Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Last Updated: February 2026

Key Takeaways

Approximately 17,900 new spinal cord injuries occur in the United States each year, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). Lifetime care costs for high tetraplegia can exceed $5 million, and motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause. Compensation in spinal cord injury cases typically includes lifetime medical expenses, lost earning capacity, personal care attendant costs, and non-economic damages for pain and loss of enjoyment of life.

A spinal cord injury is one of the most catastrophic events a person can endure. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) estimates that approximately 17,900 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States. In an instant, a fall, a car crash, or a surgical error can permanently alter the way you move, feel, breathe, and live. When the spinal cord is damaged, the consequences are often irreversible. Paralysis, chronic pain, loss of independence, and enormous lifetime medical expenses are the reality that spinal cord injury survivors and their families face every day.

At Maxx Compensation, attorney Charles C. Teale and our legal team understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a spinal cord injury imposes. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, you have the right to hold them accountable — and we are here to help you do exactly that.

Call Maxx Compensation today at 877-462-9952 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also submit your case details through our free case evaluation form. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury and How Does It Affect the Body?

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerve fibers that extends from the brainstem down through the vertebral column (spine). Protected by the bony vertebrae, the spinal cord serves as the primary communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body, transmitting motor commands to the muscles and relaying sensory information back to the brain.

The spinal cord is divided into four major regions, each corresponding to segments of the vertebral column:

Cervical (C1-C8) — the neck region, controlling the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and diaphragm
Thoracic (T1-T12) — the upper and mid-back region, controlling the trunk and portions of the arms
Lumbar (L1-L5) — the lower back region, controlling the hips and legs
Sacral (S1-S5) — the base of the spine, controlling the groin, toes, and certain parts of the legs, as well as bowel and bladder function

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when trauma, disease, or degeneration damages the spinal cord, disrupting the flow of nerve signals. The higher on the spinal cord the injury occurs, the more extensive the resulting loss of function. Injuries to the cervical region are the most severe, potentially affecting all four limbs and the ability to breathe independently. Injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions typically affect the lower body.

It is important to distinguish between damage to the spinal cord itself and damage to the vertebrae or surrounding structures. A person can fracture vertebrae without injuring the spinal cord, and the spinal cord can be damaged by swelling or loss of blood flow even without a fracture. This distinction matters in both medical treatment and legal proceedings.

Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete, a distinction that has profound implications for prognosis, treatment, and the damages recoverable in a legal claim.

A complete spinal cord injury means there is a total loss of motor function and sensation below the level of the injury. The brain can no longer send or receive signals through the damaged portion of the cord, resulting in permanent paralysis below the injury site.

An incomplete spinal cord injury means some nerve signals can still pass through the injured area. The person retains some degree of motor function, sensation, or both below the level of injury. The extent of preserved function varies widely. Incomplete injuries generally carry a better prognosis, particularly with aggressive early treatment and rehabilitation, though significant disability often remains.

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale is the standard clinical tool used to classify the severity of a spinal cord injury, ranging from ASIA A (complete) through ASIA E (normal function). This classification plays a critical role in both medical treatment planning and in establishing the extent of damages in a legal claim.

What Are the Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia)

Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, results from injury to the cervical spinal cord (C1-C8). It affects all four limbs, the trunk, and, depending on the level of injury, the ability to breathe. Injuries at the C1-C3 level are the most severe and typically require permanent mechanical ventilation because the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, originates at C3-C5. Injuries at C4-C5 may allow some ability to breathe independently but significantly impair arm and hand function. Injuries at C6-C8 may preserve some arm movement but typically impair hand dexterity and grip strength.

Individuals with high cervical injuries require around-the-clock personal care assistance, power wheelchairs with specialized controls, ventilator support, and extensive home modifications. The lifetime cost of care for high tetraplegia is among the highest of any injury.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia results from injury to the thoracic (T1-T12), lumbar (L1-L5), or sacral (S1-S5) spinal cord. It affects the lower extremities and, depending on the level of injury, portions of the trunk. Unlike tetraplegia, arm and hand function is preserved. Individuals with paraplegia typically use manual wheelchairs and can achieve a high degree of independence with proper rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and home modifications, though significant challenges remain.

