Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
In Cook County, Illinois, injury lawyers from Abels & Annes have filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Chicago physician who was seriously injured in a car accident. The crash occurred on June 23, 2008 in the afternoon when the defendant rear-ended the plaintiff.
Our client had been driving northbound on Broadway in Chicago. When she arrived at Broadway’s intersection with Irving Park Road she stopped in the left turn lane with her left turn signal on to await her opportunity to make a left turn onto westbound Irving Park Rd. While she was stopped her vehicle was rear-ended. The lawsuit alleges the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop for stopped traffic, was driving at an excessive rate of speed, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area.
The doctor had an almost immediate onset of back and neck pain following the collision. She was transported by ambulance from the local police station to Thorek Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Upon arrival at the Emergency Department a history was taken, she was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. The doctor complained of head, neck and low back pain. She was initially diagnosed with a back strain, prescribed pain medication, muscle relaxants and instructed to seek follow up treatment after discharge.
Due to increasing pain, she sought follow up medical care on the following day, June 24th, at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center’s Emergency Department. She complained of increasing back pain, including pain radiating down her right thigh and leg. She was unable to sit and was having difficulty walking. Again, her history was taken, she was examined and more diagnostic tests were performed. She was given more pain medication, muscle relaxants and instructed to see an orthopedic surgeon.
On June 27th, the doctor returned to the Emergency Department with complaints of worsening pain, including a sharp shooting pain down her right buttock to her right foot and right leg weakness. It was observed that when she walked her right foot was dragging. She was given more pain medication and a neurological consult was ordered.
The neurological consult was performed. The physical examination was remarkable for a positive straight leg raise test bilaterally, weakness of the right lower extremity and low back pain. Based upon examination it was determined that she suffered paresthesias in the L5 distribution and a foot drop in addition to back pain radiating down her right leg as a result of the collision. Based upon the neurological consult the doctor was admitted to the hospital and remained an inpatient through June 29th.
Following her discharge she followed up with another neurologist who referred her for a course of therapy. Despite being fully compliant and completing her course of prescribed therapy, the plaintiff continues to suffer from daily back pain.
The doctor has incurred nearly $20,000 in medical bills and nearly $5,000 in lost wages. The lawsuit is asking for an amount greater that $50,000.