I'm going to be straight with you.
When I was nine years old, my dad—a truck driver and proud Teamster—got catastrophically injured at work. Severe neck, back, and spine injuries. The kind that don't heal. The kind that change everything.
I watched him suffer through 17 years of legal hell with a lawyer who didn't give a damn about him. At the end of it all, his own lawyer sued him for more fees. Can you believe that?
We went from a working-class family to poor. Just like that. And I promised myself—right then, as a kid—that what happened to my father would never happen to anyone I could help.
That's why I do what I do.
About three years back, I met this woman named Maria at Northwestern Memorial. She'd been hit by some idiot texting and driving on Lake Shore Drive—right near the Museum Campus where families take their kids on weekends. T6 spinal cord injury. Complete. Paralyzed from the chest down.
I sat with her and her family in that hospital room looking out over the Chicago River, and I knew this wasn't just a case. This was her whole life. Her family's future. Everything.
Listen, if you or someone you love got hurt with a spinal cord injury anywhere in Chicago—South Side, Lincoln Park, Pilsen, Rogers Park, wherever—here's what I want you to know: You don't have to do this alone. And you don't pay me anything out of pocket. Not one penny.
I work on contingency. No fee until we win. That's it.
You can call me right now. Middle of the night, Sunday morning, doesn't matter. I'm here 24/7/365. We'll talk. Like two people having a conversation, not some lawyer giving you a sales pitch.
Because here's the deal: spinal cord injuries are different from every other kind of injury. They're catastrophic. Life-changing. The insurance companies know it, and they're already figuring out how to screw you over. They're hoping you don't lawyer up with someone who knows how to fight.
I know how to fight.
A spinal cord injury isn't like breaking your arm. It's not something that heals up in six weeks. When your spinal cord gets damaged—severed, compressed, bruised, whatever—everything below that point can be affected. Permanently.
Think of your spinal cord like the main cable running between your brain and the rest of your body. Every muscle, every sensation, every automatic function from your neck down runs through that cord. Damage it, and the signals stop getting through.
I've worked with people who have complete injuries—total paralysis. And people with incomplete injuries—partial paralysis, where some function remains. I've represented clients with cervical injuries causing quadriplegia (paralysis from the neck down) and lumbar injuries causing paraplegia (paralysis from the waist down).
Every injury is different. Every person's experience is unique. But here's what's always the same: the money you get needs to cover not just today's medical bills, but your entire lifetime of care.
And that's where most lawyers completely blow it.
Let me tell you something the insurance companies pray you never find out.
A spinal cord injury is a multi-million dollar injury. Not "might be." Not "could be." IS.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation tracks this stuff. Here's what spinal cord injuries actually cost in just the first year alone:
Severity of Injury | First Year Costs | Each Year After |
High Tetraplegia (C1-C4) | $1,023,924 | $171,808 |
Low Tetraplegia (C5-C8) | $739,874 | $109,077 |
Paraplegia | $499,023 | $66,106 |
Incomplete Motor Function | $334,170 | $40,589 |
Stop and think about that for a second.
Say you're 35 years old with a high cervical injury and you live another 40 years. You're looking at close to $8 million in lifetime medical costs. Just medical. That doesn't count:
Now guess what that first settlement offer from the insurance company is going to be.
A joke. That's what.
They're betting you don't know these numbers. They're hoping you're so scared and overwhelmed with bills piling up that you'll just take whatever they throw at you.
That's exactly where I come in.
I work with the top life care planners and economists in Illinois. We sit down and calculate the actual lifetime cost of your injury. Every single dollar you're going to need from now until the day you die. Then we go after the insurance company for every cent of it.
Here's what most people don't get: not every personal injury lawyer can handle a spinal cord injury case.
These cases are complicated as hell. You need someone who:
✓ Actually understands the medical side and can talk to doctors without sounding like an idiot
✓ Has relationships with the right expert witnesses
✓ Knows how to calculate lifetime care costs (not just guess)
✓ Isn't scared of the big insurance companies
✓ Has real trial experience—not just some guy who settles everything because he's never actually been in a courtroom
I've dropped over $100,000 and spent weeks flying all over the country training with the best trial lawyers in America. I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College. That's one of the most selective, prestigious trial programs that exists. I've also done "The Edge" program. Less than one in 10,000 lawyers has completed the training I've done.
