If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation from a spinal cord injury lawsuit case or settlement claim. Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer to request a free case review.
A team of spinal cord injury lawyers and personal injury attorneys is investigating potential spinal cord injury lawsuit cases and settlement claims of individuals who injured their spinal cord as a result of someone else’s negligence.
The spinal cord is a thick column of nerve tissue running from the brainstem down through the spine. It’s protected by the vertebrae (bones of the spine) and is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and body for movement, sensation, breathing, and organ control. A spinal cord injury (“SCI”) means damage to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal that can result in a loss of function, mobility or feeling, below the level of the injury.
Unfortunately, thousands of Americans sustain spinal cord injuries each year in personal injury accidents. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur annually in the U.S., and an estimated 255,000 to 390,000 people are currently living with such injuries.
Spinal cord injuries are often permanent and life-altering, requiring extensive medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, and lifelong support. That’s why legal claims involving spinal cord injuries often seek substantial compensation to cover medical costs, lost earnings, and quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits and Settlements: Overview
- What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
- What Are Possible Signs of a Spinal Cord Injury?
- What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
- Who May Qualify For a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit or Settlement?
- What Are Common Spinal Cord Injury Complications?
- How Does Location of Spine Injury Affect Severity of Complications?
- Can I Recover Compensation From a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
- How Much Money May Be Awarded In a Spinal Cord Injury Case?
- Is There A Deadline To File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
- Request A Free Case Review From A Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit and Settlement Cases
Spinal cord injury lawsuit and settlement claims being investigated include claims of individuals who, as a result of someone else’s negligent or careless conduct, suffered an injury to their spinal cord:
- Complete spinal cord injury
- Quadriplegia (tetraplegia)
- Paralysis of all four limbs, plus torso
- Paraplegia
- Paralysis of the lower half of the body
- Cervical spinal cord injury (C1–C8)
- Thoracic spinal cord injury (T1–T12)
- Lumbar spinal cord injury (L1–L5)
- Sacral spinal cord injury (S1–S5)
- Loss of motor function (movement)
- Loss of sensory function (feeling)
- Partial leg paralysis
- Partial paralysis of lower body
- Incomplete spinal cord injury
- Anterior cord syndrome
- Central cord syndrome
- Brown-Séquard syndrome
- Posterior cord syndrome
- Other spinal cord injury lawsuit case
If you or a loved one injured your spinal cord as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover significant monetary compensation from a spinal cord injury lawsuit or settlement case.
A complete spinal cord injury is a type of spinal injury where there is total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury; meaning the brain can no longer send signals past the damaged area of the spinal cord. In a complete SCI, the spinal cord is either fully severed, or so severely compressed or damaged that no signals can travel past the injury site. A complete spinal cord injury can lead to paralysis of the body, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
An incomplete spinal cord injury is a type of spinal cord damage where the spinal cord is partially severed, compressed, or damaged, but some signals from the brain can still travel below the site of injury. This means the person may retain some level of sensation, movement, or control below the injury, unlike a complete spinal cord injury, where all communication below the injury is lost.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury is usually caused by trauma, i.e., a sudden and traumatic blow to the spine that fractures, dislocates or compresses vertebrae in the spine. The spinal cord damage typically starts when bone fragments, disc material, or ligaments bruise or tear into spinal cord tissue or sever it. An injury to the spinal cord can also damage axons, which are extensions of nerve cells that carry signals up and down the spinal cord between the brain and the rest of the body.
Spinal cord injuries can be caused by trauma in nearly any type of personal injury case, including car accidents, workplace accidents, medical negligence, defective products, dangerous conditions on someone’s property, among others:
- Spinal cord injury in motor vehicle accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Whether it’s a high-speed highway crash or a rear-end collision, the sudden jolt can fracture vertebrae, compress discs, or completely sever the spinal cord. Victims often suffer permanent paralysis or chronic pain, requiring lifelong care.