Injuries to the thoracic spine affect trunk stability and may impair the ability to sit upright without support. Lumbar and sacral injuries may allow some leg function, and some individuals with lower-level injuries can walk with braces, crutches, or other assistive devices.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Syndromes

Several recognized clinical syndromes result from incomplete spinal cord injuries, each with distinctive patterns of impairment:

Central Cord Syndrome — the most common incomplete spinal cord injury syndrome. It typically results from a hyperextension injury to the cervical spine and disproportionately affects the arms and hands more than the legs, because the nerve fibers serving the upper extremities are located in the central portion of the cord. It is more common in older adults with pre-existing cervical stenosis. Many individuals recover some walking ability, though fine motor control in the hands may remain impaired.
Anterior Cord Syndrome — results from damage to the front (anterior) two-thirds of the spinal cord, typically from reduced blood flow through the anterior spinal artery. It causes loss of motor function and pain/temperature sensation below the injury level, while preserving the ability to feel touch, vibration, and joint position (proprioception), which are carried by nerve tracts in the posterior portion of the cord. The prognosis for motor recovery is generally poor.
Brown-Sequard Syndrome — results from damage to one side (lateral half) of the spinal cord, classically from a penetrating injury such as a stab wound. It produces a distinctive pattern: loss of motor function and proprioception on the same side as the injury, with loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side. Brown-Sequard syndrome generally carries the best prognosis of the incomplete injury syndromes, with many patients recovering some ability to walk.
Posterior Cord Syndrome — the rarest of the incomplete syndromes, involving damage to the posterior columns of the spinal cord. Motor function and pain sensation are preserved, but the ability to sense touch, vibration, and body position is impaired. This makes coordinated movement difficult despite preserved muscle strength.
Cauda Equina Syndrome — an injury to the nerve roots below the end of the spinal cord (which terminates around L1-L2) rather than the cord itself. The cauda equina is a bundle of nerve roots that extends below the cord. Injury causes leg weakness, saddle area numbness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. It is a surgical emergency — delay in treatment can result in permanent impairment and is a recognized basis for a medical malpractice claim.

What Are the Most Common Causes What Are the Most What Are the Most of Spinal Cord Injuries???

Spinal cord injuries result from a wide range of traumatic events. Understanding the cause is essential not only for medical treatment but for identifying the responsible party and building a strong legal case. The following are the most common causes of traumatic spinal cord injuries:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for approximately 39% of all new cases according to NSCISC data. The violent forces involved in car, truck, and motorcycle collisions can fracture or dislocate vertebrae, compress the spinal cord, or cause it to stretch, bruise, or sever. Car accidents and motorcycle accidents are particularly common causes because motorcyclists lack the structural protection of an enclosed vehicle.

When a spinal cord injury results from a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver’s negligence — distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, running a red light — the injured person has the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance carrier. In cases involving commercial vehicles, the trucking company may also bear liability.

Falls

Falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries, responsible for approximately 31% of new cases according to the NSCISC. They are particularly prevalent in two populations: older adults (falls from standing height, often associated with osteoporosis) and workers in construction and industrial settings (falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and elevated platforms). Slip and fall accidents caused by hazardous conditions on someone else’s property may give rise to a premises liability claim. Construction accidents involving falls from heights often involve claims against general contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.

Acts of Violence

Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other acts of violence account for a significant percentage of spinal cord injuries. While the perpetrator bears criminal responsibility, civil liability may also exist against third parties — for example, a property owner who failed to provide adequate security, or a bar that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later committed an assault.

Sports and Recreation

Diving into shallow water is a well-known cause of cervical spinal cord injuries. Other sports-related causes include football, horseback riding, gymnastics, skiing, and cycling. Liability may rest with a facility owner who failed to post depth warnings, an equipment manufacturer, a coach, or another participant whose reckless conduct caused the harm.

