Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most severe injuries a person can sustain. Not only can spinal trauma cause immense pain at the onset of the injury, the long-term effects of this kind of damage could affect sensory and motor functions as well. This could leave a person paralyzed or even lead to fatal complications, depending on the severity of the injury.
If you or a loved one were the victim of such an injury, reach out to an Arlington Heights spinal cord injury lawyer. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., our skilled catastrophic injury attorneys have years of experience fighting on behalf of people in your situation. We are here to provide the compassionate guidance and support you need to seek fair civil recovery for your losses.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Trauma in Arlington Heights
Spinal cord injuries can occur in various scenarios, from accidents during sporting events to criminal acts of assault. These injures could even result from mistakes by medical professionals during surgical procedures.
However, the most common sources of spinal cord injuries in Arlington Heights and the rest of the country are car crashes and falls. These two causes collectively accounted for over 70 percent of all spinal cord injuries nationwide between 2015 and 2018.
Damages for a Spinal Injury
When an incident occurs due to someone else’s reckless, careless, or intentional behavior, an injured victim may have legal options for pursuing damages. If a plaintiff and their attorney can prove that another person was the proximate cause of an accident, they may be able to hold the person financially responsible for all losses related to the spinal cord injury.
Recoverable losses in a typical claim for a spinal injury may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Costs of home modification and in-home assistance
- Various non-economic losses like physical pain and emotional suffering
A skilled attorney at our Arlington Heights law firm could examine a spinal cord accident, help the victim determine who is at fault, and build an effective claim for damages.
Challenges When Recovering for a Spine Injury
It is important to remember that there is a time limit on civil litigation for any personal injury, including spinal cord damage. In Arlington Heights and the rest of the state of Illinois, the statutory filing deadline for this type of injury—codified in 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes §5/13-202—is two years. The clock begins on the date when the injury occurred or when the victim first learned of their injuries.
Another potential difficulty when pursuing a claim for a spinal injury is the state’s modified comparative fault system. A victim found partially responsible for their own spinal injuries may see a proportional reduction in their damages award. If they are found more than 50 percent to blame, they could be barred from recovering any compensation at all. As such, assistance from a lawyer who handles spinal cord accident cases may be necessary to navigate these legal obstacles and achieve a favorable outcome.
Get in Touch with an Arlington Heights Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one were the victim of a spinal cord accident, our compassionate attorneys understand the hardships that come with these devastating injuries. You may not be able to return to your pre-accident life, and the medical bills may be piling up as you are unable to return to work.
If this describes your situation, it may be time to contact an Arlington Heights spinal cord injury lawyer. The attorneys at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. have represented injured victims for over thirty years. We are ready to begin your fight for fair compensation, so call today to schedule an initial meeting.