- Spinal cord injury from accident at work: Workplace accidents frequently result in spinal trauma, especially on construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, or being struck by heavy objects can cause serious damage to the spinal cord. In many cases, workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but they may also have a third-party lawsuit if another party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was at fault.
- Spinal cord injury from slip and fall on unsafe property: A slip or trip and fall may sound minor but when it involves a hard impact to the back or neck, it can result in life-changing spinal cord injuries. Property owners, landlords, and businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail to clear hazards like wet floors, broken steps, or poor lighting, they can be held responsible for the resulting harm
- Spinal cord injury due to medical malpractice: Medical malpractice or negligence of a doctor or hospital, including surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, or delayed diagnoses, can lead to devastating spinal cord damage. A botched spinal surgery or failure to treat a spinal infection in time may result in irreversible paralysis.
- Spinal cord injury from defective products: A faulty seatbelt, collapsed bicycle frame, malfunctioning ladder and other defective automotive parts, safety equipment, tools, or consumer goods can all lead to severe spinal injuries. When a product fails during normal use and causes harm, the manufacturer, designer, or retailer may be liable under product liability law.
- Spinal cord injury from acts of violence or assault: Violent attacks such as stabbings, shootings, or brutal assaults can also result in serious spinal cord damage. Spinal cord injuries can occur in nearly any personal injury scenario—including boating accidents, pedestrian accidents, sports injuries, or dog attacks.
- Other spinal cord injury lawsuit cases: Devastating spinal cord injuries can also result from less commonly recognized but equally serious accidents. For example, diving into shallow water, recreational accidents involving ATVs or bicycles, sports injuries from high-impact collisions, and even trampoline or amusement park incidents can lead to serious spinal trauma.
Regardless of how the injury occurs, if it results from negligence or hazardous conditions, the injured person may still have the right to pursue legal compensation.
Location of Injury On The Spine & Severity Of Injury
Spinal cord injuries are usually classified by where the spine is injured, i.e., a level is assigned according to the location of the injury by the vertebrae (solid bony structures) of the spinal column (vertebral column, spine or backbone) and spinal nerves. In general, the higher an injury occurs in the spinal cord, the more affected the injured person will be.
The spinal cord is divided into four main regions:
- Cervical spine (C1–C8) – neck region
- Thoracic spine (T1-T-12) – upper/mid-back
- Lumbosacral or Lumbar spine (L1-L5) – lower back
- Sacral spine (S1-S5) – pelvic area
Damage at different levels of the spinal cord can result in different impairments. Injuries higher on the spine (e.g., cervical) usually cause more severe impairment.
| Level of Spinal Cord Injury | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Cervical Spine (C1–C8 Spinal Cord Injury) | Neck, arms, hands, legs, diaphragm; torso; often results in quadriplegia. C1–C3 injuries are most severe, often requiring mechanical ventilation as person cannot move or breathe independently; respiratory issues, pressure sores, and autonomic dysreflexia |
| Thoracic Spine (T1–T12 Spinal Cord Injury) | Chest, abdominal muscles, mid-back, trunk; may result in paraplegia, loss of bladder and bowel control, sexual dysfunction, and difficulty regulating blood pressure and body temperature; and breathing |
| Lumbar Spine (L1–L5 Spinal Cord Injury) | Hips, legs, lower body, some bowel/bladder function, sexual dysfunction |
| Sacral Spine (S1–S5 Spinal Cord Injury) | Pelvis, pelvic organs, buttocks, lower limbs, thighs, sexual dysfunction, loss of bladder and bowel control, weakness or loss of function in the hips, thighs, or feet; pelvic pain |
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries and symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following spinal cord injuries:
- Extreme back pain or pressure in neck, head or back
- Weakness, lack of coordination or paralysis
- Tetraplegia, quadriplegia or paraplegia
- Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in hands, fingers, feet or toes
- Loss of function at the biceps and shoulders
- Loss of function at the wrists and hands
- Loss of hand function
- Loss of ability to control abdominal muscles
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of control of legs and hips
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- Loss of diaphragm function
- Inability or reduced ability to regulate heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature
- An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back
- Loss of movement
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch
- Spinal cord syndromes such as Conus medullaris, Brown-Séquard syndrome, Tabes Dorsalis, Anterior cord syndrome, Central cord syndrome and Posterior cord syndrome
- Exaggerated reflex activities or spasms
- Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity and fertility
- Pain or an intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in spinal cord
- Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing secretions from lungs (possibly requiring a ventilator)
- Other spinal cord injury symptoms or signs
Even what may seem like a minor accident— such as a low-speed car crash or a slip and fall—can cause spinal cord damage, especially if the neck or back is twisted, compressed, or impacted. Symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why prompt medical evaluation is critical after any trauma.
