A spinal cord injury can change your life in a single second. Paralysis, loss of sensation and lifelong medical care often follow. If someone else’s carelessness caused the injury, a spinal cord injury attorney can help you secure the money you will need for the rest of your life.
Types of spinal cord injuries
Doctors classify spinal cord injuries by how much function is lost and where the damage sits.
- Complete injury: No movement or feeling below the injury level.
- Incomplete injury: Some movement or sensation remains.
- Tetraplegia (quadriplegia): Damage in the neck affects the arms, hands, trunk and legs.
- Paraplegia: Damage lower in the spine affects the legs and lower body.
Common causes
- Car, truck and motorcycle accidents, the leading cause in the US
- Falls, including slip-and-falls on unsafe property
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or delayed diagnosis
- Sports and recreation accidents, including diving into shallow pools
- Acts of violence, such as assaults or shootings
Why the lifetime cost is so high
The first year after a serious spinal cord injury can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over a lifetime, high-level tetraplegia can run into the millions. Costs keep coming long after the hospital stay:
- Surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Wheelchairs, lifts and other medical equipment
- Home and vehicle modifications
- In-home nursing or attendant care
- Medications and treatment for complications
- Lost wages and lost ability to work in the future
Insurance companies know these numbers. That is exactly why they fight hard to pay as little as possible, and why a quick early offer is almost always too low.
What a spinal cord injury attorney does
- Investigates the accident using police reports, video, witness statements and expert reconstruction.
- Proves fault against drivers, property owners, employers, product makers or medical providers.
- Calculates future costs with life-care planners, doctors and economists.
- Deals with insurers so you can focus on recovery.
- Takes the case to trial if the insurance company will not pay a fair amount.
Compensation you may recover
| Damage type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Past and future treatment, surgery, rehab, equipment |
| Lost income | Wages lost now and earning capacity lost for life |
| Care costs | Home nursing, attendant care, assisted living |
| Home and vehicle changes | Ramps, accessible bathrooms, adapted vehicles |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Loss of consortium | Impact on your spouse and family relationships |
How to choose the right spinal cord injury attorney
- Catastrophic injury experience: Ask how many spinal cord cases they have handled and their results.
- Resources: These cases need costly experts. Make sure the firm can fund them.
- Trial readiness: Insurers pay more when they know your lawyer will go to court.
- Contingency fee: You should pay nothing upfront and nothing unless you win.
- Communication: You should be able to reach your lawyer and get clear answers.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file? Most states allow one to three years from the injury. Claims against government agencies can have much shorter deadlines.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer? Not before a lawyer reviews it. Early offers rarely account for lifetime care.
What if I was partly at fault? Many states still let you recover, though your award may be reduced by your share of fault.
Final thoughts
A spinal cord injury is permanent, and your settlement needs to last a lifetime. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney levels the playing field against insurers and fights for the full value of your claim. Get a free consultation as soon as you can, before evidence fades and deadlines approach.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state.