Chicago Back Injury Lawyer — Free Consultation, No Fee

Hurt your back in a Chicago crash, CTA incident, or work accident? Our Chicago back injury lawyers help clients recover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing unless we win. As licensed Illinois attorneys with deep experience in Cook County courts, we know how to build strong cases using medical evidence and expert testimony. Schedule a free consultation today.

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What Is a Back Injury Lawyer?

A back injury lawyer specializes in personal injury law cases involving spinal injuries. We handle everything from soft tissue sprains and strains to serious spinal cord injuries that cause permanent disability.

Focus Areas: Herniated/Bulging Discs, Spinal Cord Injuries, Fractures, Sprains/Strains

Our practice focuses on all types of back injuries, including herniated discs, bulging discs, vertebral fractures, and spinal stenosis. We also handle cases involving spondylolisthesis and sciatica/radiculopathy.

Cases We Handle: Car, Truck, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), CTA Bus/Train, Slip-and-Fall, Construction, Defective Products, Malpractice

Whether your injury happened in a car crash on Lake Shore Drive or a slip-and-fall at work, we have the experience to help. Our team handles CTA accidents, construction site injuries, and medical malpractice cases.

Trial vs. Settlement and When Each Makes Sense

Most back injury cases settle through settlement negotiation, but we’re ready for trial when needed. We’ll explain whether trial vs. settlement makes sense for your specific situation.

Pre-existing Conditions vs. Aggravation of Injury

Prior back problems don’t disqualify you from recovery. Illinois law allows compensation for aggravation of pre-existing conditions. The “eggshell plaintiff” principle means defendants take victims as they find them—if an accident aggravates your prior condition, that’s compensable when supported by imaging and treating physician opinions.

Back Injury Cases We Handle in Chicago (Car, CTA, Work, Slip-and-Fall)

Car, Truck, and Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Accidents

Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of back injuries in Chicago. High-impact crashes can cause everything from whiplash to spinal fractures. For rideshare accidents, coverage depends on the driver’s status: up to $1,000,000 when a trip is accepted/ongoing, lower limits when the app is on but no ride accepted—this affects your recovery options.

CTA Bus/Train Injuries and the One-Year Deadline (70 ILCS 3605/41)

Sudden stops, falls, and accidents on CTA vehicles can cause serious back injuries. Remember: Most CTA injury claims must be filed within one year (70 ILCS 3605/41); deadlines are strict—contact us quickly.

Workplace/Construction Accidents and Workers’ Comp

Construction workers face daily risks. Falls from heights, equipment accidents, and lifting injuries require both workers’ compensation and possible third-party claims. File your Application for Adjustment of Claim generally within 3 years of injury or 2 years from the last TTD/medical payment—whichever is later.

Slip-and-Fall and Premises Liability

Property owners must maintain safe conditions. Falls on ice, wet floors, or damaged stairs can cause severe back trauma.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Cyclists and pedestrians hit by vehicles often suffer back injuries from the impact and subsequent fall.

Medical Malpractice and Defective Products

Failed surgeries, misdiagnosis, and defective products can cause or worsen back injuries.

Types of Back Injuries and Treatment (MRI/CT, Injections, Surgery)

Herniated/Bulging Discs, Sciatica/Radiculopathy

Disc injuries are common in accidents. MRI/CT/X-ray imaging helps diagnose these conditions accurately. EMG/NCS testing helps identify nerve damage and is often most informative a few weeks post-injury to detect denervation, complementing MRI/CT findings.

Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, and Fractures

Fractures require immediate medical attention and often need surgical intervention. Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can cause chronic pain and disability.

Conservative Care vs. Surgery (RFA, ESI, Microdiscectomy, Fusion)

Physical therapy and pain management often provide relief without surgery. Epidural steroid injections and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can reduce inflammation and pain. When conservative treatment fails, procedures like microdiscectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion may be necessary. An orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon will determine the best approach.

Soft-Tissue Injuries: Sprains, Strains, Whiplash

While less severe than fractures, soft-tissue injuries still cause significant pain and limitations.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

The most severe back injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis.

What to Do After a Back Injury in Chicago

1. Get medical care and follow your treatment plan – Immediate treatment documents injuries and helps recovery
2. Report the incident (police/employer/CTA form) – File official reports promptly to preserve your rights
3. Preserve evidence (photos, witnesses, surveillance, EDR) – Send spoliation letters quickly to preserve surveillance and vehicle EDR data; note that EDR data can be overwritten if the vehicle is moved or repaired
4. Avoid recorded statements and broad medical releases – Don’t give statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice
5. Track bills, missed work, and out-of-pocket costs – Document all expenses for damage calculations

Limit Social Media and Keep Communications Private

Insurance companies monitor social media. Keep your case details private.

Do I Have a Case? Negligence, Deadlines, and Comparative Fault in Illinois

Proving Negligence: Duty, Breach, Causation, Damages

We must prove negligence by showing the defendant breached their duty of care, causing your injuries and damages.

Statute of Limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) and Public Entity Rules

The statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13-202) gives you two years for most personal injury claims. Claims against the CTA have stricter deadlines. The Tort Immunity Act (745 ILCS 10/8-101) also affects government claims.

Comparative Negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) with Examples

Comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116) means you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. For example: If you’re 20% at fault, your damages are reduced by 20%; at 51% or more, you recover nothing.

