Melrose Park Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

The spinal cord plays a crucial role in controlling the messages between the brain and other body parts. When a blow or other trauma causes damage to the area, including the surrounding nerves and tissue, it can result in severe injuries and long-term or permanent disabilities, including paralysis.

When a person’s careless actions cause you, or someone you love, to get into an avoidable accident, a Melrose Park spinal cord injury lawyer could help you seek an award for damages from the negligent party. Call a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney today to begin your claim.

The Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The area that sustains trauma and the damage’s severity determines the injury a person suffers. For example, in these cases, the two types of spinal injuries are: complete and incomplete.

Complete Injuries

When the trauma completely severs the spinal cord, the victim suffers a complete injury. This injury causes a total loss of sensation and function ability below the area where the damage occurs.

Incomplete Injuries

When the blow only partially severs the spinal cord, the individual experiences an incomplete injury. People with incomplete injuries retain some sensations and function ability below the point of damage. A seasoned attorney in Melrose Park could explain these catastrophic injuries in further detail during a private consultation and determine whether a person’s injuries justify a civil claim.

Recoverable Damages in Spinal Cord Injury Claims

The court will consider many case specifics when determining the award for damages. One vital factor is the extent of injuries and how they will affect the plaintiff’s future. Because spinal cord damage can be catastrophic, causing permanent disabilities and requiring lifelong medical care, the settlement amount is often substantial. The plaintiff’s recoverable damages could include the following:

• Medical expenses and the ongoing cost of healthcare
• Physical and psychological therapy
• Loss of pay, benefits, and future earning potential
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Losing the enjoyment of life

Although there is no cure, quality medical care can play a significant role in recovery. A knowledgeable attorney in Melrose Park could work to gather the evidence to prove total damages and collect a fair settlement amount for the victim of a spinal cord injury.

Maximum Time Frame to File a Civil Lawsuit

It is crucial to note that the civil court sets a strict expiration date on the amount of time a personal injury plaintiff has to commence legal action against the negligent party. According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 § 5/13-202, the claimant has two years from the accident date to seek action for damages.

However, there are exceptions to the time limit for minors, injuries that result in mental disabilities, and petitioners who file the civil claim before the defendant moves out of the state. If the injured party was underage or suffered cognitive impairment, the clock begins running the day they turn 18, or the disability ends.

When a defendant in civil lawsuits leaves the state before the plaintiff commences legal action, the statute begins running if and when they return. A diligent Melrose Park attorney could handle the legal filings for a spinal injury claim and ensure they meet the statute of limitations requirements.

Meet With a Seasoned Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Melrose Park

Spinal cord injuries can upend your life and have devastating effects on your entire family. The aftermath of a severe and life-altering injury like this could leave you traumatized and concerned about your future.

Fortunately, the civil court could entitle you to a settlement to cover the damages when you suffer spinal cord damage because of another individual’s negligence. Schedule a consultation with Melrose Park spinal cord injury lawyer today to learn more.