I didn't do it to show off. I did it so when you're sitting across from me, terrified about your future, I can look you in the eye and tell you I know how to win your case. And mean it.
I've also built solid relationships with the spinal cord injury doctors at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab—that's the old Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, ranked #1 in the nation for rehab. When I need to understand what's really going on with your injury and what your future looks like, I talk to the doctors who literally wrote the medical textbooks on spinal cord rehab.
Plus I work with:
Your case isn't just about proving someone screwed up. It's about proving the full extent of what this injury is going to cost you for the rest of your life.
That takes a specialist. Not just any lawyer with a billboard.
When my dad got hurt and went through that nightmare with his lawyer, I learned exactly what not to do. I made myself a promise: if I ever became an injury lawyer, I'd do things completely different.
Better.
So I built my whole practice around three principles that guide how I handle every single spinal cord injury case:
Principle #1: Treat All Injury Victims Like Family – Honesty, Care, Respect
When you call my office, you get me. Not some paralegal who has to go ask me questions. Not some associate fresh out of law school. Me.
People who've been catastrophically injured deserve to have their calls answered. They deserve a lawyer they actually like and trust. They deserve to know what's happening with their case without having to beg for updates.
And they deserve a lawyer who busts his ass on their case—not someone just collecting a fee and doing the bare minimum.
Everyone on my team knows that winning your case while actually helping you is job #1. Because you're not a case number to me. You're a person whose life just got turned completely upside down, and you need someone who gives a damn.
Principle #2: World-Class Legal Ability, Skill & Knowledge
To get every dollar you deserve—whether we settle or go to trial—I've spent the last 20 years studying with the absolute best trial lawyers in the country.
I've flown all over (and still do) to train with the top legal minds. I've done training programs most lawyers don't even know exist. And I did it for one reason: so you get the best, most effective representation I can possibly give you.
I've done over 30 jury trials. Hundreds of depositions. Probably 100 arbitrations. I've got more trial experience than lawyers twice my age because I'm not afraid to take a case to trial when it needs to go there.
Most lawyers retire without ever doing half the trials I've done. Think about that.
Principle #3: Proprietary, One-of-a-Kind Case Processing = Fast & Excellent Case Outcomes
We've developed our own case management software in-house. We've got processes nobody else uses. We figure out more about your case earlier than other firms do.
We beat the insurance company to the punch. That means better results and faster settlements for my clients, no matter what kind of injury they have.
Spinal cord injury cases can drag on forever if you don't have a system. I've built processes that push your case forward aggressively while making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
You don't get paid sitting around waiting. Neither do I.
Over the years I've represented spinal cord injury victims hurt in all kinds of ways across Chicago and Cook County. Here are the most common:
Motor Vehicle Accidents on Chicago's Expressways and Streets
High-speed crashes on the Dan Ryan, Kennedy, Eisenhower, Stevenson—these can cause devastating spinal trauma. Even accidents at busy Chicago intersections, like where Maria got hit on Lake Shore Drive, can sever or compress the spinal cord.
When a car accident causes a spinal cord injury, we dig into:
Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds. When a truck driver or the company they work for screws up, people get killed or catastrophically injured.
I've handled truck cases involving:
Here's the thing about truck cases: there's usually serious insurance coverage. Which means we can actually recover what you need.
Construction Site Accidents
Chicago's always building something. Cranes everywhere. New high-rises going up. Roads getting torn apart and repaved.
Construction sites are dangerous. Falls from scaffolding, getting hit by falling stuff, trench collapses, crane accidents—all of these can cause spinal cord injuries.
Under Illinois law, construction workers have rights beyond just Workers' Comp. If a general contractor, subcontractor, or property owner was negligent, you might be able to get additional money.
Workplace Injuries
From warehouse accidents out by O'Hare to injuries at manufacturing plants, workplace incidents can permanently damage your spine.
