The fragility of the spinal cord makes it especially susceptible to serious injuries in the event of a traumatic accident. Many victims face major complications, including extreme pain or even paralysis. Because spinal cord injuries (SCI) often require extensive medical treatment, costs can pile up and make you feel buried under medical debt, lost income, and other financial hardships.

Fortunately, a skilled catastrophic injury attorney may be able to help. Consider working with an experienced Fulton Market spinal cord injury lawyer to maximize your chances of recovering compensation.

Overview of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that passes through the vertebrae to transmit electrical signals from the brain to the rest of the body. These nerves carry many of the signals needed to control movement, experience feeling, and regulate bodily functions.

When the individual vertebrae that make up the spine are damaged or destroyed by a traumatic accident or other negligent action, the victim can face devastating health complications. A skilled attorney in Fulton Market could help a plaintiff understand the potential compensation to which they may be entitled for their particular spinal cord injuries.

Types and Symptoms of SCIs

The severity of the accident will often dictate the symptoms associated with someone’s SCI. The following types of harm may cause damage to the backbone:

Bruising
Stretching
Twisting
Crush injuries
Lesions
Perforation or tearing
Partial or total laceration

These injuries to the spine can cause extremely painful and debilitating symptoms that may last a lifetime.

Potential Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

While the symptoms and their level of severity will depend on the type and location of a spinal injury, even a minor accident can lead to serious consequences. Possible symptoms of a spinal cord injury include, but are not limited to:

Chronic pain
Loss of sexual function
Loss of feeling in one or more areas of the body
Difficulties breathing
Total or partial paralysis
Loss of digestive functions
Death

Filing for Compensation in Fulton Market

A serious spinal cord injury can yield significant financial compensation that a Fulton Market attorney could help fight for in a civil lawsuit against liable parties. Recoverable damages after a spinal cord injury may include:

Past and future medical bills
Lost income and diminished earning capacity
Rehabilitation services costs
Pain and suffering
Loss of consortium
Wrongful death

Although the damages may not cover all of the sufferings a victim and their loved ones have endured, the compensation awarded in a successful spinal injury lawsuit is designed to help provide some recovery and alleviate financial stress.

Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Cases

Illinois Compiled Statutes Chapter 735 §5/13-202 requires most spinal cord injury cases to be filed within two years of the date of injury. Certain exceptions exist to extend this time limit, but they are very rare. For this reason, it is best to discuss this filing deadline and its exceptions with a local lawyer who has handled spinal injury cases in Fulton Market.

Contact a Fulton Market SCI Attorney Right Away

Spinal cord injuries caused by another party’s negligence should be answered with a personal injury claim. Following an accident, you deserve to have your claim analyzed by trusted legal counsel who can file a claim on your behalf. An experienced Fulton Market spinal cord injury lawyer at the firm is prepared to assist you in pursuing financial compensation, so call today.