrome: Paralysis on one side of the body
- Cauda equina syndrome: Affecting nerve roots in the lower spine
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Illinois
Motor Vehicle Accidents (38% of cases)
Car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
Vehicle accident scenarios include:
- Head-on collisions causing hyperextension injuries
- Rollover accidents with roof crush or ejection
- Rear-end crashes causing whiplash and compression
- Drunk driving or distracted driving incidents
Falls (30% of cases)
Slip and fall accidents are particularly common among older adults but affect all age groups.
Fall-related injuries occur from:
- Construction site accidents and scaffolding collapses
- Defective stairs, railings, or walkways
- Inadequate lighting or warning signs
- Ice and snow removal negligence by property owners
Sports and Recreation Injuries (9% of cases)
Athletic activities and recreational pursuits can result in devastating spinal injuries.
Sports-related scenarios:
- Football tackles and helmet-to-helmet contact
- Diving accidents in shallow water
- Gymnastics and cheerleading falls
- Skiing and snowboarding collisions
Workplace Accidents (17% of cases)
Construction, manufacturing, and industrial environments pose significant spinal injury risks.
- Falls from heights or scaffolding
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Falling objects striking workers
- Forklift and equipment-related incidents
Why Choose Chute, O'Malley, Knobloch & Turcy for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case?
50+ Years of Combined Catastrophic Injury Experience
Our Naperville legal team has successfully handled complex spinal cord injury cases, securing millions in compensation for Illinois families.
Proven Track Record With Million-Dollar Verdicts
We’ve obtained substantial settlements and jury awards for spinal cord injury clients, including cases exceeding $5 million.
Network of Medical and Life Care Planning Experts
We work with leading spinal cord specialists, rehabilitation experts, and life care planners to build compelling cases.
80% of Clients Come from Referrals
Our reputation for aggressive advocacy and compassionate service makes us the trusted choice in DuPage County and Will County.
No Fees Unless We Win
We advance all case expenses and work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront and there are no fees unless we secure compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Spinal Cord Injury Case?
Spinal cord injury settlements and verdicts often reach into the millions due to the extensive damages involved.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation
- Future medical costs: Lifetime care, equipment, medications, therapies
- Lost wages: Income lost due to inability to work
- Reduced earning capacity: Diminished future income potential
- Home and vehicle modifications: Wheelchair accessibility improvements
- Assistive equipment: Wheelchairs, lifts, communication devices
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
- Loss of consortium: Impact on spousal and family relationships
- Mental anguish: Depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, Illinois courts may award punitive damages to punish defendants and deter similar behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits
How much is my spinal cord injury case worth?
Case values depend on injury severity, age, earning capacity, and circumstances. Complete injuries often result in multi-million dollar settlements due to lifetime care needs.
What is the statute of limitations for spinal cord injury cases in Illinois?
Generally 2 years from the date of injury, though exceptions may apply. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
How long do spinal cord injury cases take to resolve?
Cases typically take 1– 4 years due to their complexity. We don’t rush settlements—we wait until we fully understand your long-term needs.
Can family members file a spinal cord injury lawsuit?
Yes, if the injury resulted in death. Spouses, children, and parents may file wrongful death claims seeking compensation.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Illinois follows comparative negligence rules. You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your compensation may be reduced.
Do I need expert witnesses for my spinal cord injury case?
Yes. We work with medical experts, life care planners, economists, and accident reconstruction specialists to prove your case and maximize compensation.
What immediate steps should I take after a spinal cord injury?
Seek medical attention, document the accident scene, preserve evidence, and contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney immediately.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Phase 1: Immediate Case Assessment
We act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights while you focus on medical treatment.
Immediate actions include:
- Securing accident scene evidence and witness statements
- Obtaining medical records and imaging studies
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
Phase 2: Medical Documentation and Life Care Planning
We collaborate with medical professionals to document your injuries and future needs.
Medical evaluation process:
- Comprehensive neurological assessments
- Functional capacity evaluations
- Life care planning with certified specialists
- Economic analysis of lifetime costs
Phase 3: Liability Investigation
Our team conducts thorough investigations to establish negligence and fault.
Investigation methods:
- Expert accident reconstruction
- Product liability analysis (if equipment failure involved)
- Safety regulation compliance review
- Employment of private investigators when necessary
Phase 4: Building Maximum Value
We develop compelling evidence packages that demonstrate the full impact of your injury.
Value-building strategies:
- Day-in-the-life videos showing daily challenges
- Economic models projecting lifetime financial losses
- Expert testimony on medical needs and prognosis
- Family impact statements and testimony
Phase 5: Aggressive Negotiation and Trial Preparation
We prepare every case for trial while pursuing maximum settlements through negotiation.
Serving Spinal Cord Injury Victims Throughout Illinois
While based in Naperville, we represent spinal cord injury clients throughout:
- DuPage County: Aurora, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Lombard
- Cook County: Chicago, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Oak Park, Evanston
- Kane County: Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Carpentersville
- Will County: Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Lockport
- Kendall County: Oswego, Yorkville, Plano, Sandwich
Understanding Illinois Spinal Cord Injury Laws
Familiarity with spinal cord injury laws in Illinois can help you understand what to expect as your case progresses.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Illinois follows a 51% comparative negligence rule. If you’re found less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
No Damage Caps
Unlike some states, Illinois doesn’t cap damages in personal injury cases, allowing full compensation for catastrophic injuries.
Survival Actions vs. Wrongful Death
If a spinal cord injury results in death, both survival actions (for pain and suffering before death) and wrongful death claims may be available.
The Importance of Immediate Legal Action
Taking legal action as soon as possible after your accident is vital. Here’s why:
Evidence Preservation
Critical evidence can disappear quickly. Security footage, witness memories, and physical evidence must be preserved immediately.
Medical Documentation
Early legal involvement ensures proper medical documentation that supports your claim’s maximum value.
Statute of Limitations Protection
Illinois law strictly enforces filing deadlines. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim.
Life After Spinal Cord Injury: Resources and Support
The following resources may be helpful to spinal cord injury victims and their families in Naperville.
Rehabilitation Centers in Illinois
Take Legal Action for Spinal Cord Injuries. Your Future Depends On It
Spinal cord injuries require immediate legal attention to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need for lifelong care.
You need experienced legal representation if:
- Your spinal cord injury was caused by someone else’s negligence
- You’re facing mounting medical bills and lost income
- Insurance companies are offering inadequate settlements
- You need help navigating workers’ compensation claims
- A loved one died from spinal cord injury complications
Contact Our Naperville Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. You deserve maximum compensation for your catastrophic injuries.
Call Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy at (312) 775-0042 now for your free, confidential consultation.
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Review your accident circumstances and medical records
- Explain your legal rights in clear, understandable terms
- Discuss potential compensation for your specific situation
- Outline our proven strategy for spinal cord injury cases
- Answer all questions about the legal process