Do You Need a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer? Find Out Now

A spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a life-altering event, impacting everything from your physical abilities to your financial stability. In the United States, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCIs, accounting for nearly half of new cases each year. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your legal options is crucial. You may be wondering, “Do I need a spinal cord injury lawyer?” The answer is likely yes, and here’s why.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This damage can disrupt the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a loss of motor function, sensation, and autonomic function below the level of the injury. SCIs can be classified as either complete or incomplete. Complete injuries result in a total loss of function below the injury site, while incomplete injuries allow for some degree of sensation or movement.

Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are the leading cause of SCIs, often due to the high-impact forces involved.
Falls: Falls are the second leading cause, particularly among older adults.
Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds and stabbings can directly damage the spinal cord.
Sports and Recreation Injuries: Impact sports and diving accidents can lead to spinal cord trauma.
Medical/Surgical Complications: Although less common, some SCIs result from medical errors during surgery.

When to Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Navigating the aftermath of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. Dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and the legal system can be complex and stressful. Here are several situations where hiring a spinal cord injury lawyer is essential:

The Injury Was Caused by Someone Else’s Negligence: If your SCI resulted from another party’s carelessness or intentional actions, such as a car accident caused by a distracted driver or a fall due to a property owner’s negligence, you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Difficulty Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over your well-being. They may deny your claim or offer a settlement that doesn’t adequately cover your expenses. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and protect your rights.
Unsure About Your Rights or the Value of Your Damages: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on the full extent of your potential compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs.
Overwhelmed by Medical Bills and Financial Burdens: The costs associated with spinal cord injuries can be staggering. Lifetime costs for a 25-year-old with a severe SCI can reach millions of dollars. A lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover these expenses.

What a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Do For You

A spinal cord injury lawyer plays a vital role in ensuring that victims receive fair compensation for their injuries. Their responsibilities include:

Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence to determine the cause of the injury and identify all responsible parties. This may involve accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals.
Evaluating Medical Reports: Meticulously reviewing medical records to understand the extent of the injury and its long-term implications.
Calculating Long-Term Costs: Projecting future medical expenses, lost income, and the costs of ongoing care and rehabilitation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Aggressively pursuing a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Representing You in Court: Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

The Financial Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries often come with immense costs. The average settlement for a spinal injury is around $700,000, though individual cases vary widely. The actual amount of compensation you may recover depends highly on the extent of your injuries and your prognosis.

Damages you may be able to recover include:

Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and the cost of durable medical equipment.
Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to your inability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious.

How Much Does a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers, including those specializing in spinal cord injuries, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of your settlement or jury award if they win your case. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. This arrangement makes it possible for anyone to obtain quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. The exact percentage can vary, but it typically ranges from 33% if the case settles before filing a lawsuit to 40% if the case goes to trial.

Taking the Next Step

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. A spinal cord injury lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. With the right legal representation, you can focus on your recovery and rebuild your life with confidence.