Cervical spinal cord injuries in Chicago (SCIs) result from trauma to the neck region. They are among the most severe types of injuries because they typically affect functions from the neck down, including breathing, arms, hands, and legs.
You should consider consulting an experienced SCI attorney if the recklessness of another person caused you severe harm. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers at Kaveny Sarmas will help you review your legal options.
Cervical SCIs
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae and eight nerve roots. It supports your head and protects the spinal cord, allowing for neck movement. The spinal cord is a critical and vulnerable organ that carries signals and messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Trauma that damages it disrupts your movement and your ability to control bladder, bowel, and blood pressure functions below the point of injury. The most common causes include motor vehicle collisions, falls, particularly for older adults, and violent attacks, such as stab or gunshot wounds.
Symptoms
Symptoms may start immediately, while others may take longer to present. Secondary conditions can be severe and life-threatening. Examples include paralysis, which causes loss of movement and weakness below the injury, and a lack of sensation.
Secondary complications include difficulty breathing, loss of bladder and bowel control, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and difficulty stabilizing blood pressure. Our Chicago lawyers can advise you about filing for damages for cervical spine injuries and direct you to the resources you need.
What Are the Recoverable Damages?
The recoverable monetary damages after sustaining a cervical spinal cord injury in Chicago depend on the specifics of your case, such as the extent of your disabilities and details about how they occurred. Civil laws allow you to obtain a settlement to cover your out-of-pocket costs, called economic, subjective, or non-economic damages. The statutes do not impose any caps on the amount of compensation and allow you to pursue the entire lifetime value of the injuries you sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence.
Economic
This category includes payment for past, current, and future medical care, such as:
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Surgical procedures
- Ongoing healthcare
- Medication
- Devices
Lost wages, earning capacity, vehicle and home modifications, and other verifiable expenses also fall under economic damages.
Non-Economic
Non-economic damages include chronic pain and suffering, disabilities, disfigurement, and emotional distress. It also covers loss of the enjoyment of life, an inability to perform daily activities, and a lack of companionship and consortium.
Filing Deadline
It is always in your best interest to act quickly after an accident to begin preparing your case against the liable party. Kaveny Sarmas Injury Lawyers will investigate the incident, analyze the evidence, and prepare filings to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations. Under 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/13-202, you must file your case within two years of the date you suffered the SCI.
While a court could extend the deadline, depending on the specifics of your case, prompt action ensures the evidence is fresh and readily available. Our attorneys will also manage all communication and negotiations on your behalf to pursue the maximum possible settlement while you focus on recovery.
Contact Our Chicago Office To Pursue Damages for Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
Cervical spinal cord injuries in Chicago often have catastrophic consequences, and the cost of medical and lifelong care can be high. Contact Kaveny Sarmas today to learn more about the different types of SCIs and for help pursuing compensation.