If you got hurt at work, you're probably covered by Illinois Workers' Comp. But that's often just the starting point. If your injury was caused by defective equipment, some third party's negligence, or unsafe conditions, you might have other claims too.
Medical Malpractice
Sometimes spinal cord injuries are caused by doctors screwing up:
Medical malpractice cases are brutal. Doctors hate admitting mistakes. But when a preventable medical error causes a spinal cord injury, somebody needs to be held accountable.
Slip and Fall / Premises Liability
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older people and little kids in Chicago. A bad fall—especially from any kind of height—can cause spinal fractures and cord damage.
Property owners have a duty to keep their places safe. When they don't:
...they can be held liable when someone gets hurt.
Violent Assaults Due to Inadequate Security
Sometimes spinal cord injuries happen from violent crimes—shootings, stabbings, beatings.
If the attack happened at a bar, club, apartment building, or business that had crap security, the property owner might be liable for not protecting you.
Look, I could sit here all day telling you how great I am. But talk is cheap.
Results matter.
I can't share every detail because of confidentiality. But here are some examples of cases I've handled:
$2.1 Million Settlement – Construction worker who fell off scaffolding. Lumbar spine fracture. Partial paralysis in his legs. We went after the general contractor and got him money for lifetime medical care and the income he lost.
$1.8 Million Settlement – Car accident victim with a cervical spine injury causing incomplete quadriplegia. Insurance company started at $300,000. We prepared for trial and they kept raising their offer until we got to a number that actually made sense.
$950,000 Settlement – Motorcycle rider got hit by some idiot texting on Western Avenue. T12 spinal fracture with nerve damage. We proved the driver was on his phone when he hit my client.
$875,000 Settlement – Pedestrian got struck by a delivery truck in Pilsen. Spinal cord compression, emergency surgery. We held the trucking company responsible for not training their drivers properly.
$650,000 Settlement – Nursing home resident fell because they didn't have enough staff. Cervical spine fracture. Family called me after the nursing home tried to cover the whole thing up.
I'm not sharing these to brag. I'm sharing them so you understand: I know how to win these cases. And I know how to get real money—not some insulting lowball garbage offer.
But here's what I always tell people: every case is different. Yours might be worth more. Might be worth less. Depends on the facts, your injuries, your doctors, a hundred other things.
Only way to know what your case is actually worth is to call me so we can talk about it.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
I could tell you all day that I'm different. That I care. That I work hard.
What really matters is what my clients say.
"Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I'm sure you'll be 200% satisfied I was."
— Richard L., Chicago
"Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends."
— Geannine R., Chicago
"I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend's recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case."
— Lisa H., Chicago
These are 100% real. Written in my clients' own handwriting. They're sitting in a file at my office if you want to see them.
And every single one of these people sends me referrals of their family and friends. That's the real test of whether I'm doing my job right.
If you've got a spinal cord injury in Illinois, here's what you need to know about your legal rights:
Statute of Limitations: You Have Two Years (Usually)
In Illinois, you generally have two years from when you got hurt to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Now there are exceptions:
But here's the thing: two years sounds like forever, but it goes by fast when you're dealing with a catastrophic injury.
The sooner you call me, the better. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget things. Surveillance footage gets erased. The insurance company starts building their defense immediately.
Don't wait.
Comparative Negligence: What If I Was Partially at Fault?
Illinois has what's called "modified comparative negligence."
That means you can still get money even if you were partially at fault—as long as you were less than 50% responsible.
But your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: Say your case is worth $1 million, but the jury thinks you were 20% at fault. You'd get $800,000.
But if you're found 51% or more at fault, you get nothing under Illinois law.
The insurance company will try to blame you. They always do. My job is to fight back and prove the accident wasn't your fault—or at least minimize any claim that it was.
What Damages Can I Recover?
Illinois law lets you recover several types of damages:
Economic Damages (the money stuff):
Non-Economic Damages (the human cost):
Punitive Damages (rare):
The good news? Illinois doesn't cap damages in most personal injury cases. (There are caps if you're suing the state, but not against private people or companies.)
That means we can go after the full amount you deserve.
I hate even writing this section. But the reality is some spinal cord injuries—especially high cervical ones—can kill people.
