When life changes in an instant, you need experienced legal advocates who understand the full scope of paralysis injuries and their impact on your future.
Paralysis affects more Americans than most people realize. According to the Reeve Foundation, approximately 1.7 percent of the US population, or 5,357,970 people, live with some form of paralysis. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that approximately 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries occur each year in the USA.
The financial impact is staggering. Lifetime costs of tetraplegia injuries can range from $2.1 million to $4.7 million, while paraplegia costs average between $1.5 million and $2.3 million over a lifetime.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we understand that paralysis injuries change everything. Head attorney Matthew Willen has dedicated his career to helping catastrophically injured clients recover the compensation they need for lifelong care and support.
For a free consultation with a top-rated Chicago paralysis attorney from Willens & Baez call us at (312) 957-4166. We won’t charge lawyer fees until we win for you.
Understanding Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis occurs when damage to the nervous system prevents normal muscle movement and sensation. Stroke accounts for the highest percentage of paralysis cases at 33.7 percent, with spinal cord injuries representing 27.3 percent, and multiple sclerosis causing 18.6 percent.
The two main types of paralysis are:
- Paraplegia – Paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, typically resulting from thoracic or lumbar spinal cord injuries
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) – Paralysis affecting all four limbs and trunk, usually caused by cervical spinal cord injuries.
Men represent approximately 79% of new spinal cord injuries, while the typical age when these injuries occur is 43 years old.
Common Causes of Paralysis in Chicago
Chicago’s busy transportation network and industrial activity create multiple risks for catastrophic injuries:
Vehicle Accidents
At 37.5%, vehicle crashes are currently the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for the highest percentage of new cases nationwide.
Train and Railroad Accidents
Chicago serves as a major rail hub, creating unique risks. Illinois recorded 102 railway crossing accidents in 2023, resulting in 18 deaths and 22 injuries. The six-county Chicago area region accounts for approximately 73% of the state’s risk of experiencing a train-vehicle collision.
Train accident injuries often result in severe trauma due to the massive force involved. Overall, in the US, a total of 6,705 people were injured in railway accidents in 2023 alone, which is 3% higher than the 2022 total of 6,513.
Falls and Construction Accidents
Falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly dangerous in Chicago’s construction industry and high-rise buildings.
Workplace Injuries
Industrial accidents, falls from height, and equipment failures can cause devastating spinal injuries.
Acts of Violence
Acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds) are another common cause of paralysis injuries.
The True Cost of Paralysis
The financial burden of paralysis extends far beyond initial medical treatment. According to the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation, first-year expenses for people with high tetraplegia can exceed $1 million, while paraplegia costs nearly $519,000 in the first year alone.
Annual ongoing costs include:
- High tetraplegia: $184,891 annually after the first year
- Low tetraplegia: $113,423 annually
- Paraplegia: $68,739 annually.
These figures don’t include indirect costs: lost wages, benefits, and productivity represent indirect costs averaging $71,961 annually based on 2014 data.
Additional expenses include:
- Home modifications and accessibility improvements
- Specialized medical equipment
- Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
- Personal care assistance
- Transportation modifications
- Lost earning capacity.
Why Legal Experience Matters in Paralysis Cases
Paralysis cases demand attorneys who understand both the immediate and long-term needs of catastrophically injured clients. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to fully document the lifelong impact of your paralysis injury.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive case investigation: We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify all liable parties and insurance coverage.
- Medical expert collaboration: We work with spinal cord injury specialists to document the full extent of your injuries and prognosis.
- Life care planning: We calculate future medical needs, equipment costs, and care requirements over your lifetime.
- Economic analysis: We determine lost earning capacity and the economic impact of your injury.
- Fighting for maximum compensation: We pursue all available sources of recovery to secure the resources you need for lifelong care.
Our Track Record of Success
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has a proven history of securing substantial recoveries for catastrophically injured clients:
- $15,808,277 pedestrian accident verdict: Recognized as one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country for a 12-year-old girl who suffered a traumatic brain injury
- $12,250,000 birth injury settlement: Secured for a family dealing with lifelong care needs from cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities
- $11,000,000 birth injury settlement: Medical malpractice case involving permanent neurological injuries
- $10,000,000 birth injury settlement: For medical negligence resulting in lifelong developmental and movement disabilities
- $7,000,000 surgical error settlement: For medical malpractice resulting in permanent disability
- $4,000,000 failure to diagnose settlement: Medical malpractice case with ongoing care requirements
- $2,250,000 truck accident settlement: Motor vehicle crash resulting in severe injuries.
Willens & Baez is experienced in injury cases involving permanent movement difficulties, having recovered over millions in settlements for clients.
Types of Paralysis Cases We Handle
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes causing spinal injuries
- Train and railroad accidents: Crossing accidents, derailments, and platform incidents in Chicago’s extensive rail network
- Construction accidents: Falls, equipment failures, and workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and birth injuries
- Premises liability: Slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, and dangerous conditions
- Product liability: Defective equipment or products causing spinal injuries
- Swimming pool and diving accidents: Accidents resulting in paralysis from recreational activities.
The Legal Process for Paralysis Claims
Time is critical in paralysis cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies move quickly to limit their exposure. We recommend contacting an attorney immediately after a paralysis injury occurs.
Immediate steps we take:
- Preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Obtain medical records and imaging studies
- Secure expert medical opinions on prognosis
- Calculate current and future damages
- Begin negotiations with insurance companies.
Building your case:
We work with leading medical professionals to document your injuries and establish the need for lifelong care. This includes neurologists, physiatrists, occupational therapists, and life care planners who can testify about your future needs.
Pursuing all available compensation:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Home modifications and accessibility improvements
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress.
Understanding Your Rights After a Paralysis Injury
Illinois law provides important protections for injury victims. You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, though this timeline can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
Key legal concepts:
- Negligence: We must prove that another party’s carelessness or recklessness caused your injury.
- Comparative fault: Even if you bear some responsibility, you may still recover compensation under Illinois’ comparative negligence laws.
- Damages: Illinois permits compensation for financial losses (such as medical expenses and lost income) as well as non-financial harm (including pain and suffering).
Resources and Support for Paralysis Patients
We understand that legal compensation is just one aspect of adjusting to life with paralysis. We can connect you with valuable resources including:
- Spinal cord injury rehabilitation centers in Chicago
- Support groups for paralysis patients and families
- Adaptive equipment specialists
- Home modification contractors
- Financial planning services for special needs
- Vocational rehabilitation programs.
Contact the Top-Rated Injury Lawyers at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C.
Don’t face the challenges of paralysis alone. The experienced attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers are top-rated Chicago paralysis injury lawyers, we have the experience, resources, and track record of success you need. Willens & Baez have secured over $15 million in a single verdict and consistently recovers significant compensation for catastrophically injured clients.
We offer:
- Free initial consultation
- No fees unless we win your case
- Immediate case evaluation
- 24/7 availability for serious injuries
- Home and hospital visits when needed.
The lifetime costs of paralysis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Contact Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. today to learn how we can help secure the resources you need for the best possible quality of life.
Call (312) 957-4166 now for your free consultation.
