When your life changes in an instant due to a catastrophic injury, you need experienced legal advocates who understand the full scope of your challenges. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has been fighting for catastrophic injury victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois for decades, securing millions in compensation for our clients.
The Chicago catastrophic injury attorneys at Willens & Baez have recovered over $15.8 million in a single verdict for a traumatic brain injury case and obtained numerous multi-million dollar settlements for clients facing life-altering injuries. We know how devastating these injuries can be, and we’re here to help you rebuild your life.
Reach out to Willens & Baez for a free consultation. No lawyer fees until we win for you. Call us at (312) 957-4166.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that result in permanent disability, disfigurement, or long-term impairment that significantly affects your ability to work and enjoy life. Such injuries typically demand comprehensive medical intervention, extended rehabilitation, and continuous care.
Data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center shows roughly 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries happen annually across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates there were around 214,110 traumatic brain injury-related hospital admissions in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related fatalities in 2021.
Recent data reveals the broader scope of catastrophic injuries across the nation. Since 1982, there have been 487 catastrophic injuries or illnesses reported across all collegiate sports in the US, with 297 (61%) being traumatic events and 190 (39%) non-traumatic incidents. In 2023 alone, 62 million Americans sought medical attention for preventable injuries, and there were 222,698 preventable deaths.
Common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These affect how the brain works and can result from falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Data from the CDC shows there are over 586 TBI-related hospitalizations in the US every day.
- Spinal cord injuries: According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, approximately 302,000 people with traumatic spinal cord injuries live in the United States, with vehicle crashes being the leading cause of injury.
- Severe burns: Third and fourth-degree burns that require extensive treatment and often result in permanent scarring and disability.
- Amputations: Loss of limbs that requires prosthetic devices and extensive rehabilitation. Willens & Baez secured a $1 million settlement for a client who underwent leg amputation due to medical malpractice.
- Multiple fractures: Complex bone breaks that may never heal properly and cause permanent limitations. Our firm has secured substantial settlements including $255,000 for a heel fracture and $250,000 for an arm fracture requiring surgical hardware.
- Organ damage: Internal trauma affecting essential organs that necessitates continuous medical treatment. We obtained a $491,863 verdict for a client whose kidney laceration required organ removal.
Chicago Train Accident Injuries
Chicago’s extensive rail network creates unique risks for catastrophic injuries. Data from the Federal Railroad Administration shows Illinois experienced 102 train collisions in 2023, resulting in 18 deaths and 22 injuries. The Illinois Commerce Commission notes that Illinois ranks second nationally in both track miles and public highway-rail crossings, with over 7,300 miles of track and 7,550 public crossings.
Train accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight of trains. Common injuries from train accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from impact
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Severe burns from fires or explosions
- Multiple fractures and internal trauma.
The six-county Chicago area accounts for approximately 73% of the state’s risk of train-vehicle collisions, making experienced legal representation crucial for victims of these devastating accidents.
Chicago Catastrophic Injury Impact
Chicago faces significant challenges with catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Recent data shows the stark reality of injury-related deaths among Illinois residents:
- 2020: 9,997 injury deaths (including 1,266 motor vehicle traffic deaths)
- 2021: 10,664 injury deaths (including 1,425 motor vehicle traffic deaths)
- 2022: 10,484 injury deaths (including 1,199 motor vehicle traffic deaths).
These numbers underscore the critical need for experienced catastrophic injury representation in Chicago.
The True Cost of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries create overwhelming financial burdens that extend far beyond initial medical bills. The lifetime cost of care for a spinal cord injury can exceed $5 million, according to medical studies. Traumatic brain injuries often require years of rehabilitation and ongoing care.
These injuries affect every aspect of your life:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing therapy can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Lost income: Many catastrophic injury victims can never return to their previous jobs, resulting in permanent loss of earning capacity.
- Home modifications: Wheelchair accessibility, specialized equipment, and safety modifications can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
- Ongoing care: Many victims require lifetime assistance with daily activities, adding significant ongoing costs.
- Emotional impact: The psychological trauma of a life-changing injury affects both victims and their families.
How Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Attorney Matthew Willens and the legal team at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling complex catastrophic injury cases. Our track record speaks for itself:
- $15,808,277 verdict for a 12-year-old girl who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a pedestrian accident
- $12,250,000 settlement for a birth injury case
- $10,000,000 settlement for another birth injury case
- $7,000,000 settlement for surgical errors
- Multiple settlements and verdicts exceeding $1 million for catastrophic injury cases.
We understand the unique challenges catastrophic injury victims face. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Thorough investigation: We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build the strongest possible case.
- Medical documentation: We coordinate with your medical team to fully document the extent of your injuries and future care needs.
- Economic analysis: We calculate the true cost of your injury, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and life care planning.
- Expert witnesses: We retain leading medical experts, economists, and life care planners to support your case.
- Aggressive advocacy: We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
Our results speak for themselves:
- $1.7 million settlement for amputation cases, an Evanston, IL Car Accident
- $491,863 verdict for organ damage
- Multiple six-figure settlements for complex fractures and spinal injuries.
Types of Compensation Available
Illinois law allows catastrophic injury victims to recover various types of damages:
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Ongoing care costs.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium for spouses
- Disfigurement and scarring.
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Chicago
Our Chicago catastrophic injury lawyers have handled cases involving numerous causes:
- Motor vehicle accidents: High-speed crashes, truck accidents, and pedestrian strikes often result in severe injuries.
- Construction accidents: Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and structural collapses can cause permanent disabilities.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and medication mistakes can lead to devastating consequences.
- Premises liability: Hazardous property conditions that can lead to severe falls and trauma.
- Train accidents: Chicago’s extensive rail network creates risks for both passengers and pedestrians.
- Sports and recreation: Athletic activities can result in catastrophic injuries, particularly in contact sports. College football accounts for the highest number of both traumatic and non-traumatic catastrophic injuries, with data showing 94 traumatic fatalities and 127 non-traumatic deaths since 1931. Between 2001 and 2017, the ratio of non-traumatic to traumatic deaths in collegiate football was 5:1.
- Workplace injuries: Job site accidents, blasts, and machinery malfunctions that can result in permanent disabilities.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers
- Proven results: Our million-dollar verdicts and settlements demonstrate our ability to secure maximum compensation for catastrophic injury victims.
- Resources: We have the financial resources to fund complex litigation and retain top experts.
- Experience: Decades of experience handling catastrophic injury cases in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
- Compassionate representation: We understand the challenges you face and provide personalized attention to every client.
- No upfront costs: Our contingency fee structure means you owe nothing unless we secure a recovery for your case.
Illinois Personal Injury Legal Framework
The legal landscape for catastrophic injury cases in Illinois is complex and demands experienced representation. Of the 1.3 million lawyers in the US, over 135,000 (roughly 10%) specialize in personal injury law, highlighting both the field’s significance and the competition for quality representation.
Illinois operates under a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar. You can obtain damages when partially responsible for your accident, provided your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. If you’re found 50% or less at fault, any award you receive will be reduced by your degree of responsibility. However, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing.
Personal injury claims in Illinois typically must be filed within two years from when the injury occurred. However, some exceptions may apply, making it crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible. However, some exceptions may apply, making it crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Take Action Today
Catastrophic injuries require immediate attention from experienced legal professionals. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and crucial deadlines may pass. The sooner you contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, the better we can protect your rights and build your case.
Avoid allowing insurance companies to exploit your vulnerable position. Their first priority is protecting their bottom line, not ensuring you receive fair compensation for your life-changing injuries.
Contact Our Top-Rated Chicago Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers are recognized as top-rated catastrophic injury attorneys in Chicago. Our proven track record includes the $15.8 million verdict for a traumatic brain injury case, one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country that year. We’ve secured over $12 million in birth injury settlements and millions more for clients facing spinal cord injuries, severe burns, amputations, and other catastrophic injuries.
Our catastrophic injury results include:
- $1 million settlement for medical malpractice resulting in leg amputation due to untreated blood clots
- $491,863 verdict for kidney laceration requiring organ removal
- $255,000 settlement for calcaneal (heel) fracture requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation
- $250,000 settlement for arm fracture requiring surgical placement of plates, wires, and screws
- Multiple settlements for herniated disc injuries requiring spinal surgery
- Numerous verdicts and settlements for severe fractures and orthopedic injuries.
When you’re facing the most challenging time of your life, you need attorneys who will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Call us at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case.
