A spinal cord injury is life-altering. It can severely reduce physical mobility, disrupt vital bodily functions, and cause chronic pain. These injuries often result from motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle accidents, or workplace incidents.
Each year, around 12,000 Americans sustain spinal cord injuries. In total, about 250,000 people in the U.S. live with SCI, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Center. The cost of daily care for these individuals reaches $4 billion annually.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen
Spinal cord damage occurs when trauma—such as a blow, crush injury, or compression—damages the vertebrae. The injury affects not just the impact site, but often everything below it. The spine is divided into four key regions:
- Cervical (neck): Injuries here can cause quadriplegia, affecting both arms and legs.
- Thoracic (upper/mid-back): Can impair the trunk and lower body.
- Lumbar (lower back): Often results in paraplegia, or partial/full loss of leg function and sometimes bowel/bladder control.
- Sacral (pelvic area): May affect hips, legs, and bladder/bowel function.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Recovery starts with an accurate diagnosis and often urgent surgery to stabilize the spine. After surgery, the rehab process begins. It’s typically long and demanding.
- Mobility support and life skills training become essential.
- Most individuals need home adaptations for accessibility.
- While the goal is to return home, some patients require long-term residential care.
Long-Term Care and Support
Spinal cord injury survivors work hard to regain independence, but the reality is many need ongoing assistance. Depending on the severity of the injury:
- Earning capacity is often reduced or lost.
- Daily support may be needed—from basic care to managing complex medical routines.
- Family members often become full-time caregivers.
- In many cases, professional in-home care or nursing support is necessary.
Legal Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury
If your injury happened because of someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to pursue compensation. That includes recovery for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological and emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
But the burden of proof is on you, the injured party. A successful case demands a strategic and aggressive legal approach.
How We Help
Our firm approaches every case with deep care and personal commitment. We treat clients like family—and we fight like it too. Here’s what we do:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- File your lawsuit and begin building your case
- Secure expert witnesses
- Handle all evidence discovery and depositions
- Pursue settlement through mediation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
We don’t back down. If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury, let us help you seek justice and secure the support you need to move forward.
