Chicago Paralysis Lawyers

Paralysis can change the course of your life in an instant. You may face emergency treatment and surgery, followed by months or years of rehabilitation and care. You may also have to adjust to changes in your work, family life, mobility and independence while dealing with the financial and emotional strain that follows a serious injury.

When you are facing these changes, you may not know what to do next or where to turn for help. At Dudley & Lake, our attorneys help people and families across Illinois who are facing serious injuries. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, our team carefully investigates each case and reviews medical records to understand how an injury may affect your future.

If you or someone close to you suffered paralysis in an accident, our Chicago paralysis lawyers can help you understand your legal options and what may affect your claim.

Experienced Paralysis Attorneys Serving Injury Victims Across Illinois

Paralysis means losing muscle function in part or most of your body. An injury to your spinal cord, brain or another part of your nervous system can cause it. Paralysis may affect a small area or much of your body, and it may be temporary or permanent.

Doctors use different terms to describe where paralysis occurs and how much movement you have. Common forms include:

• Partial: Some muscle control remains, so you may still be able to move the affected area.
• Complete: There is no voluntary movement in the affected area.
• Localized: The loss of movement is limited to one part of your body.
• Generalized: Paralysis affects a broad area rather than just one limb or region.
• Monoplegia: One arm or leg is affected.
• Paraplegia: The lower body is affected, typically causing loss of movement in both legs.
• Tetraplegia: Both the upper and lower body are affected, including the arms, legs and trunk.
• Hemiplegia: Movement is lost on one side of the body.
• Diplegia: Similar areas on both sides of the body are affected, most often the legs.

The type and extent of your paralysis can affect how you move, the care you need and how much help you need each day. You may need ongoing rehabilitation, assistive equipment or changes to your home.

Understanding Liability In Illinois Paralysis Accident Claims

To hold someone legally responsible for your paralysis, you generally must show that their failure to use reasonable care caused your injury. The responsible party could be a driver, employer, property owner, medical provider, manufacturer or another person or business. More than one party may be responsible.

Medical records, accident reports, photos and witness accounts can help show what happened and how your injury has affected you. Illinois law also considers your share of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Paralysis Injuries In Chicago?

Paralysis can result from many types of accidents and negligent acts, including:

• Car accidents: High-impact crashes can cause severe spinal cord or brain injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents: A crash can cause serious injuries to your spine, brain or other parts of your body.
• Falls: Falls from heights or onto hard surfaces can cause severe spinal injuries.
• Construction and workplace accidents: Heavy equipment, falls and other hazards can cause catastrophic injuries.
• Medical negligence: Errors in diagnosis, treatment or care may cause serious harm to your brain or nervous system.
• Birth injuries: Problems during labor or delivery may cause injuries that lead to paralysis.

Whether you have a legal claim depends on what happened, including whether another party’s negligence caused or contributed to your injury.

What Forms Of Compensation May Be Available For A Chicago Paralysis Lawsuit?

If another party is legally responsible for your injury, you may be able to seek compensation for the costs and losses caused by your paralysis. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital care, surgery, medication and follow-up treatment
• Rehabilitation and therapy: Physical, occupational and other ongoing care
• Mobility equipment: Wheelchairs and other equipment that helps you move and stay independent
• Home modifications: Changes that make your home safer and easier to use
• Future medical and care needs: Ongoing treatment, personal assistance and long-term care
• Lost income: Wages and employment benefits you lost because of your injury
• Reduced earning capacity: Income you may lose if your injury limits the work you can do
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and the personal effects of a life-changing injury
• Disability and loss of normal life: Limits on your movement, independence and daily activities
• Disfigurement: Lasting changes to your appearance or function, where applicable

Your losses and future needs will depend on your injury and recovery. You may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, as well as how your injury affects your daily life.

Schedule A Free Consultation With An Illinois Paralysis Accident Attorney Today

If you or a family member suffered paralysis because of someone else’s negligence, getting legal help early can protect important evidence and help you understand how your injury may affect your finances and daily life.

At Dudley & Lake, our lawyers understand the long-term needs that serious paralysis injuries can create. Call 847-504-8423 or send an online inquiry to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Illinois from our offices in Chicago, Libertyville and Peoria.