Spinal fusion surgery represents one of the most serious outcomes following traumatic accidents in Chicago. If you need spinal fusion surgery due to someone else’s negligence, you face months of recovery, mounting medical bills, and uncertain future complications. At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, our Chicago spinal fusion lawyers understand the life-changing impact these injuries have on victims and their families.
Firm founder Attorney Matthew Willens has nearly 30 years of experience handling spinal injury cases. As a Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer (an honor given to less than 1% of Illinois lawyers) and member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Matthew has secured substantial recoveries for clients facing complex spinal injuries. National recognition of his expertise comes through his membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel: The Nation’s Top One Percent of Attorneys.
Call us today at (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation. Our experienced spinal fusion attorneys take cases on a contingency fee, meaning you pay us nothing until we win for you.
Understanding Spinal Fusion Surgery and Its Impact
Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae in your spine using bone grafts, metal rods, screws, or plates. More than 342,000 interbody spinal fusions are performed in the United States every year, making it one of the most common major spine surgeries.
The need for spinal fusion typically arises from severe injuries that compromise spinal stability, including:
- Vertebral fractures from car accidents
- Disc herniation requiring stabilization
- Spinal instability from trauma
- Severe degenerative changes following injury
- Failed previous back surgeries.
Research shows the volume of elective lumbar fusion increased 62.3% from 2004 to 2015, reflecting both improved surgical techniques and the growing number of people suffering spinal injuries requiring this intervention.
Types of Spinal Fusion Surgery
Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Lumbar fusion targets the lower back region where many traumatic injuries occur. Surgeons take bone grafts from the pelvic bone or use synthetic materials to fuse damaged vertebrae. Recovery typically requires several months, often with back bracing during healing.
This procedure carries significant risks. Studies show at least one major or minor complication occurred in 77.4% of all spinal fusion procedures, with major complications affecting 51.2% of patients. These complications can include infections, blood clots, nerve damage, and chronic pain.
Cervical Spinal Fusion
Cervical fusion addresses neck vertebrae injuries common in rear-end collisions and high-impact accidents. While this procedure can prevent paralysis, it often results in permanent loss of neck mobility and increased arthritis risk.
The recovery process involves substantial lifestyle changes, ongoing medical care, and potential need for future surgeries.
Common Causes of Injuries Requiring Spinal Fusion
Our Chicago spinal fusion lawyers have represented clients whose injuries resulted from various types of accidents:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions generate tremendous forces that can fracture vertebrae or severely herniate discs. High-speed impacts and T-bone collisions frequently cause spinal injuries requiring fusion surgery.
Construction and Workplace Accidents
Falls from heights, being struck by heavy equipment, or scaffold collapses often result in compression fractures or unstable spinal injuries. Construction workers face particularly high risks for traumatic spinal injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Severe falls, especially involving elderly victims, can cause compression fractures requiring surgical stabilization. When property owners neglect to keep safe conditions, they may face liability for injuries that occur.
Sports and Recreation Accidents
Contact sports, diving accidents, and recreational activities can cause spinal trauma requiring fusion surgery, particularly when safety protocols are inadequate.
Risks and Complications of Spinal Fusion Surgery
Understanding the serious risks helps explain why spinal fusion injuries deserve substantial compensation. Medical research identifies major complications in 51.2% of spinal fusion patients, including:
Life-Related Complications (28% of Patients)
- Coagulopathy (bleeding disorder)
- Decreased platelets
- Sepsis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Blood vessel injuries
- Hypotension (low blood pressure).
Non-Life-Related Major Complications (33.9% of Patients)
- Deep venous thrombosis (blood clot in vein)
- Spinal cord injury
- Major nerve root injury
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Long-Term Consequences
- Adjacent segment disease
- Chronic pain
- Reduced mobility
- Increased arthritis
- Need for additional surgeries.
The recovery process extends far beyond the initial surgery. Patients typically need months of physical therapy, pain management, and gradual return to activities.
Economic Impact of Spinal Fusion Injuries
The financial burden of spinal fusion surgery extends far beyond the initial procedure. Aggregate hospital costs for spinal fusion exceeded $10 billion in 2015, averaging more than $50,000 per admission.
