Quick Answer: How much is a spinal cord injury case worth?
It depends on the level and completeness of injury. Quadriplegia cases can be worth $10 million or more due to lifetime care needs. We work with life care planners to document every future expense.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on where on the spine the damage occurred and whether the injury is "complete" (total loss of function) or "incomplete" (some function remains).
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
Paralysis of all four limbs due to cervical (neck) spinal cord damage. May require ventilator support.
Paraplegia
Paralysis of the lower body due to thoracic or lumbar spinal cord damage. Arms remain functional.
Incomplete Injuries
Partial damage allows some sensation or movement below the injury site. Recovery potential varies.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Nerve bundle damage at the base of the spine. Can cause bladder/bowel dysfunction and leg weakness.
Calculating Lifetime Damages
Spinal cord injury cases require extensive documentation of future costs. We work with life care planners, economists, and medical specialists to calculate:
- Medical care: Surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, therapy (physical, occupational, respiratory).
- Attendant care: 24/7 nursing care for high-level quadriplegics can cost $200,000+ per year.
- Equipment: Power wheelchairs ($30,000+), hospital beds, lifts, specialized vehicles.
- Home modifications: Ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, elevators.
- Lost earnings: Career income lost due to permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering: The profound impact on quality of life.
Common Causes We Litigate
- Truck accidents: 18-wheeler crashes cause devastating spinal trauma.
- Car wrecks: High-speed collisions and rollovers.
- Workplace accidents: Falls from heights, equipment failures.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, delayed diagnosis of spinal conditions.
- Diving accidents: Shallow water injuries at pools or lakes.
Case Criteria
- Documented Spinal Injury: MRI or CT confirmation of spinal cord damage.
- Third-Party Liability: Someone else's negligence caused the injury.
- Significant Impact: Permanent disability, surgery, or long-term care needs.