How Our Chicago Back Injury Attorneys Build Your Claim

Evidence Collection, Accident Reconstruction, and EDR Data

We conduct thorough evidence collection including accident reconstruction when needed. We use:

• Police report, 911 audio, and witness statements
• Traffic/CTA/surveillance video and vehicle photos
• Vehicle EDR/black box data and property damage estimates
• Medical imaging (MRI/CT/X-ray), EMG/NCS, and treating physician reports
• Vocational expert opinions, life-care plans, and FCEs

Medical Records, IME Rebuttals, and Expert Witnesses

We review all medical records and work with expert witnesses to build your case. We counter insurance company Independent Medical Examination (IME) reports with strong medical evidence.

Working with Insurers, UM/UIM, and Settlement Negotiations

Protecting Claim Value and Avoiding Common Insurer Tactics

We know insurance company tactics and protect your claim’s value. With UM/UIM coverage, notify your carrier promptly and obtain consent before settling with the at-fault driver to preserve your rights. Medical payments (MedPay) can help with immediate bills regardless of fault.

Demand Packages, Mediation/Arbitration, and When to File Suit

From demand letter/demand package through mediation/arbitration or trial, we fight for you. Filing at the Daley Center vs. suburban districts can influence strategy and settlement—typical case phases in Cook County include discovery (6-12 months), mediation attempts, and trial setting if needed.

Don’t Wait – Illinois Has Strict Deadlines

The statute of limitations is running. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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Compensation You May Recover

You may be entitled to:

• Medical bills (ER, imaging, PT, injections, surgery)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and loss of normal life
• Loss of consortium
• Future care, home/vehicle modifications, vocational rehab
• Punitive damages (rare)

Economic Damages: Medical Bills, Rehab, Lost Wages, Future Care

Economic damages cover all financial losses from your injury.

Non-Economic Damages: Pain and Suffering, Loss of Normal Life

Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, and life changes.

Loss of Consortium and Diminished Earning Capacity

Loss of consortium compensates spouses. Diminished earning capacity covers future income losses.

Home/Vehicle Modifications and Vocational Rehabilitation

Severe injuries may require home modifications and vocational rehabilitation.

Punitive Damages (When Applicable)

Punitive damages punish extreme wrongdoing, though they’re rare.

Illinois Injury Law Basics

Statute of Limitations and Key Deadlines

Most claims have a two-year deadline, but exceptions exist.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

You can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault.

UM/UIM and MedPay Coverage in Illinois

UM/UIM coverage protects you from uninsured drivers. Medical payments (MedPay) covers immediate medical bills.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

You may have both workers’ comp and third-party claims for workplace injuries.

Overview of the Chicago Court System

Cases typically file in Cook County Circuit Court (Richard J. Daley Center). Venue matters—filing at the Daley Center vs. suburban districts can influence strategy, timeline, and settlement leverage.

The Legal Process: From Consultation to Resolution

Free Consultation and Case Evaluation

We start with a free review of your case.

Contingency Fee Agreement: No Fee Unless We Win

Our contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront.

Demand Package, Negotiation, and Mediation

We prepare a comprehensive demand and negotiate aggressively.

Independent Medical Examination (IME) Considerations

We prepare you for insurance company medical exams.

Filing Suit, Discovery, Arbitration, and Trial

If necessary, we file suit and pursue your case through trial.

If You Were Injured at Work

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Timelines (TTD, PPD, Medical)

Workers’ comp provides temporary total disability (TTD) and permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits plus medical care.

Notice Requirements to Your Employer (Generally 45 Days)

Report injuries promptly to preserve your rights.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) Process

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) handles disputed claims.

Third-Party Liability Beyond Workers’ Comp

You may have claims against equipment manufacturers or other parties.

Coordinating Claims to Maximize Recovery

We coordinate workers’ comp and third-party claims for maximum compensation.

Why Hire a Chicago Back Injury Lawyer

Local Knowledge of Illinois Injury Law and Courts

We know Illinois injury law and the Chicago court system inside out.

Experience with Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will County Venues

We practice throughout Chicagoland and understand local courts.

Access to Medical and Vocational Experts

We work with top experts to prove your case.

Bilingual Staff, Virtual Consults, and Hospital/Home Visits

We make legal help accessible to everyone.

Focused Strategy to Maximize Compensation

Every case gets personalized attention and strategic planning.

Chicago & Cook County Specifics

Filing in the Circuit Court of Cook County (Richard J. Daley Center)

Most Chicago cases file in the Daley Center downtown.

Public Entity Claims: CTA One-Year Statute and Special Rules

CTA claims have special requirements and shorter deadlines.

High-Traffic Corridors: I-90/94, I-55, Lake Shore Drive, and Downtown Loop

We handle accidents on Chicago’s busiest roads and intersections.

Rideshare Coverage (Uber/Lyft) and Commercial Policy Limits

Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance coverage issues.

Local Hospitals and Specialists for Back Injury Care

We know Chicago’s best spine specialists and treatment centers.

Representative Settlements and Verdicts (Anonymized)

Examples of Back Injury Case Outcomes

Recent results include six-figure settlements for herniated disc cases and seven-figure verdicts for spinal fusion surgeries.

Factors That Influence Case Value (Treatment, Imaging, Liability)

Case value depends on injury severity, treatment needed, and liability strength.

Surgical vs. Conservative Care Cases

Surgery cases typically have higher values than conservative treatment cases.

Disclaimer: Past Results Do Not Guarantee Future Outcomes

Every case is unique. Past success doesn’t guarantee your result.