In Illinois, spinal cord injury lawyers approach catastrophic injury cases as unique from the beginning. When an individual is paralyzed in a personal injury accident, he or she needs a competent attorney to handle the injury case. Competent Chicago paralysis injury lawyers can provide paralyzed individuals with one-on-one legal counsel, reliable direction and compassion. If you have been injured and are paralyzed as a result, you need your rights and best interests protected.
As discussed previously, paralysis is the loss of function of one or more muscle groups. Usually, an individual is paralyzed as the result of a spinal cord injury, brain injury or a neurological disorder. When an individual experiences paralysis, he or she will lose feeling in the affected area either temporarily or permanently. The paralysis may stay within a certain
muscle group or migrate to other regions according to Chicago personal injury attorneys.
A variety of medical conditions can result in paralysis including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma
- Brain injuries
- Stroke
- Neurological disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal bifida
If the injury was a result of another person’s negligence, Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers can pursue legal justice to help collect compensation for the catastrophic injury. Paralysis can be devastating and life-altering and an experienced, competent attorney is crucial to receive proper justice.
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In the previous posts, Chicago brain injury attorneys have been discussing traumatic brain injuries. In this post, the three successive stages will be explained of severe brain injuries. Generally, symptoms of brain injury symptoms will progress through three successive stages:
- Coma
- Post-traumatic amnesia
- Recovery
Severe traumatic brain injuries generally result in a loss of consciousness, known as a coma. When in a coma, the individual shows no reaction when spoken to or touched and his or her eyes are closed. A coma can be brief or last for an extended period of time. The longer an individual remains in a coma, the greater the chance for permanent neurological damage. Illinois brain injury lawyers have represented many individuals who have recovered from a coma yet still suffer side effects from the injury.
The post-traumatic amnesia stage occurs when in individual attempts to communicate and responds with purposeful movement. Responding to commands such as closing the eyes or lifting a limb, speaking and gesturing are characteristics of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). During this stage, concentrating long enough to remember things is difficult. Chicago personal injury attorneys list the following common symptoms of PTA following a brain injury:
- Difficulty performing tasks such as reciting days of the week, months of the year or counting
- Answering the same question with different responses
- Inability to remember what happened in recent minutes, hours or days
- Staring blankly
- Losing train of thought quickly
- Attention shifts from one subject to another
This state of confusion is mainly cognitive impairment; thinking, perception, remembering and concentration. Disinhibition, behavior changes and impulsivity are common among individuals during this stage.
The recovery phase begins when a person begins to retain information. Depending on which areas of the brain were damaged, this stage can last weeks, months or years. Improvement can occur rapidly at first and generally slows until a recovery plateau has been reached.
Not all individuals recover from a traumatic brain injury. For those that do, the process may take years. If you have been the victim of any type of head injury, contact a competent Illinois brain injury lawyer today.
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Most brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents and bicycle accidents. Not all brain injuries can be prevented; however, taking advantage of innovations that have been designed can help prevent becoming a victim of a traumatic brain injury. As discussed in previous posts, traumatic brain injuries can be result in life-changing consequences and even death.
Illinois brain injury lawyers report that an estimated 26% of the population neglects or resists using safety features such as seatbelts, child safety seats and automobile air bags. These features dramatically reduce the risk for serious injury and/or death after an accident. Chicago personal injury attorneys offer the following tips to help reduce or prevent serious traumatic brain injuries:
- Avoid driving under the influence of medications, drugs or alcohol
- Wear shoulder harnesses and lap belts 100% of the time
- Use properly installed child and infant safety seats
- Children under the age of twelve should always ride in the backseat to avoid airbag injuries
- Use a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle
- Adhere to proper speed limits
Although preventing traumatic brain injuries is not always possible, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Illinois brain injury lawyers have witnessed on multiple occasions the devastating effects of brain injuries and the long-term complications involved.
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Tragically, many brain injuries occur as the result of negligence by another person. If you are suffering from a brain injury as the result of negligence, you need a skilled and competent Illinois brain injury lawyer to fight for your rights. Thousands of people are affected by traumatic brain injuries annually in the state of Illinois.
Chicago brain injury attorneys have been discussing the devastating effects of head injuries in the previous few posts. This post will highlight the different types of brain injuries:
- Early brain injury
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Hypoxic-ischemic injury
- Contusions
Early brain injuries and early complications can be either focal or diffuse. Focal brain injuries are generally confined to a specific part of the brain. Localized damage results that can normally be detected by an x-ray or ct scan. Diffuse injuries on the other hand are characterized by damage throughout many areas of the brain. Often times, the damage is microscopic and affects the axons (wires) that nerve cells use to communicate with each other.