Medical and Surgical Errors

Spinal cord injuries can result from surgical errors during spinal procedures, failure to diagnose conditions requiring emergency treatment (such as cauda equina syndrome or epidural abscess), improper spinal anesthesia, or errors during chiropractic manipulation. These cases fall under medical malpractice law and require proof that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.

How Does a Spinal Cord Injury Affect Your Life?

A spinal cord injury affects virtually every aspect of a person’s life. Understanding the full scope of impact is essential to pursuing adequate compensation.

Physical Impact

The physical consequences of a spinal cord injury extend far beyond the loss of movement:

Paralysis — partial or complete loss of voluntary movement below the level of injury
Loss of sensation — inability to feel touch, pain, temperature, or pressure below the injury site
Respiratory impairment — cervical injuries may impair or eliminate the ability to breathe independently, requiring a ventilator or diaphragm pacing device
Bowel and bladder dysfunction — loss of voluntary control, requiring catheterization, bowel programs, and often resulting in recurrent urinary tract infections
Chronic pain — neuropathic pain (burning, stinging, shooting sensations) is common and often difficult to treat
Spasticity — involuntary muscle spasms and stiffness below the injury level
Pressure injuries — loss of sensation increases the risk of pressure ulcers (bedsores), which can become life-threatening if infected
Autonomic dysreflexia — a potentially dangerous condition in injuries above T6 where stimuli below the injury level trigger a sudden spike in blood pressure
Sexual dysfunction — impaired or absent sexual function and fertility challenges
Increased susceptibility to secondary conditions — deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The psychological toll of a spinal cord injury is profound and should never be minimized in a legal claim. Studies consistently show elevated rates of:

Depression — significantly higher prevalence among spinal cord injury survivors compared to the general population
Anxiety and post-traumatic stress — particularly in the period following the injury and during rehabilitation
Grief and loss of identity — the loss of physical abilities, career, hobbies, and independence can trigger an intense grieving process
Social isolation — physical barriers, transportation difficulties, and loss of the ability to participate in previous activities can lead to withdrawal
Substance abuse — higher rates of alcohol and drug use as coping mechanisms

These psychological effects are compensable as part of a personal injury claim. Non-economic damages for emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish are a critical component of spinal cord injury compensation.

Financial Impact

Spinal cord injuries are among the most expensive injuries a person can sustain. According to the NSCISC, first-year medical costs for high tetraplegia (C1-C4) average over $1.1 million, with lifetime costs potentially exceeding $5 million depending on age at injury. The costs begin with emergency trauma care and continue for life. The financial burden is compounded by the loss of income and earning capacity, as many people with spinal cord injuries are unable to return to their previous employment.

Impact on Relationships and Family

A spinal cord injury affects the entire family. Spouses and partners often become caregivers, fundamentally altering the relationship dynamic. The strain on relationships is significant, and family members may have their own claims for loss of consortium (loss of companionship, affection, and intimate relations with the injured person).

What Is the Lifetime Cost of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury is staggering, and accurately projecting these costs is one of the most important aspects of a spinal cord injury lawsuit. Costs vary dramatically depending on the severity and level of injury, the person’s age at the time of injury, pre-existing health conditions, and the cost of living in their geographic area.

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which maintains the largest and longest-running spinal cord injury database in the world, publishes estimated lifetime cost data broken down by injury severity and age at injury. Their data consistently shows that the most severe injuries — high tetraplegia requiring ventilator support — carry lifetime costs reaching into the millions of dollars. Even less severe injuries carry substantial lifetime expenses.

