Chicago Back Injury Attorney

Maximum Compensation for Back Injury Cases in Chicago

When you get hurt because of someone else’s negligence, a Chicago back injury attorney can help you pursue compensation. At Chicago Injury Center, we have decades of experience holding negligent parties accountable for causing serious back injuries.

Our team will guide you through the personal injury claim process to secure a fair settlement for legal damages.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

A winning track record is key when looking for the top back injury attorney in Chicago. Here are some past settlements we have won for our clients:

$470,000 – Ethan, a structural engineer based in downtown Chicago, developed chronic lower back pain after a work-related incident at a job site. Despite initial conservative treatment, his condition persisted and impacted his ability to work. Our firm secured a $470,000 settlement to account for his ongoing pain, reduced mobility, and career limitations.

$720,000 – Derrick was rear-ended by a double-trailer semi while driving on I-90 near Chicago. At first, he returned to work thinking it was just a back sprain, but within days, he was nearly immobile; an MRI later revealed two herniated discs. He underwent a three-level lumbar fusion, and we obtained a $720,000 settlement to cover his medical care, lost income, and long-term pain.

$735,000 – Helen, an elderly nursing home resident on Chicago’s North Side, fell from a wheelchair that staff left unattended near a ramp. She broke her leg and suffered compression fractures to her lower back and neck. We held the facility accountable for negligent supervision, securing a $735,000 settlement for her and her family.

$1.4 million – Angela and her daughter Maria were waiting at a red light in Cicero when a food delivery semi-truck slammed into them from behind. The driver had exceeded federal driving limits and violated NTSB rules. Angela required spinal fusion surgery while Maria underwent injections and physical therapy—both were compensated for their injuries with a $1.4 million settlement.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At our firm, we have a 98% success rate with personal injury lawsuits. Due to this strong reputation, we have earned recognition among the top 5% of injury attorneys from Super Lawyers. We also maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Types of Back Injury Cases We Handle in Chicago

Soft Tissue Injuries

• Muscle Strains
• Ligament Sprains
• Torn or Stretched Tendons
• Facet Joint Injuries
• Chronic Soft Tissue Inflammation

Disc Injuries

• Herniated Discs
• Bulging Discs
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Annular Tears
• Disc Desiccation (Drying Out)

Fracture-Related Back Injuries

• Compression Fractures
• Vertebral Fractures
• Burst Fractures
• Transverse Process Fractures

Spinal Injuries

• Spinal Cord Injury (Complete and Incomplete)
• Nerve Root Compression
• Spinal Stenosis
• Paralysis (Paraplegia, Quadriplegia)
• Spondylolisthesis (Vertebra Slippage)
• Spinal Instability
• Cauda Equina Syndrome

Nerve-Related Back Injuries

• Sciatica (Lumbar Radiculopathy)
• Pinched Nerves
• Neuropathy from Spinal Compression
• Nerve Damage from Inflammation or Trauma

Other Serious Back Conditions

• Post-Laminectomy Syndrome (Failed Back Surgery)
• Chronic Pain Syndrome
• Myelopathy (Spinal Cord Dysfunction)
• Back Injuries Requiring Surgical Fusion
• Loss of Mobility Due to Structural Damage

What Are the Most Common Causes of Back Injury?

An expert attorney from our firm specializes in proving negligence for at-fault parties. Some of the most common causes of back injuries in Chicago are truck accidents, car accidents, construction site accidents, slips and falls, nursing home negligence, and workplace accidents.

What Damages Can Back Injury Victims Recover in Chicago?

Legal damages in an injury lawsuit determine how much compensation you can win if your claim is successful. The two main categories of losses are economic and non-economic.

Economic damages include lost wages, medical expenses, future medical costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, physical pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.

What Is the Average Back Injury Settlement in Chicago?

Lawsuits that involve back injuries are extremely common in Chicago. The average settlement for a back injury case is $607,406, while the median settlement is $25,000. This means half of all settlements were less than $25,000 during that period.

Example Back Injury Settlements or Jury Awards in Cook County

Tierney was standing at a bus shelter outside O’Hare International Airport when the shelter was dislodged by high winds and pinned her to the ground. She suffered a severe spinal injury and became a paraplegic. She sued the city of Chicago for failing to maintain safe structures when missing bolts were discovered. Tierney was awarded over $148 million for numerous legal damages.

