Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries vary based on location and completeness:
**Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries**
• Complete injuries result in total loss of function below the injury level
• Incomplete injuries allow some function or sensation below the injury
**Injury Levels and Effects**
*Cervical (C1-C8)*
Neck injuries causing quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). Higher cervical injuries may require ventilator support.
*Thoracic (T1-T12)*
Chest-level injuries typically causing paraplegia (paralysis of lower body).
*Lumbar (L1-L5)*
Lower back injuries affecting legs and bladder/bowel function.
*Sacral (S1-S5)*
Pelvic injuries affecting bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Our spinal cord injury lawyers work with neurologists and rehabilitation specialists to fully understand how your specific injury affects function and care needs.
**Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries**
• Complete injuries result in total loss of function below the injury level
• Incomplete injuries allow some function or sensation below the injury
**Injury Levels and Effects**
*Cervical (C1-C8)*
Neck injuries causing quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). Higher cervical injuries may require ventilator support.
*Thoracic (T1-T12)*
Chest-level injuries typically causing paraplegia (paralysis of lower body).
*Lumbar (L1-L5)*
Lower back injuries affecting legs and bladder/bowel function.
*Sacral (S1-S5)*
Pelvic injuries affecting bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Our spinal cord injury lawyers work with neurologists and rehabilitation specialists to fully understand how your specific injury affects function and care needs.
Lifetime Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injury costs are staggering and extend throughout the victim's lifetime:
**First-Year Costs**
• High tetraplegia (C1-C4): $1.2 million+
• Low tetraplegia (C5-C8): $850,000+
• Paraplegia: $550,000+
**Annual Ongoing Costs**
• High tetraplegia: $200,000+
• Low tetraplegia: $125,000+
• Paraplegia: $75,000+
**Lifetime Costs (25-year-old at injury)**
• High tetraplegia: $5.1 million+
• Low tetraplegia: $3.7 million+
• Paraplegia: $2.5 million+
These figures don't include lost wages, which can add millions more. Our attorneys ensure settlements account for these substantial lifetime costs.
**First-Year Costs**
• High tetraplegia (C1-C4): $1.2 million+
• Low tetraplegia (C5-C8): $850,000+
• Paraplegia: $550,000+
**Annual Ongoing Costs**
• High tetraplegia: $200,000+
• Low tetraplegia: $125,000+
• Paraplegia: $75,000+
**Lifetime Costs (25-year-old at injury)**
• High tetraplegia: $5.1 million+
• Low tetraplegia: $3.7 million+
• Paraplegia: $2.5 million+
These figures don't include lost wages, which can add millions more. Our attorneys ensure settlements account for these substantial lifetime costs.
Compensation Components in SCI Cases
Spinal cord injury settlements must address comprehensive damages:
**Medical Expenses**
• Emergency surgery and hospitalization
• Rehabilitation (inpatient and outpatient)
• Assistive devices and wheelchairs
• Home modifications (ramps, accessible bathrooms)
• Vehicle modifications
• Future medical care and surgeries
• Medications for complications
**Attendant Care**
• 24/7 nursing care for severe injuries
• Personal care assistance
• Homemaker services
• Case management
**Lost Earning Capacity**
• Past and future wages
• Benefits and retirement contributions
• Career advancement opportunities
• Vocational rehabilitation costs
**Non-Economic Damages**
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of independence
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of bladder/bowel control
• Depression and emotional distress
• Impact on relationships
Our firm retains life care planners who specialize in spinal cord injuries to document these extensive needs.
**Medical Expenses**
• Emergency surgery and hospitalization
• Rehabilitation (inpatient and outpatient)
• Assistive devices and wheelchairs
• Home modifications (ramps, accessible bathrooms)
• Vehicle modifications
• Future medical care and surgeries
• Medications for complications
**Attendant Care**
• 24/7 nursing care for severe injuries
• Personal care assistance
• Homemaker services
• Case management
**Lost Earning Capacity**
• Past and future wages
• Benefits and retirement contributions
• Career advancement opportunities
• Vocational rehabilitation costs
**Non-Economic Damages**
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of independence
• Sexual dysfunction
• Loss of bladder/bowel control
• Depression and emotional distress
• Impact on relationships
Our firm retains life care planners who specialize in spinal cord injuries to document these extensive needs.
Proving Liability in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Spinal cord injuries result from various types of negligence:
**Motor Vehicle Accidents**
The leading cause of SCI, including car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions.
**Falls**
Workplace falls, slip and falls, and falls from heights cause many spinal cord injuries.
**Medical Malpractice**
Surgical errors, missed diagnoses, and improper treatment can cause or worsen spinal cord damage.
**Violence**
Gunshot wounds and other assaults cause traumatic spinal cord injuries.
**Sports and Recreation**
Diving accidents, contact sports, and recreational activities cause SCI.
Our attorneys investigate all potentially liable parties and insurance policies to maximize recovery. In catastrophic SCI cases, we pursue policy limits demands and explore multiple sources of compensation.
**Motor Vehicle Accidents**
The leading cause of SCI, including car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions.
**Falls**
Workplace falls, slip and falls, and falls from heights cause many spinal cord injuries.
**Medical Malpractice**
Surgical errors, missed diagnoses, and improper treatment can cause or worsen spinal cord damage.
**Violence**
Gunshot wounds and other assaults cause traumatic spinal cord injuries.
**Sports and Recreation**
Diving accidents, contact sports, and recreational activities cause SCI.
Our attorneys investigate all potentially liable parties and insurance policies to maximize recovery. In catastrophic SCI cases, we pursue policy limits demands and explore multiple sources of compensation.
Spinal Cord Injury Settlements and Verdicts
Our spinal cord injury lawyers have achieved substantial results:
**$38.2 Million** - Truck accident victim with complete paralysis
**$28.5 Million** - Construction fall causing quadriplegia
**$22.1 Million** - Car accident resulting in paraplegia
**$18.7 Million** - Medical malpractice causing incomplete SCI
**$15.2 Million** - Workplace injury with spinal cord damage
These recoveries reflect the devastating lifetime impact of spinal cord injuries and the comprehensive damages our clients deserve. While past results don't guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our commitment to maximizing compensation.
**$38.2 Million** - Truck accident victim with complete paralysis
**$28.5 Million** - Construction fall causing quadriplegia
**$22.1 Million** - Car accident resulting in paraplegia
**$18.7 Million** - Medical malpractice causing incomplete SCI
**$15.2 Million** - Workplace injury with spinal cord damage
These recoveries reflect the devastating lifetime impact of spinal cord injuries and the comprehensive damages our clients deserve. While past results don't guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our commitment to maximizing compensation.