The major categories of lifetime costs include:

Emergency and acute care — ambulance transport, emergency room treatment, trauma surgery, intensive care unit stays, and initial hospitalization, which can last weeks or months
Surgical procedures — spinal fusion, decompression surgery, and subsequent surgeries for complications such as pressure ulcers, urinary tract issues, or spasticity management (including baclofen pump implantation)
Inpatient rehabilitation — specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs, typically lasting several weeks to months
Ongoing medical care — regular follow-up appointments with physiatrists, urologists, pulmonologists, pain management specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and other specialists throughout the person’s lifetime
Medications — pain management, spasticity medications, bladder medications, blood thinners, antibiotics for recurrent infections, and others
Durable medical equipment and assistive technology — wheelchairs (manual and power), cushions, hospital beds, lifts, standing frames, braces, catheter supplies, respiratory equipment, environmental control systems, and communication aids. Power wheelchairs with specialized controls can cost tens of thousands of dollars and must be replaced every several years
Home modifications — wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, roll-in showers, lowered countertops, elevator or stair lift installation, and in some cases, the need to purchase an entirely different home that can be made accessible
Vehicle modifications — wheelchair-accessible vans with lifts or ramps, hand controls, and other adaptive driving equipment
Personal care attendants — depending on the level of injury, individuals may need part-time or full-time personal care assistance for bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping, and medical care. Individuals with high tetraplegia may need 24-hour attendant care for the rest of their lives
Therapy and counseling — ongoing physical, occupational, recreational, and psychological therapy to maintain function, prevent complications, and address depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders
Vocational rehabilitation — job retraining, career counseling, and workplace accommodations for those who can return to some form of employment
Lost income and benefits — wages lost during recovery and, for many, the permanent loss of earning capacity, including lost employer-provided benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions

Because these costs accumulate over decades, the total lifetime financial impact is enormous. This is why it is essential to work with an attorney who understands how to properly calculate and present the full scope of future damages.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Spinal Cord Injury Case?

Compensation in spinal cord injury cases falls into three broad categories:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the quantifiable financial losses caused by the injury. They include:

Past and future medical expenses — all costs of medical treatment from the date of injury through the remainder of the person’s life expectancy
Lost wages — income lost from the date of injury through the resolution of the case
Loss of future earning capacity — the difference between what the person would have earned over their working life without the injury and what they can now earn, if anything. This is calculated by a forensic economist using the person’s education, work history, career trajectory, age, and statistical labor market data
Home modification costs — construction and renovation costs to make the person’s home accessible
Vehicle modification costs — the cost of an accessible vehicle and adaptive equipment
Assistive devices and equipment — wheelchairs, hospital beds, communication devices, and other equipment, including the cost of periodic replacement
Personal care and attendant services — the cost of hiring caregivers for the remainder of the person’s life
Transportation costs — non-emergency medical transportation and the ongoing cost of accessible transportation

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses caused by the injury. While they do not have a precise dollar value, they often constitute a substantial portion of a spinal cord injury verdict or settlement:

Pain and suffering — physical pain endured as a result of the injury, surgeries, and ongoing complications
Emotional distress — depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, and other psychological harm
Loss of enjoyment of life — the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and experiences the person previously enjoyed
Loss of consortium — a claim by the spouse or partner for the loss of companionship, affection, support, and intimate relations
Disfigurement and physical impairment — the permanent alteration of physical appearance and ability
Loss of independence — the psychological and emotional toll of relying on others for basic daily activities

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious — such as a drunk driver or a company that knowingly ignored a dangerous condition — punitive damages may be available. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. They are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Not every case qualifies; the standard varies by state but generally requires conduct beyond ordinary negligence.

How Do You Prove Liability in a Spinal Cord Injury Case?

To recover compensation, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant was legally responsible for the injury. In most cases, this means proving negligence — that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused the injury and resulting damages.

What Are the Elements of What Are the Negligence

Duty of care — the defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care (e.g., drivers owe a duty to others on the road; doctors owe a duty to treat patients according to the accepted standard of care).
Breach of duty — the defendant failed to meet the standard of care (e.g., a driver who runs a red light or a surgeon who operates on the wrong spinal level).
Causation — the defendant’s breach directly caused or substantially contributed to the spinal cord injury, requiring both factual causation (“but for” the conduct) and proximate causation (foreseeability).
Damages — the plaintiff suffered actual, compensable losses as a result of the injury.

