Chicago Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Lawyers for Spine Injuries and Paralysis in Cook County, Englewood, and Bronzeville

When a person's nervous system is functioning correctly, signals are sent from the brain, through the spinal cord, and throughout the rest of the body. Because the spinal cord is such an important part of the central nervous system, injuries that damage the spine can permanently affect a person's ability to control their body. Depending on the level of the spine where an injury occurs, a person may suffer partial or total paralysis in some or all of the body, which can affect their ability to move freely and perform daily activities and work-related tasks. Victims of these types of severe injuries need to understand how they can receive financial compensation that will address the costs related to their injury and allow them to cover their ongoing expenses.

At Karchmar & Lambert, P.C., our attorneys regularly work with victims of a wide variety of different types of injuries. With more than 50 combined years of experience among us, we understand the legal issues involved in spine injury cases, and we know the best strategies to employ to ensure that victims are fully compensated. We believe in helping those who have been injured achieve justice by holding the responsible parties liable for the harm they have caused.

Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spine will often occur in situations where a person suffers a blow that damages the vertebrae in the backbone. This type of impact can take place in motor vehicle collisions, especially in crashes that occur at high speeds or in cases where a pedestrian or bicyclist is struck by a car or truck. Slip and fall accidents can also lead to spinal cord injuries, especially in situations where a person falls from an upper level to a lower level in a location such as a mall or store.

Spine injuries may be incomplete or complete. Incomplete spinal cord injuries involve partial damage to nerves, such as when fractured vertebrae cause compression of the spinal cord. In some cases, this damage may be corrected through surgery, allowing a victim to regain some function in the areas of the body that are affected. In a complete spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is severed or cut, and the damage will usually be irreparable, causing a person to suffer complete paralysis.

Different areas of the body will be affected by spinal cord injuries depending on the level of the spine where the damage occurred. Injuries may be grouped into the following categories:

• Cervical - Damage to the vertebrae in the neck can result in quadriplegia or total paralysis of the body. In some cases, a victim's ability to breathe may be affected, and they may need to use a ventilator to ensure that they can receive the necessary oxygen.
• Thoracic - Injuries to the upper spine will often result in paraplegia, or paralysis of the legs. In some cases, a person's ability to control their arms and hands may also be affected.
• Lumbar - Damage to the lower spine can cause partial or total paralysis of the legs and lower body, and a person may also suffer a loss of control of their bladder and bowels.
• Sacral - Injuries to the part of the spinal cord that is located above the tailbone may affect a person's pelvic area and upper legs. This can result in partial paralysis that may affect a person's ability to walk, as well as their ability to control their bowels and bladder.

Contact a Garfield Park Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Severe spine injuries that lead to paralysis will affect a person's ability to work and care for themselves, and a victim may need lifelong medical treatment and assistance. Even seemingly minor spinal cord injuries can lead to debilitating pain and problems with mobility, causing a great deal of difficulty in a victim's personal and professional life. The attorneys of Karchmar & Lambert, P.C. can help you determine your best options for recovering compensation for a spine injury, and we will fight to make sure you will have the financial resources you need throughout the rest of your lifetime. To arrange a complimentary consultation, contact our office by calling 312-977-1300. We provide legal help and representation for victims of catastrophic injuries in Cook County, Chicago, and the surrounding areas, including but not limited to the neighborhoods of Pullman, Ashburn, South Shore, Austin, Chatham, Kenwood, Bronzeville, Garfield Park, Englewood, and Gresham.