If your loved one died from a spinal cord injury caused by someone else's negligence, Illinois law lets you bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
You've got two years from the date of death.
Damages can include:
These cases are brutal emotionally. I've sat with families who lost a husband, wife, parent, child. It's devastating.
But holding the responsible party accountable—and getting financial support for the family—can provide some justice. Won't bring your loved one back. Nothing can. But it can help make sure the family's financial future is secure.
If you lost someone you love due to a spinal cord injury, call me. We'll talk. I'll explain your options honestly and with compassion.
Over the years I've answered thousands of questions from spinal cord injury victims and their families. Here are the most common:
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing out of pocket. Zero.
I work on contingency. I don't get paid unless you get paid.
My fee is usually 33 1/3% if we settle before trial, 40% if we have to go to court. These are standard rates in Illinois for injury cases.
I also advance all the costs—filing fees, getting medical records, expert witnesses, depositions. If we lose (which almost never happens), you don't pay me back. I eat it.
You literally have nothing to lose.
How long will my case take?
Honest answer? Depends.
I've settled cases in a few months. Had others take a year or more.
Spinal cord injury cases often take longer because:
That said, I push cases forward aggressively. You don't get paid waiting around. Neither do I.
If we file a lawsuit and go to trial, it can take 1-2 years or more. But sometimes that's the only way to get fair money. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you've got a lawyer who's not afraid of a courtroom.
What if I already gave a recorded statement to the insurance company?
Don't panic.
Lots of people make this mistake. The adjuster calls right after the accident, acts all friendly, asks you to give a statement "just to document what happened."
What they're really doing is trying to get you to say something they can use against you later.
I represent people all the time who already gave a statement. Usually I can work around it. Sometimes we have to live with it and do the best we can.
But from now on: don't talk to the insurance company without talking to me first.
Tell them politely: "My lawyer said not to discuss my case. Contact my attorney." Then call me.
Can I still get money if I had a pre-existing back or spine problem?
Yes.
This comes up all the time. Lots of people have pre-existing degenerative disc disease, old back injuries, arthritis, whatever.
Under Illinois law, you can make a claim for making a pre-existing condition worse.
The insurance company's going to find out about your medical history anyway. Be honest. We'll be upfront about your pre-existing condition, then prove the accident made it significantly worse.
I've won plenty of cases for people with pre-existing conditions. Don't let that stop you from calling.
What if I don't have health insurance to pay for treatment?
This is a huge worry for a lot of people. Legitimate concern.
Here are your options:
1. Doctors who work on a "lien": Some doctors get that you're in a tough spot and will treat you knowing they'll get paid out of your settlement. I work with several doctors in Chicago who do this.
2. Workers' Comp (if hurt at work): If your injury happened at work, Workers' Comp should cover treatment.
3. Auto insurance med pay: If you got hurt in a car accident, check your auto policy. You might have medical payment coverage that pays bills regardless of fault.
4. Medicare/Medicaid: If you qualify, government healthcare can cover treatment.
Important thing: don't skip medical treatment because you're worried about bills. We'll figure out the money part later. Your health comes first.
Will my health insurance have to be paid back out of my settlement?
Maybe. Depends.
Many health insurance policies have a "subrogation clause" that says you have to reimburse them if you win money in a lawsuit.
But here's the good news: I'm experienced at negotiating with health insurance companies to reduce what they're owed. Often I can get them to take way less than the full amount.
Example: If your health insurance paid $50,000 in bills, I might negotiate that down to $15,000 or $20,000. More money in your pocket.
What if I was hurt at work? Do I still have a case?
Yes—maybe.
If you got hurt at work, you're covered by Illinois Workers' Comp. That's a different system from regular injury law.
Workers' Comp gives you:
But here's where it gets interesting: if your workplace injury was caused by someone other than your employer or a co-worker, you might have a third-party claim too.
For example:
Third-party claims are where the real money is. Workers' Comp is limited by law. But a third-party injury claim can get you full compensation.
I handle both Workers' Comp and third-party claims. If you got hurt at work, call me. We'll figure out all your options.
How do I know if you're the right lawyer for me?
