Chicago Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injuries often stem from severe traffic crashes, workplace incidents, and construction crashes. These injuries often result in life-altering outcomes, leaving victims with permanent disabilities that can lead to secondary complications and a lifetime of medical treatments.

At Cooney & Conway, our experienced catastrophic injury lawyers remain deeply committed to holding at-fault parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.

Not sure if you have a case? We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Call for your free no-risk case review now: (800) 322-5573

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury involves severe, life-changing damage that causes long-term or permanent harm, resulting in significant medical and personal challenges. These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment and impact a person’s ability to work or live independently. Common catastrophic injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis: These injuries often require specialized care at Chicago rehabilitation centers like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can require ongoing treatment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and other Chicago trauma centers.
• Amputations: Victims who suffer a loss of one or more limbs face a lengthy recovery and extensive rehabilitation while learning how to cope with their new normal.
• Severe burns: Chicago burn victims often receive specialized care at the University of Chicago Medicine Burn Center.
• Permanent disfigurement: These injuries may require multiple reconstructive surgeries and ongoing care.
• Multiple fractures or complex bone injuries: These often occur in Chicago construction accidents or multi-vehicle crashes on busy routes like I-90/I-94.
• Loss of vision or hearing: Sensory loss dramatically affects independence and career options.
• Internal organ damage: This requires ongoing treatment from Chicago medical specialists.

How Does Illinois Define Catastrophic Injuries?

Illinois law has no formal legal definition for catastrophic injuries, but generally considers them as severe, debilitating injuries resulting in permanent disability or completely altering a person’s life.

In legal cases, courts evaluate catastrophic injury claims based on specific factors including permanent disability. Other factors considered include long-term medical treatment requirements, loss of earning capacity, and overall impact on quality of life. What sets these injuries apart is their profound impact on how a person lives, works, and interacts with the world around them.

What Causes a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries stem from various types of accidents, but regardless of how they occur, the victims have a long and costly road of recovery before them.

When a catastrophic injury is caused by an avoidable accident due to negligence, it is even more tragic. Identifying the specific cause can help establish liability as well as the insurance policy that may cover the cost of the victim’s damages.

The most common accidents that may result in a catastrophic injury include:

Car Accidents

High-speed collisions on busy Chicago roadways, like Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway, frequently result in serious injuries, including spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries.

Workplace Accidents

Industrial zones and construction sites present hazardous environments where falls, crush injuries, or exposure to dangerous materials often lead to life-altering injuries.

Medical Malpractice

Surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, or improper treatment at medical facilities can result in long-lasting injuries, leaving victims with permanent disabilities that affect their quality of life.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Falls caused by unsafe conditions on properties, including wet floors or broken walkways, frequently lead to broken bones or head trauma with long-term consequences.

Assault and Violent Acts

Physical attacks can result in catastrophic injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, or severe lacerations.

Am I Eligible To File a Case in Illinois?

Illinois law allows you to file a personal injury case if you suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions. Eligibility depends on whether another party’s preventable actions caused your injury.

To determine if you qualify under Illinois law, your injury must cause significant long-term or permanent damage, such as a severe spinal cord injury, brain trauma, or limb loss. Additionally, evidence must show the responsible party is at fault.

Proving Liability for an Illinois Catastrophic Injury Claim

Proving liability for an Illinois catastrophic injury claim requires demonstrating that another party’s actions or negligence directly caused your injury.

Compelling evidence that may strengthen your case includes:

• Accident reports or police statements: Official documentation from Chicago Police Department or Illinois State Police.
• Medical records: Detailed records from Chicago medical centers documenting your injury and treatment plan.
• Eyewitness testimony or video footage: Statements from people who saw the incident occur or security camera footage.
• Expert testimony: Professional opinions linking your injury directly to the accident.
• Documentation of unsafe conditions: Evidence of defective equipment or hazardous environments that contributed to your injury.
• Records of lost wages and ongoing medical costs: Documentation of your financial losses and projected future expenses.

How Much Could My Catastrophic Injury Case Be Worth in Chicago?

The value of a catastrophic injury case depends on several factors specific to Illinois law. The type, extent and severity of your injuries is a significant consideration, but there are other factors that must be considered as well, including the extent of the other party’s responsibility.

Potential compensation you may be eligible to recover following a catastrophic injury includes:

Medical Expenses

The total cost of medical treatments at Chicago hospitals, surgeries, rehabilitation services, and ongoing care needed for your recovery significantly impacts your case’s value.

Lost Wages and Future Earnings

Illinois law entitles you to compensation for income lost during recovery and potential future earnings lost due to permanent disability.

Pain and Suffering

The physical and emotional distress caused by your injury, including long-term pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life, affects your claim value under Illinois compensation guidelines.

Degree of Liability

The level of responsibility the at-fault party holds under Illinois comparative negligence laws impacts the amount of compensation you may receive.

Insurance Coverage

Available insurance coverage from the at-fault party or other sources, such as your own policy, may affect your potential recovery under Illinois insurance regulations.

Why Seek Legal Help After a Catastrophic Injury in Chicago?

After a catastrophic injury, victims face numerous challenges while insurance companies work to minimize payouts. Trying to protect your legal rights while healing from such a devastating injury can be overwhelming, and it definitely is to the advantage of the insurance company.

At Cooney & Conway, we can protect your rights and provide the essential support you need during this difficult time, while offering these and other key benefits:

• Free initial consultation: Evaluate your case with zero financial risk or obligation
• Immediate investigation: Secure critical evidence from your accident before it disappears or degrades
• Medical coordination: Connect you with top Chicago specialists who understand catastrophic injuries
• Financial protection: Shield you from insurance adjusters seeking quick, inadequate settlements
• Comprehensive damages calculation: Determine the true lifetime cost of your injury, including future care
• Strategic case building: Develop compelling evidence of liability that insurance companies cannot dismiss
• Aggressive negotiation: Leverage legal expertise to maximize your compensation package
• Courtroom representation: Take your case to trial if settlement offers fail to meet your needs

Reach Out to Our Skilled Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today

If a catastrophic injury has affected your life or the life of someone you care about, you do not have to handle this situation alone. Our legal team understands the unique challenges of navigating Illinois personal injury law, and we are ready to help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

At Cooney & Conway, our catastrophic injury lawyers provide individualized attention and fight for your rights throughout the entire process, from initial consultation through settlement negotiations or trial if necessary. Proven Results. No Upfront Costs or Fees. Call (800) 322-5573 today.