Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic results of serious accidents. Approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer a TBI each year, and TBIs are a factor in 30% of all injury-related deaths in the U.S. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis that changes a victim's life forever. Schwaner Injury Law fights to secure the maximum compensation these life-altering injuries demand.
Every case is different, but victims of brain & spinal injury may be entitled to recover:
David J. Schwaner has spent over two decades fighting for Chicago injury victims. With a 98% case recovery rate and more than $10 million recovered for clients, he brings aggressive, experienced representation to every case — from initial consultation through trial if necessary.
You pay nothing unless we win. David handles all case costs upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while he focuses on your justice.
Concussions, contusions, diffuse axonal injuries, and penetrating brain injuries are all compensable when caused by another party's negligence. Even 'mild' TBIs can have lasting cognitive effects.
Given the lifelong nature of spinal injuries, damages calculations include lifetime medical care, lost earning capacity, attendant care, home modifications, adaptive equipment, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. However, gathering the extensive evidence needed for catastrophic injury cases takes time — contact us immediately.
Monoplegia, paraplegia, quadriplegia, and incomplete spinal injuries may all give rise to a personal injury lawsuit if caused by another's negligence. The more severe the injury, the higher the potential recovery.
We work with life care planners, vocational economists, and medical experts to calculate the true, full lifetime cost of your injury and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Schwaner Injury Law offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. No fee unless we win. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you if you have a case — no obligation.
Available 24/7 · Free · No obligation · Confidential
From first call to final settlement or verdict — here's exactly how David Schwaner fights for brain & spinal cord injury victims in Chicago.
We evaluate your brain & spinal cord injury case at absolutely no cost. You'll speak directly with David Schwaner — not a paralegal or intake specialist — about what happened and what your case is worth.
We gather all critical evidence — police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and witness statements. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed.
We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. We never accept lowball offers. Insurance adjusters know that Schwaner Injury Law is prepared to go to trial.
Most cases settle before trial for fair compensation. If the insurer refuses to offer what your case is worth, David Schwaner takes it to Cook County court and fights for a jury verdict. We don't stop until you're fairly compensated.
You receive your settlement or verdict. Our fee comes only from your recovery — zero out of pocket costs to you. No fee unless we win, guaranteed.
Understanding Illinois law helps you protect your rights. Here's what every brain & spinal cord injury victim in Chicago needs to know before speaking with an insurance company.
David Schwaner has recovered over $15 million for injured Chicagoans — including brain & spinal cord injury victims with cases just like yours.
Over 20 years handling brain & spinal cord injury cases in Cook County courts. David knows the judges, the process, and how to win.
Call or text David Schwaner anytime — day or night. Injured victims don't keep business hours, and neither do we.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation expenses so you can focus on healing.
Illinois-specific answers to the questions injured victims ask most. If your question isn't here, call (312) 635-4000 — David answers personally.
In Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit for brain or spinal cord injuries (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For injuries caused by medical negligence, a 2-year discovery rule and 4-year absolute deadline apply (735 ILCS 5/13-212). Because these cases are complex and require expert medical testimony, contacting an attorney immediately after injury is critical.
Brain and spinal cord injury cases are among the highest-value personal injury claims because of their life-altering nature. Cases involving permanent disability, paralysis, or severe cognitive impairment can be worth millions of dollars when accounting for lifetime medical care, in-home assistance, adaptive equipment, lost earnings over a career, and non-economic suffering. Illinois has no cap on compensatory damages.
The most common causes we see include: car and truck accidents (the #1 cause), motorcycle crashes, falls from heights (construction sites), diving accidents, sports injuries, medical malpractice (surgical errors, anesthesia errors), and acts of violence. David Schwaner has experience handling catastrophic injury cases from all these causes in Cook County courts.
Yes. We handle all levels of traumatic brain injury — from mild concussion/post-concussion syndrome to severe TBI with permanent cognitive and physical impairment. TBI cases require specialized medical experts and life care planners to accurately calculate the full value of your lifelong damages. Schwaner Injury Law works with the best medical experts in Chicago to build your case.
A contingency fee means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. At Schwaner Injury Law, we advance all litigation costs — expert witnesses, depositions, medical record retrieval, accident reconstruction — and only collect our fee from your recovery. There is no financial risk to you. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation — we handle catastrophic injury cases throughout Illinois.
TBI settlements in Illinois range widely based on severity. Mild TBI (concussion) cases may settle for $50,000–$300,000, moderate TBI for $300,000–$2M, and severe TBI with permanent cognitive impairment often results in $2M–$15M+ awards accounting for lifetime care needs. Schwaner Injury Law fights for full compensation including future medical costs and lost earning capacity.
Brain injury cases typically take 2–4 years to resolve in Illinois. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, disputed liability, or severe injuries requiring life-care planning may take longer. Many cases settle before trial. Schwaner Injury Law works to resolve cases efficiently while maximizing recovery — we don't rush you into an inadequate settlement.
Key evidence in a spinal cord injury case includes: MRI/CT scans and radiology reports, ER and hospital records, neurosurgeon and specialist reports, accident reconstruction reports (for vehicle accidents), expert testimony on causation and future needs, life-care planning reports estimating lifetime costs, and lost income documentation. Schwaner Injury Law works with top medical and economic experts to build your case.
Schwaner Injury Law handles brain & spinal cord injury cases throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, Schaumburg, Waukegan, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Bolingbrook, and throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and Kane counties. Wherever you were injured in northeastern Illinois, David Schwaner can help. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation. Available 24/7, no fee unless we win.