Complications From Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to a wide range of complications, many of which are chronic, life-altering, and medically complex. These complications depend on the level and completeness of the injury, but the most common and serious ones include:
- Paralysis: Depending on the injury level, a person may lose motor function and sensation in the lower limbs (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia), often permanently.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body (waist down), typically involving both legs and sometimes part of the lower abdomen. Individuals may become paraplegic from damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), or sacral (pelvic) regions.
- Quadriplegia: Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a type of paralysis that affects both arms and both legs as well as the torso. Individuals may become quadriplegic from damage to the cervical spine (neck area) of the spinal cord, typically between C1 and C7.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control: Spinal cord injuries can disrupt signals between the brain and bladder/bowel, leading to incontinence, retention, or the need for catheters, enemas, or bowel programs.
- Chronic pain (neuropathic or musculoskeletal): Many individual with spinal cord injuries experience neuropathic pain (caused by damaged nerves) or musculoskeletal pain from muscle strain or overuse due to wheelchair use.
- Pressure sores (decubitus ulcers): Reduced mobility leads to prolonged pressure on certain areas, especially over bony prominences. These wounds can become infected and require surgery if severe.
- Respiratory complications/need for ventilator: Higher-level spinal cord injuries (especially C1–C4) may impair breathing, requiring ventilators or other respiratory support. Even mid-level injuries increase the risk of pneumonia.
- Autonomic dysreflexia: Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition seen in people with spinal cord injuries at or above T6, where the body overreacts to stimuli (like a full bladder), causing dangerously high blood pressure.
- Spasticity: Involuntary muscle contractions or stiffness may interfere with movement, posture, and sleep, sometimes requiring medication or surgical treatment.
- Sexual dysfunction: Spinal cord injuries can impact sexual function, sensation, and fertility in both men and women, often requiring therapy, medication, or assistive options.
- Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE): Lack of mobility increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), both of which can be fatal if untreated.
- Mental health Issues: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and adjustment disorders are common due to the drastic life changes and limitations that a spinal cord injury imposes.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Frequent use of catheters makes spinal cord injury patients prone to urinary tract infections, which can be recurrent or lead to kidney damage if untreated.
- Bone density loss (osteoporosis): Spinal cord injury often leads to reduced weight-bearing activity, which can cause bones to weaken over time. This increases the risk of fractures, especially in the legs, hips, and ankles. Regular monitoring and preventive treatments like medications or weight-bearing therapy may be necessary.
- Syringomyelia: Syringomyelia is a condition where a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) forms within the spinal cord, sometimes months or years after the injury. It can cause new or worsening symptoms like pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness. If left untreated, it may lead to further neurological damage and often requires surgical intervention.
- Increased risk of infections: Spinal cord injury patients are more susceptible to infections due to immobility, use of catheters, and impaired immune responses. Common infections include UTIs, pneumonia, and skin infections. Preventive care, hygiene protocols, and timely treatment are critical to managing this risk.