Honest answer? You don't. Not yet.
Only way to know if we're a good fit is to call me and talk.
Here's how it works:
No pressure. No sales pitch. We talk like friends.
My promise: whether you hire me or not, we'll end up as friends.
Sound good?
What if I want to switch lawyers? I already hired someone but I'm not happy.
You can absolutely switch. That's your right.
But a warning: lawyers aren't supposed to chase other lawyers' clients. The only way I'll represent you is if you've already decided to fire your current lawyer and hire someone new anyway.
If you switch, what happens to your old lawyer? Don't worry—you don't get charged twice. I work out a deal with your old lawyer, and if we can't agree, the Court splits the fee between us. You pay the same as if you'd only hired me.
I take the hit. But that's how it goes.
Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily.
About 90% of cases settle before trial. That's the goal—get you fair money without the stress of trial.
But here's the thing: the only way to get a fair settlement is to be ready to go to trial. Insurance companies offer reasonable settlements when they know you've got a lawyer with real trial experience who's not scared of a courtroom.
I've done over 30 jury trials. Courtrooms don't scare me. Insurance companies know it.
So while I always try to settle your case for full value without trial, I prepare every case like it's going to trial. That's how you get the best results.
Can my family come with me to meetings?
Of course.
Actually I encourage it. Spinal cord injuries affect the whole family. Your spouse, parents, kids—everyone's impacted.
If your family wants to be involved in meetings, depositions, negotiations, that's fine with me. We're in this together.
My office is located at 1000 Jorie Blvd, Ste 204, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
That location isn't an accident.
Being downtown in "Lawyer's Row" means:
But you don't have to come downtown if you don't want to.
I visit clients all over Chicago and the suburbs. We can meet:
Wherever you're comfortable.
I represent spinal cord injury victims throughout:
Chicago Neighborhoods:
Cook County Suburbs:
Surrounding Counties:
Doesn't matter where you are in the Chicago area. I can help.
Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I’m sure you’ll be 200% satisfied I was.
Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends.
I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend’s recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case.
If you or someone you love just got a spinal cord injury, here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Get Medical Treatment Immediately
Your health is priority #1. Follow your doctors' advice. Go to all appointments. Do your physical therapy. Take your meds.
Don't skip treatment because you're worried about bills. We'll deal with the money later.
Step 2: Document Everything
Keep copies of:
Step 3: DO NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
I can't stress this enough.
The adjuster will call. They'll sound nice and helpful. They'll say they "just need your side of the story."
Don't do it.
Tell them politely: "I'm talking to a lawyer and I've been told not to give statements. Contact my attorney."
Then hang up. Call me.
Step 4: DO NOT Sign Anything
Don't sign medical releases. Don't sign settlement papers. Don't sign anything from the insurance company without talking to a lawyer first.
Once you sign, it's often too late.
Step 5: Call Me
The sooner I get involved, the better.
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Surveillance footage gets erased after 30-60 days. The insurance company starts building their defense right away.
I need to start on your case now.
Call me 24/7 at (312) 500-4500. Day, night, weekends, holidays. I'm here.
There are lots of injury lawyers in Chicago. You've seen the billboards. The bus ads. The TV spots.
So why call me?
Here's the truth:
I'm Not a "Case Mill"
Some firms take hundreds of cases and churn them out like a factory. They settle everything quick and cheap because they care more about volume than getting you the best result.
Not me.
I take a limited number of spinal cord injury cases so I can give each person real attention. When you call, you get me. Not a paralegal. Not some associate. Me.
I Don't Chase Clients or Use High-Pressure Sales
I don't hustle people. Don't harass anyone. We talk like friends.
Want to hire me? Great. Don't want to? That's fine too. Either way, I'll answer your questions honestly and you'll leave with more information than you had.
I Have Real Trial Experience
Lots of injury lawyers have never actually tried a case. They settle everything because they're scared of court.
I've done over 30 jury trials. Probably 100 arbitrations. Hundreds of depositions.
More trial experience than lawyers twice my age. That matters because insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you've got a lawyer who's not afraid of a jury.