Diffuse axonal injuries cause the stretching of blood vessels in multiple areas of the brain and a shearing of large nerve fibers. This injury causes bleeding (hemorrhage) and can trigger additional toxic substances in the brain in days after the initial injury. The result can be memory loss, inattentiveness, visual loss, weakness on one side of the body and disorganization, among other complications.
Hypoxic-ischemic injuries restrict the flow of oxygen from the blood, glucose and additional nutrients. Most victims of hypoxic-ischemic injuries face a poor prognosis, reduced cognitive function and/or memory loss reports an Illinois brain injury lawyer.
Contusions are bruises that can cause the destruction of brain tissue, swelling or bleeding. Symptoms of contusions include but are not limited to memory loss, loss of vision, coordination, abnormal sensations, behavior impairment and weakness. Contusions can leave permanent scars in brain tissue and therefore neurological impairment.
Contact a Chicago brain injury attorney today if you have further questions on traumatic brain injuries or have been a victim of this life-altering injury.
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Traumatic brain injuries, also called head injuries are damage to the brain that results from head trauma. According to Illinois brain injury lawyers, all brain injuries are serious. Minor brain injuries do not always cause long-term effects. Severe brain injuries can cause life changing consequences such as coma or death.
Common signs of traumatic brain injuries include dizziness, vision changes, loss of balance, memory loss or headaches. Chicago brain injury attorneys urge anyone who experiences symptoms after suffering a head trauma should seek medical care immediately.
In the previous post, Chicago personal injury attorneys offered questions to ask about traumatic brain injuries. In this post, treatment for head injuries will be discussed along with questions to ask your doctor about treatment. Print out the following list to bring with you to your doctor or neurologist appointment.
- Will surgery be necessary?
- What does acute treatment involve?
- What different treatments are available for this type of brain injury?
- What treatments are available to prevent additional medical problems?
- What rehabilitation specialists will be involved?
- Where will the rehabilitation treatment (if necessary) occur?
- What disadvantages are associated with brain injury treatment?
- What benefits are associated with brain injury treatment?
- How can complications be prevented?
- If complications occur, how will they be treated?
- What will chronic brain injury treatment involve?
- What kind of social support networks are available?
- Are there social support networks for family members and/or caregivers?
This list provides potential questions to ask your doctor about treatment. Brainstorm any additional questions you may have prior to your appointment. Illinois brain injury lawyers stress the importance of learning as much as you can regarding your specific brain injury. Education is crucial to overcoming the devastating effects of any head injury. If you have additional questions, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney today.
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Many challenges can arise after suffering a traumatic brain injury. In this post, Chicago brain injury attorneys will discuss these challenges and strategies for coping. The following list offers tips for managing time and information.
- Carry a daily diary with your schedule. Write things down, review it nightly and turn ideas or issues into actions
- Create a daily plan every morning and review it at the end of the day.
- Organize your time to accomplish goals
- Set one or two daily goals
- Use a watch alarm to focus throughout the day on your goals
- Approach goals and tasks one step at a time
Social skills can be difficult after a traumatic brain injury according to Illinois personal injury lawyers. Use the following tips for enhancing social skills:
- Practice making eye contact one minute every day
- Show interest in other people
- Smile at others
- Try not to interrupt or change the topic when speaking to others.
- Engage in conversation by nodding your head
- Use examples and try to be clear when communicating
- Practice slowing down your breathing, eating, walking and responding
The aftermath of traumatic brain injuries can lead individuals to have a difficult time controlling anger. If you experience anger, Chicago brain injury attorneys recommend calling someone you know, allowing your emotions to flow and leave the situation if possible. Getting out of anger’s way can alleviate the emotion and allow you to become calm.
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Illinois brain injury lawyers have represented numerous victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Their extensive experience working with TBI survivors and their families have helped many people understand the complexities presented with brain injury cases. In this post, Chicago personal injury attorneys will highlight a few important facts you need to know about TBI.
