Back injuries are some of the most common types of personal injuries suffered in Chicago, Illinois. And when you’ve hurt your back in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you are probably wondering what your back injury is worth.
The value of your personal injury claim for a back injury will depend on a wide variety of factors including the severity of the injury, the type of accident that caused this injury, the amount of medical care you received and will need in future, how your back injury has affected your ability to work and enjoy your regular activities, and more. One of the best ways to find out how much your case is worth is to discuss these details with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer.
What Are Common Types of Back Injuries?
Back injuries are very common reasons to seek compensation in a Chicago personal injury case. Injury victims who hurt their back are often involved in car crashes, motorcycle wrecks, commercial vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, slip and falls, construction site accidents, and more.
Common types of back injuries include:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Herniated discs
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
How Can I Prove the Value of My Back Injury Claim?
To prove the value of your back injury in a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to provide evidence that shows the extent of your injury and how it has affected your life. This may include:
- Medical records: These documents from your doctor or healthcare provider can show the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for your back injury.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans can provide visual evidence of your injury.
- Documentation of lost wages: If you have had to miss work due to your back injury, documents such as pay stubs or tax returns can show the income you have lost.
- Testimony from a medical professional: A medical expert may be able to testify about the severity and long-term effects of your back injury.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Back Injury?
Download our free injury report: The Price of Pain: 19 Factors that Determine Your Injury Case Value to better understand how this factors contribute to the value of your back injury case.
Getting Maximum Compensation
A fair settlement or jury award for your back injury lawsuit will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. Maximum compensation in a back injury case should cover both tangible expenses like medical bills, as well as provide compensation for pain and suffering and can include:
- Medical expenses: This can cover the medical bills associated with treating your back injury, such as doctor’s visits, medication, physical therapy, and surgeries and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages: If you have missed work due to your injury, you may be able to recover the income you would have earned during that time.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering can encompass both physical pain and emotional distress caused by your back injury.
- Disability or reduced earning capacity: If your back injury has left you with a permanent disability or reduced ability to work, your settlement amount may take future lost income into account.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, a court may award punitive damages if the defendant acted with extreme negligence or malicious intent.
Can I Make a Claim for a Back Injury Suffered at Work?
Yes, if your back injury or accident was caused due to unsafe work conditions or negligence on the part of your employer, you may be entitled to make a workers’ compensation claim. Additionally, you might have a personal injury claim depending on the circumstances.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer for My Back Injury?
Before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company, it’s wise to consult with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in back injury cases to make sure you are getting full and fair compensation.
What If My Back Injury was Partially My Fault?
In Illinois, you can still recover compensation under comparative negligence laws, even if you were partially at fault for whatever accident caused your injury. However, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