I've Invested in Elite Training
I've spent over $100,000 and countless hours flying around the country to study with the best trial lawyers in America.
Graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College—one of the most selective trial programs in the world. Also did "The Edge" program.
Not one in 10,000 lawyers has done what I've done.
Didn't do it to show off. Did it so I could be the best possible lawyer for you.
I'm Available 24/7/365
Spinal cord injuries don't happen on a convenient schedule.
3 AM on a Sunday? Christmas Eve? Doesn't matter. You can reach me. When you're in a hospital bed with questions, I'm here.
I Only Represent Injured People—Never Insurance Companies
Some lawyers represent injured people and insurance companies. They switch sides depending on who pays them.
Not me.
I only represent injured people. Never defense. Never insurance companies.
Your fight is my fight. That's it.
No Money Out of Pocket
You don't pay me anything upfront. No retainer. No hourly fees. Nothing.
Contingency fee—no fee until we win. I advance all costs. If we lose (rarely happens), you don't owe me anything.
You literally risk nothing.
Here's what I need you to understand:
A spinal cord injury changes everything. Your life will never be the same. Your family's life will never be the same.
The medical system is overwhelming. Bills are crushing. The insurance company is already figuring out how to screw you.
You're scared. Angry. Wondering how you'll pay for everything. Wondering if you'll ever work again. Wondering what your future looks like.
I get it.
When my dad was catastrophically injured, I watched what it did to him. To our family. To our finances. To everything.
I made a promise then: what happened to my dad would never happen to anyone I could help.
That's why I became a spinal cord injury lawyer in Chicago. That's why I've invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and decades of my life becoming the best trial lawyer I can be.
So you'd have someone in your corner who knows how to fight. Who knows how to win. And who actually gives a damn what happens to you.
Right now you need answers. You need hope. You need someone who'll level with you about your case and tell you the truth—not feed you some BS sales pitch.
And you need all that without worrying about attorney fees or costs.
That's exactly what I'm offering.
Call me right now—any time, day or night—at (312) 500-4500 for your free consultation.
We'll talk. Like friends. No pressure. No sales pitch.
I'll listen. I'll answer your questions honestly. I'll tell you if I think you have a case and what it might be worth.
Then you decide. Hire me or don't—your choice. Either way, we'll end up as friends.
But here's my promise: if you do hire me, I'll fight for you and your family like you were my own. Because that's what I do. That's who I am.
Your fight is my fight.
Let's get started.
If you want to learn more about spinal cord injuries, your legal rights, or how injury cases work, I've got some free stuff for you:
Free Book: "The Five Secrets of Injury and Accident Cases"
I wrote a whole book explaining how injury cases work in Illinois. Written for regular people, not lawyers. And I give it away free.
Request your copy by calling or download it from my website.
Free Case Value Calculator
Wonder what your case might be worth? Use my online calculator to get a rough estimate based on your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
Not a substitute for actually talking to a lawyer, but it'll give you a ballpark idea.
Free Consultation
Best resource I can offer is a free, no-obligation consultation. Call me at (312) 500-4500 any time—24/7/365—and let's talk about your situation.
Find out if you have a good case, or a tough one...for free!
Not all spinal cord injuries are the same. Here are the main types I see:
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
In a complete injury, the spinal cord is severed. Total paralysis below the injury.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Paralysis from neck down. Affects all four limbs, trunk, potentially breathing and other vital functions.
Paraplegia: Paralysis from waist down. Affects legs and potentially bowel and bladder control.
Complete injuries are devastating. But with proper legal help, we can secure the money you need for lifetime care.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
In an incomplete injury, some nerve signals still get through. You have some feeling or movement below the injury.
Incomplete injuries include:
With incomplete injuries, there's often potential for recovery through intensive therapy. We make sure your settlement covers all the therapy you need to maximize recovery.
Spinal Cord Compression
Sometimes the cord isn't severed—it's compressed by:
Spinal cord compression can cause:
If treated fast, compression can sometimes be reversed with surgery. But if treatment gets delayed—especially in medical malpractice cases—permanent damage can result.