- Cardiovascular issues: Spinal cord injuries can disrupt autonomic functions, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. This may lead to chronic low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, or increased risk of heart disease.
- Other spinal cord injury complications: Other spinal cord injury complications may also exist, depending on the severity and location of the injury, as well as the individual’s overall health and medical history.
Compensation For Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Plaintiffs who bring spinal cord injury lawsuit cases may be able to recover significant compensation for injuries and complications suffered, including money damages for:
- Medical expenses (past and future): Spinal cord injuries often require emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and follow-up visits. These costs can be overwhelming. Victims are also entitled to future medical expenses, especially in cases involving permanent injuries requiring lifelong treatment or monitoring.
- Lost wages/income or loss of earning capacity: Individuals may be entitled to compensation for lost income if the spinal cord injury prevents them from returning to work temporarily or permanently. In severe spinal cord injury cases, victims often need to change careers or may be unable to work entirely, justifying claims for diminished future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Victims can be compensated for the physical pain and discomfort resulting from the spinal cord injury and related treatments. Chronic pain, nerve damage, and mobility issues common in spinal cord injury cases can significantly affect daily life.
- Emotional distress/mental anguish: Living with a spinal cord injury can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a diminished sense of identity or self-worth. Compensation can be awarded for these psychological injuries, especially when supported by professional mental health documentation.
- Loss of enjoyment/quality of life: Many spinal cord injury victims can no longer enjoy activities they once loved like sports, travel, or even simple mobility. Damages may be awarded for this loss of quality of life and freedom.
- Permanent disability: Permanent paralysis (e.g., paraplegia or quadriplegia) changes every aspect of life. Compensation may reflect the lifelong nature of the disability and its impact on independence and functionality.
- Rehabilitation and therapy: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and sometimes speech therapy are critical for maximizing function post-injury. These are long-term and expensive, and insurers or defendants may be required to compensate for them.
- Home and vehicle modifications: Spinal cord injury survivors often need wheelchair-accessible homes and vehicles. Compensation may cover ramps, widened doors, roll-in showers, stair lifts, and vehicle hand controls or lifts.
- Assistive devices and wheelchairs: Motorized wheelchairs, hospital beds, standing frames, and mobility aids are essential but expensive. These devices need regular replacement and maintenance over a lifetime.
- In-home care or long term nursing care: Depending on the severity of the spinal cord injury, the individual may need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, feeding, and bowel/bladder care. Some may require 24/7 skilled nursing assistance, which can be a major component of lifetime care cost projections.
- Loss of consortium (impact on spouse/family relationships): Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support that a spouse or partner suffers as a result of the injury. Spouses can sometimes bring a separate claim for this type of harm.
- Other possible spinal cord damages: Other possible spinal cord injury damages may also be available depending on the circumstances of the case, including rare complications, unique financial losses, or individualized care needs.
The amount of money that may be recovered from a spinal cord injury lawsuit or settlement depends on several factors, including, among other things, the severity of the spinal cord injury, extent of long-term disability and impact on daily life and independence, cost of current and future medical care, lost income, the degree of pain and suffering experienced, the strength of evidence of liability, and the need for assistive technology (wheelchairs, home renovations, vehicle modifications, and other accommodations). Fortunately, spinal cord injury cases often result in high-value settlements or verdicts, sometimes ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars or more, especially in cases involving permanent paralysis or the need for lifelong care.
Time Is Limited To File A Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
Deadlines called statutes of limitation and statutes of repose may limit the amount of time that victims have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit to try to recover compensation for injuries suffered due to negligence.
This means that if a spinal cord injury lawsuit is not filed before the applicable time limit, a claimant may be barred from ever pursuing legal action regarding the spinal cord injury claim. That is why it is important to connect with a spinal cord injury lawyer or attorney as soon as possible.
If your or a loved one’s spinal cord was injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation from a spinal cord injury lawsuit case or settlement claim. Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer for a free case review.
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