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Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Northern Illinois
Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Experienced legal representation for spinal cord case  in Rockford, McHenry County, Algonquin, and other Illinois communities. Rob and Keith Shindler are personally involved in every case.

Why Choose Shindler & Shindler 

Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

A spinal cord injury is a life-altering event that can instantly and permanently change everything about how you live, work, and experience the world. Paralysis, chronic pain, loss of independence, and the astronomical costs of lifelong medical care place an enormous burden on victims and their families. If your spinal cord injury was caused by another person’s negligence, the dedicated SCI attorneys at Shindler & Shindler will fight to ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation.

We serve spinal cord injury victims across Rockford, Algonquin, McHenry County, Cook County, and all of Chicagoland. Rob and Keith Shindler personally oversee every case, working with the leading medical, rehabilitation, and economic experts to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Illinois

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car crashes, truck collisions, and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries across McHenry County and Cook County.
  • Falls: Slip and fall accidents, falls from ladders or scaffolding on Rockford construction sites, and fall accidents in residential and commercial properties.
  • Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and physical assaults causing direct trauma to the spinal column.
  • Sports and Recreation: Diving accidents, contact sports injuries, and recreational vehicle collisions.
  • Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors on the spine, delayed diagnosis of spinal conditions, or anesthesia complications causing permanent nerve damage.
  • Workplace Accidents: Falls from heights, machinery accidents, and construction site incidents throughout the McHenry County area.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are classified by their level of severity and location along the spinal column:

  • Complete SCI: Total loss of all motor and sensory function below the level of injury. Complete injuries result in paraplegia (legs and lower body) or tetraplegia/quadriplegia (all four limbs and torso).
  • Incomplete SCI: Partial preservation of function below the injury level. The degree of impairment varies widely among incomplete SCI patients.
  • Cervical (Neck) Injuries (C1–C8): The most severe. Injuries at C1–C4 typically cause respiratory dependence and full-body paralysis. Injuries at C5–C8 may preserve some arm and hand function.
  • Thoracic (Mid-Back) Injuries (T1–T12): Typically cause paraplegia affecting the legs and lower body while leaving arms and hands functional.
  • Lumbar and Sacral Injuries: Affect hip flexors, leg muscles, and bladder/bowel control. Some walking function may be preserved.

The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can exceed $5 million or more. Shindler & Shindler fights to ensure the full lifetime value of your claim is reflected in any settlement or verdict.

The Lifetime Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury compensation must account for an enormous range of past and future costs:

  • Emergency medical care, surgeries, and acute hospitalization
  • Inpatient rehabilitation at specialized SCI facilities
  • Lifetime attendant care and in-home nursing services
  • Wheelchair, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology
  • Home and vehicle modifications for accessibility
  • Psychological counseling and mental health services
  • Future surgeries and medical complications management
  • Lost earnings and permanent loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium

Related Practice Areas

  • Brain Injury Attorney in Rockford & McHenry County
  • Medical Malpractice Lawyer – Shindler & Shindler
  • Construction Accident Attorney in Chicago & Algonquin
  • Workers’ Compensation for Illinois Workers
  • Burn Injury Lawyer in McHenry County

Frequently Asked Questions: Spinal Cord Injuries in Illinois

Q: How long do SCI victims have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?

 

A: The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois, including spinal cord injury cases, is generally two years. However, gathering medical evidence and expert opinions in SCI cases takes time. Contact Shindler & Shindler immediately to protect your rights.

 

Q: What if the driver who caused my spinal cord injury was underinsured?

 

A: Many Illinois drivers carry insurance limits far lower than the true value of a catastrophic SCI claim. Our attorneys explore all available sources of compensation, including your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, employer insurance policies, and other liable parties.

 

Q: Can I afford a spinal cord injury attorney in Rockford?

 

A: Shindler & Shindler handles all spinal cord injury cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront fees and we only get paid when we recover compensation for you. We front all case costs, so financial hardship will never prevent you from accessing top-tier legal representation.

Call Today

Whether you were a pedestrian severely harmed by a reckless driver in Chicago or Algonquin, or if you are dealing with the complex aftermath of a fatal accident, the skilled personal injury lawyers at Shindler & Shindler are here to help.

Call  Shindler & Shindler  today at 847-WE-FIGHTto schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients across the Chicagoland area, including Cook County, McHenry County, and surrounding communities.

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