Spinal Fractures
Even without direct cord injury, vertebral fractures can be serious. Common fractures:
Some fractures are stable and heal with rest and bracing. Others are unstable and need surgery to prevent cord damage.
The level of your injury determines what functions are affected:
Cervical (Neck) Injuries - C1 to C8:
Thoracic (Mid-Back) Injuries - T1 to T12:
Lumbar (Lower Back) Injuries - L1 to L5:
Sacral (Lowest) Injuries - S1 to S5:
Understanding your injury level helps us calculate lifetime care costs and the compensation you deserve.
Look, we can talk about medical bills and lost wages all day. Those are the "easy" damages to calculate.
But here's what nobody talks about: the emotional and psychological devastation.
You've lost your independence. Things you did without thinking—shower, get dressed, use the bathroom—now need assistance or special equipment.
Your identity changed. If you were a construction worker, nurse, athlete, dancer—whatever you were—that's gone. You have to figure out who you are in this new body.
Your relationships are affected. Your marriage is stressed. Your kids are scared. Your friends don't know how to act around you.
You're dealing with chronic pain. Depression. Anxiety. Maybe even suicidal thoughts. (And if you're having those thoughts, please talk to someone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.)
All of this is real. All of this matters. And all of this is compensable under Illinois law as "pain and suffering" or "loss of enjoyment of life."
I don't minimize this stuff. Don't pretend it's not a big deal.
When we present your case to the insurance company or a jury, we make sure they understand the full human impact of your injury. Not just medical bills, but the life you lost.
Because that's what "damages" really means—making you whole again, as much as money can do that.
Lots of people ask: "What's this going to look like? How does this work?"
Here's the typical timeline:
Phase 1: Initial Consultation and Investigation (Weeks 1-4)
You call me. We talk. I listen to your story and answer your questions.
If you hire me, you sign a written agreement outlining our relationship. Then my team gets to work:
Phase 2: Medical Treatment and Documentation (Months 1-12+)
While you're getting treatment, my office stays in constant contact with your doctors to document:
We can't settle until we understand the full extent of your injuries. Rushing to settle before you reach "maximum medical improvement" is a huge mistake.
Phase 3: Demand and Negotiation (Months 6-18)
Once you've reached maximum medical improvement (or we have a clear picture of your permanent limitations), I prepare a comprehensive demand package with:
I send this to the insurance company with a demand for full compensation.
Then we negotiate. Sometimes they make a fair offer right away. More often they lowball us and we fight.
Phase 4: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If we can't reach a fair settlement through negotiation, I file a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court (or whatever county makes sense).
Don't panic—filing a lawsuit doesn't mean we're going to trial. It means we're serious and prepared to take your case all the way if needed.
Once a lawsuit's filed:
Many cases settle during litigation once the defendant sees how strong our case is.
Phase 5: Trial (If Necessary)
If the case doesn't settle, we go to trial. A jury of Cook County residents hears the evidence and decides:
I've tried over 30 cases to verdict. Trial doesn't scare me. Insurance companies know it.
Phase 6: Settlement or Verdict, Then Payment
Once your case settles or you win at trial, the defendant (or their insurance) has to pay.
Sometimes payment is immediate. Other times we structure the settlement over time to provide guaranteed income for life.
My office handles all the paperwork to make sure you get every dollar you're owed.
Then we celebrate. Because you've been through hell and back, and you earned justice.
When you recover money in a spinal cord injury case, you'll have a choice about how to receive it:
Lump Sum Payment:
Structured Settlement:
Which is better? Depends on your situation.
For young spinal cord injury victims with decades ahead, a structured settlement often makes sense. Ensures you'll have income for life and can't run out of money.
For older victims or those with significant immediate expenses, a lump sum might be better.
I work with financial planners who specialize in catastrophic injury cases to help you make the right decision. This isn't something you should decide alone.
If you hire me to handle your spinal cord injury case, here's what it'll be like:
You Talk Directly to Me
When you call, you get me. Not a paralegal who has to check with me. Not some associate. Me.
I personally handle every aspect of your case. That's my promise.
I Keep You Informed
I hate lawyers who don't return calls or keep clients in the dark.
My office keeps you updated on every development. You'll never wonder what's happening.
