Chicago Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Lawyers in Chicago, IL for Victims Who Have Suffered Severe Injuries
There are multiple types of serious injuries that can affect people who have been involved in accidents or other dangerous situations. Some people who suffer injuries may experience permanent disabilities or other long-term health issues. Catastrophic injuries can have a devastating impact on victims and their families, and they can have long-term or permanent physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you have experienced a severe injury because of the negligence of someone else, the personal injury lawyers at Schwartz Jambois can help you determine how to proceed as you identify the responsible parties and pursue financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries
Injuries can occur in a variety of situations, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or falls in nursing homes. In some cases, injuries may be severe, and they can lead to issues that may significantly affect a person's quality of life. Catastrophic injuries that cause major trauma to the body may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A blow or jolt to the head can disrupt normal brain function, and depending on the severity of the injury, a person may experience short-term or long-term effects. Brain injuries can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, seizures, and other debilitating symptoms.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage or trauma to the back and spine may affect the nerves in the spinal cord. These injuries may result in partial or complete loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury. Some of the most serious spinal cord injuries will result in paraplegia or quadriplegia/tetraplegia.
- Broken bones: While fractures commonly occur in motor vehicle accidents and other dangerous situations, they can be classified as catastrophic if they cause significant impairment or prevent a person from performing daily activities. Severe fractures involving crushed or shattered bones may never properly heal, and surgery, physical therapy, and other forms of medical treatment may be needed to help a person recover as much as possible.
- Severe burns: Burn injuries can cause excruciating pain along with scarring and disfigurement. Depending on the extent and location of the burn injury, victims may also suffer respiratory problems, mobility issues, and other complications.
- Amputations: Losing a limb can be life-changing, and a person who suffers this type of injury will most likely be affected both physically and emotionally. Amputees often require prosthetics and ongoing medical care to regain independence.
- Soft tissue injuries: While not as severe as some other catastrophic injuries, issues such as torn ligaments, severe sprains, dislocated joints, or strained muscles can cause chronic pain and limit a person's daily activities.
Legal Help Addressing the Effects of Catastrophic Injuries
In the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who can help determine the best options for recovering financial compensation. In these situations, our firm can assist with:
- Gathering evidence: To successfully obtain compensation for a catastrophic injury, it is essential to demonstrate that an injury occurred because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. Our experienced attorneys will work diligently to collect and preserve critical pieces of evidence such as accident reports, medical records, eyewitness testimonies, expert opinions, surveillance footage, and any other relevant documentation necessary to establish liability.
- Calculating damages: Catastrophic injuries often result in considerable economic losses due to high medical expenses, long-term care requirements, loss of income, and diminished quality of life. We will establish the full extent of the damages that have occurred due to an injury, including both economic and non-economic damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Depending on the circumstances surrounding an injury, insurance coverage may be available. However, insurance companies will often try to minimize the amount of claims made by injury victims and pay out as little compensation as possible. With our experience in cases involving serious injuries, we are prepared to negotiate acceptable settlements and ensure that our clients receive fair compensation for all of their damages, including current and future medical expenses related to an injury, loss of income or earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, home modifications, and pain and suffering. If no acceptable settlement can be reached through negotiations, we are prepared to proceed with litigation and fight for maximum recovery following a trial.
Contact Our Chicago Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Following a catastrophic injury that occurred because of someone else's negligence, it is important to take the correct steps to recover monetary compensation. AtSchwartz Jambois, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be. Our compassionate attorneys strive to seek justice and ensure that our clients receive the compensation needed to ease their burdens during times of hardship. For effective representation in cases involving severe injuries, contact us at 312-782-2525 and schedule a complimentary consultation.