Jules was a self-employed limo driver heading north on I-94 when a sedan rear-ended him. He suffered multiple injuries to his neck and back. Jules sued the other driver, who was a 15-year-old with a learner’s permit. The parties settled the case for $850,000 outside of court.

Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury lawsuit can be incredibly challenging without legal representation. You may be up against a stubborn defendant, a team of lawyers, and insurance companies with vast resources. If you have experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers on your side, you will have a better chance of winning fair compensation.

How Common Are Back Injuries?

Back injuries are fairly common in Chicago, according to multiple sources. In 2016, 38.5% of all workplace injuries involved musculoskeletal disorders that led to days away from work. According to the Michigan Municipal Workers’ Compensation Fund, over two million workers suffer back injuries every year in the United States.

Additionally, a study by PubMed found that 84% of individuals polled who suffered lower back pain sought healthcare solutions.

Where Do Back Injury Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Accidents of this sort can occur almost anywhere in Chicago, but some locations are more dangerous than others. Construction sites, busy intersections (79th Street and Stony Island Avenue), on-ramps, warehouses, nursing homes (Aperion Care International), and restaurants are just some of the most common locations where back injuries may occur.

What Laws Govern Back Injury Claims in Chicago?

The laws that govern your back injury lawsuit will depend on the circumstances of the incident. Cases with injured workers will likely fall under the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305). If you were hurt on someone else’s property, the Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130) will be relevant for slips, trips, falling objects, or poor maintenance.

If someone dies because of a back injury incident, family members can seek damages under the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180). Lastly, the Illinois Comparative Negligence Law (740 ILCS 5/2-1116) states that you can still pursue compensation if you are no more than 50% at fault for the incident, though your settlement will be reduced.

How Long Do I Have to File a Back Injury Lawsuit in Chicago?

For most types of claims in Chicago, victims have two years to file them under state law 735 ILCS 5/13-202. For a workplace injury, you may have up to three years from the injury or two years from the last benefit payment to seek workers’ compensation.

Who Is Legally Liable for Back Injury Accidents in Chicago?

Determining liability is the key to winning your case. Here are some potentially liable parties that may be at fault for your suffering:

• A negligent driver who rear-ends you in traffic
• A business owner who fails to employ custodial staff to clean up spills
• A contractor who does not enforce safety protocols
• A nurse for failing to use proper lifting methods when moving a patient
• The city of Chicago for failing to salt icy sidewalks near Millennium Park

Common Defenses in Chicago Back Injury Cases

The defense may attempt to argue that you are more at fault for the incident. Our team will help you gather stronger evidence to back up your claim, such as police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.

Another strategy the defendant’s lawyers may use is to claim that you are exaggerating the impact of the incident. Medical records, test results, medical bills, and testimony from a doctor can help prove the extent of legal damages.

How to Strengthen Your Back Injury Case in Chicago

Here is what you should do after a back injury to strengthen your claim:

• Assess the injury
• Identify the cause
• Seek medical treatment
• Report the incident
• Gather evidence from the scene
• Speak to witnesses
• Retain all medical records
• Consult an expert injury lawyer in Chicago

How a Chicago Back Injury Lawyer Can Help

The Chicago Injury Center can provide essential legal services as you seek compensation after your accident. Our team will investigate the incident, assess damages, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, fight for maximum compensation, and represent you in civil court.

Chicago Back Injury FAQs

How much does a back injury attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win the case. Our firm also offers a free consultation so you can ask questions about the case first.

Is it hard to prove a back injury?

It depends on the circumstances of your case and the amount of evidence available. With an experienced back injury attorney from our firm, even complex cases can lead to a strong settlement.

Is a back injury a permanent disability?

Some back and spinal injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. Chronic pain can also qualify as a permanent disability.

Consult a Chicago Back Injury Lawyer Near You!

A dedicated Chicago personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your back injury lawsuit. Our team will ensure you have the best chance of recovering lost wages, medical expenses, emotional distress, and other legal damages.

2Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced injury lawyer.