I'm Honest—Even When It's Not What You Want to Hear
I'm a straight shooter. If your case has problems, I'll tell you. If the insurance company makes a reasonable offer, I'll tell you. If I think you should go to trial, I'll tell you.
I don't blow smoke. Don't make promises I can't keep. I give you the truth, start to finish.
I'm Accessible
You have my cell number. You can call 24/7. If you're worried or have a question at 11 PM on a Saturday, call me.
Obviously I can't be on the phone 24 hours a day. But I return calls fast—usually within a few hours, almost always within 24.
We Make Decisions Together
This is your case. You're the client. I work for you.
I'll give you my professional advice and recommendations. But you make the decisions:
I'll never pressure you. We'll talk through options, and you decide what's best for you and your family.
I Treat You with Respect
When my dad was injured, his lawyer treated him like garbage. Like he was an inconvenience.
I will never treat you that way.
You deserve dignity, compassion, and respect. That's how I treat every client, every time
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
Over the years I've seen people make the same mistakes repeatedly. Here are the big ones:
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Surveillance video gets erased.
The longer you wait, the harder it is to build a strong case.
Call a lawyer immediately after your injury. Not in a few months. Not after you "see how things go." Now.
Mistake #2: Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
The adjuster will call. They'll sound friendly and sympathetic. They'll say they just need to "get your statement for their file."
Don't do it.
Everything you say gets used against you. They're recording specifically to find ways to deny or minimize your claim.
Tell them politely to contact your attorney. Hang up.
Mistake #3: Posting on Social Media
I know it sounds paranoid, but the insurance company will check your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, everything.
They're looking for anything to undermine your case. A photo of you smiling at a family thing becomes "evidence" you're not really suffering. A post about going to the store becomes "proof" you're not really disabled.
My advice: stay off social media completely until your case is done. If you must post, assume the insurance company is watching.
Mistake #4: Skipping Medical Treatment
If you don't go to appointments, don't do physical therapy, don't take meds—the insurance company argues you're not really hurt, or you're making your injury worse by not following doctor's orders.
Follow your doctor's orders. Go to every appointment. Do the therapy, even when it hurts and you don't feel like it.
Your medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence.
Mistake #5: Accepting the First Settlement Offer
The insurance company's first offer is always low. Always.
They're hoping you're desperate and uninformed and will just take whatever they offer.
Don't.
Have a lawyer review any settlement offer before you accept it. Once you sign a release, it's over. You can't come back later for more.
Mistake #6: Hiring the Wrong Lawyer
Not all injury lawyers are the same.
Some have never tried a case. Some don't understand spinal cord injuries. Some run "case mills" and just want to settle fast for whatever they can get.
Do your research. Meet with the lawyer. Ask questions:
Trust your gut. If a lawyer makes you uncomfortable or seems more interested in your signature than your story, walk away.
Mistake #7: Lying or Exaggerating
I said this before but it's worth repeating: never lie about any part of your case.
Don't exaggerate injuries. Don't hide pre-existing conditions. Don't make up facts about how the accident happened.
Lies always come out. When they do, your case is worth nothing.
Be honest with your lawyer. Honest in depositions. Honest on the witness stand.
Honesty is the best policy. Period.
I've given you a ton of information here. Maybe too much.
But here's what it comes down to:
If you or someone you love has a spinal cord injury in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, you need help. Real help. From someone who knows what they're doing and actually cares what happens to you.
That's what I'm offering.
No money out of pocket. No fee until we win. No pressure. No sales pitch.
Just honest answers and aggressive representation from a lawyer who treats you like family.
Call me right now at (312) 500-4500.
I'm available 24/7/365. Seriously. Call me at 2 AM on Christmas. I'll answer.
Or if you prefer, fill out the contact form on my website and I'll call you.
Either way, let's talk. Let's figure out if you have a case. Let's talk about what it might be worth. Let's talk about your options.
Then you decide. Hire me or don't—your choice.
But either way, you'll walk away with more information, more clarity, and more peace of mind than you have right now.
Your fight is my fight.
Let's get started.
Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 1 312-895-0545
Fax: 1 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com
Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only
