Back pain affects millions of Americans, with 39.0% of adults experiencing back pain in the past three months according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If another party’s carelessness caused your back injury, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and physical suffering.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we have secured multiple seven and eight-figure settlements and verdicts for our clients, including a $15,808,277 pedestrian accident verdict that was recognized as one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country. Our Chicago back pain lawyers understand the complex medical and legal issues surrounding spinal injuries and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Get a free consultation with an experienced back injury attorney from Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C.. Call us at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation, Willens & Baez won’t charge lawyer fees until we’ve won for you.
Why Back Injuries Are So Serious
Your spine is a complex network of bones, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. When damaged, back injuries can cause:
- Chronic, debilitating pain
- Limited mobility and range of motion
- Inability to work or perform daily activities
- Emotional distress and mental health challenges
- The need for expensive ongoing medical treatment.
Chronic pain affects approximately 50 million US adults, and high-impact chronic pain affects approximately 20 million adults, according to CDC researchers. Back injuries are a leading cause of this chronic pain, making prompt legal action essential to secure the resources you need for recovery.
Common Types of Back Injuries We Handle
Our experienced Chicago back pain attorneys handle all types of spinal injuries, including:
Herniated and Bulging Discs
The soft discs between your vertebrae can rupture or bulge when subjected to trauma, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing severe pain, numbness, or weakness.
Fractured Vertebrae
Car accidents, falls, and other impacts can break the bones in your spine, potentially leading to permanent disability or paralysis.
Spinal Cord Trauma
Harm to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis, necessitating permanent medical treatment and personal care.
Muscle Strains and Ligament Tears
Soft tissue injuries in the back can cause chronic pain and significantly limit your ability to work and enjoy life.
Pinched Nerves
Nerve compression in the spine can cause radiating pain, tingling, and weakness in your arms or legs.
Leading Causes of Back Injuries in Chicago
Understanding how back injuries occur helps us build stronger cases for our clients. Typical causes involve:
Job-Related Incidents
Over one million employees experience back injuries annually, with back injuries representing one in every five workplace injuries or illnesses according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eighty percent of these injuries affected the lower back, and 75 percent happened during lifting activities.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions frequently cause back injuries due to the sudden force of impact and whiplash motion.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Premises liability incidents on unsafe property can cause someone to fall and injure their back, especially on icy sidewalks, wet floors, or poorly maintained staircases.
Construction Accidents
The construction industry has high rates of back injuries due to heavy lifting, falls from heights, and being struck by falling objects.
Medical Malpractice
Surgical errors during back procedures or failure to properly diagnose spinal conditions can worsen existing problems or create new injuries.
What Is Your Back Injury Claim Worth?
The value of your back injury claim depends on several factors:
Economic Damages
These include quantifiable losses such as:
- Medical expenses (surgery, physical therapy, medications)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Future medical care costs
- Assistive devices and home modifications.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for subjective losses like:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on relationships and daily activities.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of maximizing compensation for back injury victims. Our recent back injury results include:
- $625,000 Lyons motorcycle accident settlement for lumbar decompression surgery
- $510,000 Chicago truck accident settlement for disc herniation requiring surgery
- $500,000 Glenview car accident settlement for complex back surgery
- Multiple six-figure settlements for other personal injury accidents.
Illinois Back Injury Laws You Should Know
Statute of Limitations
In Illinois, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit such as for a back injury. If you miss this deadline, it likely means permanently forfeiting your right to seek compensation. There are limited exceptions though:
- The discovery rule may extend the deadline if your injury wasn’t immediately apparent
- Minors have until age 20 to file suit
- The statute may be tolled if the defendant leaves Illinois.
Comparative Negligence
Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your injury, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
No-Fault Insurance
For motor vehicle accidents, some Illinois drivers may have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, but this often provides insufficient compensation for serious back injuries.
The Legal Process for Back Injury Claims
1. Free Case Evaluation
We review your case details, medical records, and evidence to determine if you have a valid claim.
2. Investigation
Our team investigates the accident, interviews witnesses, consults medical experts, and gathers evidence to build your case.
3. Medical Documentation
We work with your doctors to fully document the extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
4. Insurance Negotiations
We handle all communications with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement offer.
5. Litigation if Necessary
If insurance companies won’t offer reasonable compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
Why Select Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C.?
Proven Results
Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injury victims, including some of the largest verdicts in Illinois history.
Medical Network
We work with top orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and other specialists who can properly diagnose and treat your back injury.
Zero Initial Fees
Our firm operates on contingency fees, which means you owe nothing until we secure a successful outcome.
Personal Attention
Unlike large firms that treat clients like numbers, we provide personalized attention and keep you informed throughout the process.
Trial Experience
Lead attorney Matthew Willens has extensive courtroom experience and isn’t afraid to take cases to trial when necessary.
Common Back Injury Myths Debunked
Myth: Minor accidents can’t cause serious back injuries.
Truth: Even low-speed collisions or minor falls can cause herniated discs and other serious spinal injuries.
Myth: You’ll know immediately if your back is injured.
Truth: Some back injuries have delayed symptoms that may not appear for days or weeks after an accident.
Myth: Insurance will fairly compensate you without a lawyer.
Truth: Insurance companies routinely undervalue back injury claims and may deny legitimate claims entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a back injury lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law provides a two-year window from your injury date to take legal action. However, the discovery rule may apply in cases where injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
Can I still file a claim if my back injury was pre-existing?
Yes, if someone else’s negligence worsened your pre-existing condition, you may be entitled to compensation for the aggravation of your injury.
What if I injured my back on the job?
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and in some cases, you can also file a third-party lawsuit against negligent parties other than your employer.
What are the fees for hiring a back injury attorney?
Nothing upfront. At Willens & Baez, we work on contingency fees, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
Take Action Today. Time Is Limited.
Back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses and cost industries billions of dollars annually. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or deny you the compensation you deserve.
The experienced Chicago back pain lawyers at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers have the knowledge, resources, and trial experience to maximize your recovery. Our proven track record includes:
- $625,000 motorcycle accident settlement in Lyons, IL for man requiring lumbar decompression surgery
- $510,000 truck accident settlement on I-94 for driver with herniated disc requiring surgery
- $500,000 car accident settlement in Glenview, IL for passenger needing complex back surgery
- $15,808,277 record pedestrian accident verdict recognized as Top 100 nationally.
We’ve secured multiple eight-figure verdicts and settlements, and we’re prepared to fight just as hard for you.
Contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 957-4166 for your free consultation today. Act quickly. You have only two years under Illinois law to pursue your claim.