Victims face substantial expenses including:
- Initial surgery and hospitalization costs
- Follow-up surgeries for complications
- Months of physical therapy
- Pain management treatments
- Lost wages during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Long-term care needs.
The complexity and cost of these injuries require experienced legal representation to ensure full compensation.
Matthew Willens’ Expertise in Spinal Injury Cases
Matthew Willens brings unique qualifications to spinal fusion cases. Through his role as adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he teaches Advanced Trial Advocacy, he passes on his courtroom knowledge to future lawyers. His AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell represents the highest possible rating for legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards.
Our firm’s track record includes these victories:
- A motorcyclist who needed lumbar decompression surgery in Lyons, Illinois obtained a $625,000 settlement.
- A 45-year-old truck driver who was rear-ended by another semi-truck and needed surgery due to a low back disc herniation received a $510,000 settlement.
- A 67-year-old passenger in a car accident in Glenview, Illinois received a $500,000 settlement for spinal fusion surgery that involved expanding the fusion and removing hardware from earlier procedures.
- Recognition as Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer and member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Matthew’s background working for major insurance companies provides insider knowledge of defense strategies, helping our clients achieve better outcomes.
Our Approach to Spinal Fusion Cases
Comprehensive Case Investigation
We immediately secure medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. Our investigation often reveals additional liable parties and insurance coverage not initially apparent.
Medical Expert Collaboration
We work with leading orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and pain management specialists who can explain your injuries’ full impact to insurance companies and juries.
Life Care Planning
Our economists and life care planners calculate the true cost of your spinal fusion injury, including future surgeries, ongoing treatment, and lost earning capacity.
Aggressive Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies often undervalue spinal fusion cases. Our proven track record motivates insurers to offer fair settlements rather than face us in court.
Damages Available in Spinal Fusion Cases
Illinois law allows recovery for all damages caused by the defendant’s negligence:
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Ongoing care costs.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal life enjoyment
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (for spouses).
Punitive Damages
Available in cases involving willful misconduct or reckless behavior.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Spinal Fusion Case
Proven Track Record
Our multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements demonstrate our ability to achieve exceptional results. We’ve secured substantial recoveries for clients facing complex spinal injuries throughout Illinois.
Top-Rated Legal Team
Matthew Willens’ recognition as a Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer and member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel reflects our commitment to excellence. Partner David Baez’s selection as a Super Lawyers Rising Star shows our firm’s depth of talent.
Resources to Fight Major Cases
We have the financial resources to take on hospitals, trucking companies, and major corporations. Our willingness to try cases motivates defendants to offer fair settlements.
No Win, No Fee Guarantee
Our clients pay no legal fees unless we secure a victory in their case. We advance all costs for medical experts, investigators, and case preparation.
Case Results That Demonstrate Our Success
While every case is unique, our results show our ability to secure substantial compensation for spinal injury victims:
- $625,000 Lyons, IL motorcycle accident settlement for a motorcyclist requiring lumbar decompression procedure
- $510,000 Chicago truck accident settlement for a driver who suffered low back disc herniation requiring surgery after being rear-ended by another semi-truck.
- $500,000 Glenview, IL car accident settlement for a car accident passenger who suffered spinal fusion surgery removing hardware from previous surgery and extending the fusion
- And more.
These results reflect our thorough preparation and willingness to fight for full compensation.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
Time limits apply to personal injury claims in Illinois. The statute of limitations typically provides two years from the injury date, but exceptions may apply. Evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade, making prompt action critical.
If you face spinal fusion surgery due to someone else’s negligence, don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Our Chicago spinal fusion lawyers understand the full scope of your injuries and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Top-Rated Chicago Spinal Fusion Lawyers Today
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has helped hundreds of accident victims secure the compensation they need including for complex spinal injuries. Our proven track record includes multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts that have earned recognition as one of Chicago’s premier personal injury law firms.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact our experienced Chicago spinal fusion lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and outline how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Call (312) 957-4166 now for your free consultation with our top-rated Chicago spinal fusion lawyers.
