Severe ligament injuries can change your life in an instant. From intense pain and limited mobility to multiple medical problems, these injuries often leave victims struggling to live an everyday life. When such injuries are caused by negligence, victims have the right to seek justice and fair compensation.
At Chicago Personal Injury Attorney, our experienced attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take on victims and their families. We handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Severe Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are tough, elastic bands of tissue that connect bones in your joints and ensure stability. These tissues are designed to withstand a certain degree of strain but can be damaged when subjected to extreme force. Severe ligament injuries, including partial tears, complete ruptures, or overstretching, can result in debilitating pain and long-term complications.
How Our Lawyers Help Severe Ligament Injury Victims In Chicago
When dealing with a severe ligament injury, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. Chicago Injury Lawyer has a dedicated team of accident injury attorneys to guide you through every step of the journey. Here’s how we help:
Thorough Case Evaluation
Our process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your case. We listen to your story, review the details of your injury, and identify the responsible party.
Establishing Liability
Proving fault in a ligament injury case is crucial. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, workplace incident, or slip-and-fall, we investigate to gather evidence.
Gathering Evidence
We collect medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and expert testimonies to build a compelling case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when they try to minimize your claim. Our attorneys handle all communications with insurers, ensuring they take your case seriously.
Representing You in Court
Our top-rated attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and will present a solid argument for the judge and jury, fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
Types of Severe Ligament Injuries
There are many types of ligament injuries that we have seen victims suffer from at our law firm. Below, we have mentioned the injuries we face more often.
- Torn Ligaments in the Knee (ACL and MCL): The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) are the most frequently injured ligaments in the knee.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: The shoulder’s rotator cuff consists of tendons and ligaments that enable arm movement and provide stability.
- Ankle Ligament Injuries: Severe ankle sprains, often resulting from slips, falls, or sports-related accidents, can lead to torn ligaments.
- Neck Ligament Injuries: Ligaments in the neck can be damaged in accidents. These injuries often result in chronic neck pain, headaches, and limited range of motion, significantly affecting quality of life.
- Wrist and Hand Ligament Tears: Trauma to the wrist or hand, often caused by falls or workplace accidents, can lead to ligament injuries that impair dexterity and grip strength.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ligament Injury Lawyer in Chicago?
Ligament injuries—such as torn ACLs, MCLs, or rotator cuffs—can lead to long-term pain, instability, and lost mobility. Whether caused by a slip and fall, auto accident, workplace incident, or medical negligence, hiring an experienced ligament injury lawyer in Chicago typically comes with no upfront legal fees. Most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if your lawyer wins compensation on your behalf. Legal fees usually range from 30% to 40% of your total recovery, and your initial consultation is always free.
Ligament Injury Lawyer Cost Calculator
Total Estimated Cost: $0
*Prices may vary by provider and region. This is an estimate only.Common Causes of Severe Ligament Injuries
Severe ligament injuries can occur in a variety of situations, many of which are preventable. The most common causes include:
Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of ligament injuries. The intense force from a collision can twist or hyperextend joints, leading to tears in the knees, shoulders, or neck.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Falls cause ligament injuries, particularly in icy, wet, or uneven environments. Victims often land awkwardly, twisting their knees, ankles, or wrists, resulting in partial or complete tears. Slip-and-fall accidents commonly occur in poorly maintained properties.
Workplace Injuries
Jobs requiring heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or exposure to hazardous conditions often lead to ligament injuries. Workers in the construction, manufacturing, and healthcare industries are particularly vulnerable.
Sports and Recreational Activities
Athletes and active individuals are at high risk of ligament injuries due to the physical demands of sports. High-impact activities like basketball, football, or skiing can cause ACL, MCL, or rotator cuff tears from sudden twists, collisions, or improper form.
Defective Products
Defective products, such as malfunctioning exercise equipment, poorly designed footwear, or unsafe tools, can result in ligament injuries. For example, a treadmill with a sudden stop feature could cause a runner to fall and tear an ankle ligament.
Medical Malpractice
In some cases, medical errors such as improper surgical techniques, misdiagnoses, or delayed treatment can lead to or worsen ligament injuries.
Impacts Of Severe Ligament Injuries On Victims
Severe ligament injuries have multiple effects on victims, which extend beyond the immediate pain of the grave injury. Below are five major ways these injuries affect victims, explained in detail.
Long-Term Health Complications: Severe ligament injuries cause significant physical limitations. Victims often experience chronic pain, swelling, and joint instability, which can make basic movements like walking, standing, or lifting extremely difficult.
Emotional and Psychological Distress:
Beyond the physical pain, severe ligament injuries often take a significant emotional toll on victims. The inability to perform daily tasks or engage in hobbies can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and depression.
Impact on Career: Severe ligament injuries can affect a victim’s ability to work, especially if their job involves physical labor or extensive mobility.
Strain on Personal Relationships: The effects of a severe ligament injury often impact personal relationships. Family members and caregivers may need significant support during recovery, such as assisting with daily tasks or managing medical appointments.
Financial Burden: The financial implications of a severe ligament injury can be staggering. Medical expenses for surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices increase quickly.
Types Of Compensation Severe Ligament Injury Victims Are Entitled To
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. Our compassionate lawyers are here to help you recover and rebuild your life. Here are the main types of compensation ligament injury victims can pursue:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Rehabilitation Costs
- Property Damage
Legal Protections for Severe Ligament Injury Victims in Chicago
Illinois law protects ligament injury victims to seek justice and compensation. Our experienced accident injury attorneys will help you claim compensation.
Personal Injury Claims
Under the Illinois Personal Injury Act, victims can file claims for damages caused by another party’s negligence. The statute of limitations for these claims is two years from the date the injury was discovered.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Victims can file a claim under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act if the ligament injury occurred at work. Claims must be filed within three years of the injury.
Product Liability Claims
Victims injured by defective products can file claims against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers. Under the Illinois Product Liability Act, these claims must be filed within two years of the injury.
Medical Malpractice Claims
Victims of medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or delayed diagnoses, can pursue compensation under the Illinois Medical Malpractice Act. Claims must be filed within two years of discovering the malpractice or within four years of the date the incident occurred.
Steps to Take After a Severe Ligament Injury
Taking the proper steps after a ligament injury is essential to protecting your rights and building a solid case for compensation.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Proper diagnosis and treatment are critical to your recovery and provide vital documentation for your claim.
- Document Your Injury: Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, expenses, and the injury’s impact on your life.
- Notify Relevant Parties: If the injury occurred at work, report it to your employer. Notify the property owner, manufacturer, or other responsible party for different accidents.
- Preserve Evidence: Gather evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and defective product documentation.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: A knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and your claim is handled effectively.
Let Our Attorneys Help You To Seek Justice
We understand how challenging life can be after a severe ligament injury. Our expert attorneys are ready to guide you through even the most complex cases. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve and helping you rebuild your future. Contact Chicago Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation—your journey toward justice starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I prove someone else’s negligence caused my ligament injury?
Evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony can help establish the link between the negligence and your injury.
2. What compensation can I claim for my ligament injury?
You can claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and any future medical or financial needs related to your injury.
3. How long do I have to file a claim for a ligament injury in Illinois?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim.