An individual does not need to be “knocked out” or unconscious to have suffered a brain injury. Also, a direct blow does not have to occur to sustain a brain injury. Often times a neurological and/or a neuro-radiological exam will be normal because these tests cannot pick up damage at a microscopic level. Chicago brain injury attorneys list the following symptoms associated with brain injury:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Blurred Vision
- Tinnitus
- Confusion
- Impaired Consciousness
- Personality Changes
- Behavioral Changes
- Impulsivity
Many people do not realize they have suffered a brain injury until they go back to work. Cognitive dysfunction can make it difficult to meet work challenges. Even a “mild” traumatic brain injury can cause serious cognitive and emotional impairments. Keep in mind in many cases, no visible injury or evidence of trauma will be visible. The injury is caused by movement of the brain and brain cells within the skull.
Illinois brain injury lawyers can help seek compensation if you or someone you love has been the victim of a traumatic brain injury. Do not wait to contact an experienced, diligent attorney.
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Every year, more than ten thousand people in the United States are victims of spinal cord injuries. A variety of causes can lead to spinal cord injuries such as automobile accidents, diving accidents, falls and shootings. Spinal cord injuries often result in permanent health and lifestyle changes. Chicago spinal cord injury attorneys have represented many victims of these devastating injuries and are dedicated to pursuing compensation when justice is deserved.
The term “spinal cord injury” refers to any injury of the neural elements within the spinal canal. Some spinal cord injuries are not due to trauma, but instead are a result of a disease to the vertebral column. When a spinal cord injury is a result of trauma, the injury affects the spinal cord’s ability to send and receive messages from the brain to the body systems that control motor, sensory and autonomic function. Illinois personal injury lawyers explain how the body can be affected in many ways. The nerves about the injury typically function normally but the nerves below do not.
Spinal cord injury claims are generally complex and can be lengthy. It is imperative to speak to an Illinois spinal cord injury lawyer immediately after the injury. Time limits exist and investigating a claim is usually easier if it is started early. Many victims have a loss of physical mobility.
The cost of medical care and loss of future earnings can increase quickly, further adding to the benefit of contacting a Chicago personal injury attorney promptly if you have been the victim of a spinal cord injury.
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According to the US Legal’s definition, personal injury law “Involves injury which is caused accidentally by another’s failure to use reasonable care.” The definitions of reasonable care is determined on a case-by-base basis. A person may be liable to the injury caused through negligent or reckless action, explains a Chicago personal injury attorney. This means the injury to the plaintiff must be caused by and be a foreseeable result of the defendant’s action.
A few defenses to liability for personal injury claims include intervening causes, a pre-existing condition, and assumption of the risk. In a personal injury lawsuit, a plaintiff may recover damages for property, emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of consortium or companionship, attorney fees, lost wages or medical expenses. Illinois personal injury lawyers list the following main types of personal injury lawsuits:
- Automobile accidents
- Bike and pedestrian collisions
- Airplane or boat accidents
- Construction accidents
- OSHA violations
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Nursing home liability
- Toxic and mass torts
- Trucking accidents
If you have been injured as a result of another party’s negligence in Illinois, personal injury lawyers can further explain personal injury law and how to proceed legally.
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Burn victims can suffer life-threatening injuries, permanent scarring and severe pain. Poor maintenance of fire prevention systems and negligence are the major contributors to fire related injuries according to Illinois personal injury lawyers. As a result of negligence, many people throughout the state of Illinois obtain fire and burn related injuries.
Different kinds of burns can occur leading to injury and scarring. A Chicago personal injury attorney lists the following causes as the main sources of burns:
- Fireplaces
- Gas and electrical accidents
- Automobile accidents
- Hot water burns
- Electrical accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Building fires
- Lighters
- Matches
Additional common categories exist among burn incidents. The main categories include:
- Liquid burns
- Electrical burns
- Fire burns
Liquid burns can show up unexpectedly. Hot coffee or other beverages can cause serious injury. The kitchen or shower are other sources of burn injuries in the home or at work. For example, a coworker might carelessly leave water on at extremely high temperatures. Pipes can burst in the office or water heater resulting in hot liquid pouring out. Faulty steam vents can also cause burn accidents. In addition, individuals who work with hot liquid such as glue, wax or solvents have an increased risk.
Electrical burns can seem preventable, but can happen very quickly. Illinois personal injury lawyers advise to be careful around electrical hazards. Old household appliances are notorious for causing injury. Unfinished circuit boxes and power sockets can result in a bad shock. Live power wires, especially when power lines go down are another safety hazard.
Fire burns can also happen as a result of negligence or on-the-job. If you are put in a situation where you must work with fire and were given improper advice, you may be able to seek compensation.
Burn injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you or a loved one has been involved in a burn accident or fire-related accident, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney immediately.
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