Expert Witnesses

These cases almost always require expert testimony in multiple disciplines:

Accident reconstruction experts — who analyze the mechanics of the accident to establish how it occurred and who was at fault
Medical experts — treating physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and physiatrists who testify about the nature and extent of the spinal cord injury, the treatment required, and the prognosis
Life care planners — who prepare a detailed plan of the medical care, equipment, services, and support the injured person will need for the rest of their life
Forensic economists — who calculate the present value of future medical expenses, lost earnings, and lost earning capacity over the person’s expected lifetime
Vocational rehabilitation experts — who assess the injured person’s ability to work and the types of employment, if any, that remain available
Mental health professionals — psychologists or psychiatrists who testify about the emotional and psychological impact of the injury

At Maxx Compensation, we work with leading experts across these disciplines to build the strongest possible case for our clients.

What Role Does a Life Care Plan Play in a Spinal Cord Injury Case?

A life care plan is a detailed, comprehensive document that projects all of the medical care, equipment, services, and support a spinal cord injury survivor will need for the remainder of their life. It is one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a spinal cord injury lawsuit because it forms the basis for calculating the economic damages the plaintiff is entitled to recover.

What a Life Care Plan Includes

A well-prepared life care plan for a spinal cord injury survivor typically addresses:

Projected physician visits and specialist consultations (frequency and expected cost)
Future surgeries and medical procedures
Medications (current and anticipated future needs)
Physical, occupational, recreational, and psychological therapy
Durable medical equipment and its replacement schedule
Assistive technology
Home modifications and maintenance
Vehicle modifications and replacement
Personal care attendant needs (hours per day, level of training required)
Complications and their projected treatment (pressure injuries, infections, surgeries)
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment services
Expected life expectancy and how it may differ from the general population

Who Prepares a Life Care Plan

Life care plans are typically prepared by certified life care planners — professionals with backgrounds in rehabilitation nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or rehabilitation counseling who hold specialized certification. The life care planner reviews the person’s medical records, consults with treating physicians, evaluates current functional status, and researches the costs of identified services and equipment in the person’s geographic area.

What Is the Role of What Is the The the Life Care Plan in Litigation

The life care plan serves as the roadmap for the economic damages calculation. A forensic economist uses it to compute the present-day dollar value of all future care needs, applying discount rates, inflation factors, and life expectancy projections. Together, the life care plan and economist’s calculations present the jury with a concrete, defensible number representing the plaintiff’s lifetime economic needs.

Without a well-prepared life care plan, there is a significant risk that the damages award will fall short. This is particularly dangerous in spinal cord injury cases because the injury is permanent — once the case is resolved, the plaintiff cannot return to court for additional compensation. At Maxx Compensation, we work with experienced life care planners to ensure that every foreseeable need is identified and properly valued.

For more information about how we handle severe injury claims, visit our catastrophic injury lawyer page.

Why Choose Maxx Compensation for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case?

Spinal cord injury cases are among the most complex in personal injury law. They require an attorney who understands the medicine, the economics, and the lifetime implications of these injuries. At Maxx Compensation, we bring the resources, knowledge, and commitment needed to pursue full compensation for spinal cord injury victims:

Thorough investigation — we work with accident reconstruction experts, engineering consultants, and other specialists to establish exactly how and why the injury occurred
Medical understanding — attorney Charles C. Teale and our legal team have deep familiarity with spinal cord injury medicine, enabling us to communicate effectively with medical experts and present complex medical evidence to a jury
Access to top experts — we retain leading life care planners, forensic economists, medical specialists, and vocational experts to build a comprehensive damages case
Contingency fee representation — we advance all case costs and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you
Nationwide representation — we represent spinal cord injury victims across the country

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Claims

How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit?

The time limit depends on the state where the injury occurred and the type of claim. Most states allow two to three years from the date of injury for a general personal injury lawsuit, but some deadlines are shorter — particularly for medical malpractice claims and claims against government entities. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any applicable deadlines.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident that caused my spinal cord injury?

In most states, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. The rules vary by state — some follow “pure comparative negligence,” others follow “modified comparative negligence” (barring recovery if your fault exceeds 50% or 51%), and a few still follow “contributory negligence” (barring any recovery if you were even 1% at fault). An experienced attorney can advise you on how the law in your state applies to your situation.

How much is a spinal cord injury case worth?

There is no simple answer to this question because the value depends on many factors: the severity and level of injury (complete vs. incomplete, tetraplegia vs. paraplegia), the person’s age, their pre-injury earnings and career trajectory, the strength of the liability evidence, the available insurance coverage and assets of the defendant, and the jurisdiction where the case is filed. What can be said is that spinal cord injury cases generally involve substantial compensation because of the permanent nature of the injury, the enormous lifetime medical costs, and the profound impact on quality of life.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

You should never accept a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney who has evaluated the full scope of your damages. Insurance companies have a financial incentive to settle quickly and cheaply. Early settlement offers almost never reflect the true lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury. Once you accept, you give up your right to seek additional compensation — even if your medical needs turn out to be far greater than anticipated.

Can I file a lawsuit if my spinal cord injury was caused by a defective product?

Yes. If a defective product caused or contributed to your injury — such as a defective vehicle component, safety equipment, or medical device — you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer based on design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.

What is the difference between a spinal cord injury and a back injury?

A back injury generally refers to damage to the muscles, ligaments, bones (vertebrae), or intervertebral discs of the spine — structures that surround and protect the spinal cord. These injuries can be painful and debilitating, but they do not typically cause paralysis. A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord itself (or the nerve roots immediately below it), resulting in loss of motor function, sensation, or both below the level of injury. The distinction is important because spinal cord injuries are generally permanent and far more costly than back injuries, resulting in significantly higher damage awards.

Will I need to go to trial?

The majority of personal injury cases, including spinal cord injury cases, are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, settlement is only appropriate when the defendant or their insurer offers fair compensation that reflects the full scope of your damages. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer, you must be prepared to go to trial. At Maxx Compensation, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we are ready to present your case to a jury if necessary.

How long does a spinal cord injury case take to resolve?

Spinal cord injury cases typically take longer to resolve than less severe claims. It is important not to settle until the injured person has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), which for spinal cord injuries can take a year or more. The complexity of the damages also requires extensive expert evaluation. A typical spinal cord injury case may take two to four years from injury to resolution, though every case is different.

What if the at-fault party does not have enough insurance to cover my damages?

This is a common concern because spinal cord injury damages often exceed insurance policy limits. Additional sources of recovery may include your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, umbrella policies held by the defendant, the defendant’s personal assets, other liable parties (employers, property owners, product manufacturers), and workers’ compensation benefits. An experienced attorney will identify every possible source of recovery.

Do I need a lawyer who specializes in spinal cord injury cases?

While any licensed attorney can handle a personal injury case, spinal cord injuries are among the most complex claims in the field. The medical issues are sophisticated, the damages extend over a lifetime, and the defense is typically aggressive. An attorney experienced in spinal cord injury cases will understand the medicine, know which experts to retain, and have the resources to litigate against well-funded defendants and insurance companies. The difference in outcome between an experienced spinal cord injury attorney and a general practitioner can be significant.

Find a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Your State

Maxx Compensation represents spinal cord injury victims across all 50 states. Select your state to learn about the laws and legal options specific to your location:

Contact Maxx Compensation Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve a legal team that understands the full scope of what you are facing — not just today, but for the rest of your life. Attorney Charles C. Teale and the team at Maxx Compensation are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you need to cover your medical care, support your family, and rebuild your life.

Call us today at 877-462-9952 for a free consultation. You can also reach us through our free case evaluation form. We represent spinal cord injury victims nationwide on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Every day that passes is a day closer to the statute of limitations deadline. Do not wait to protect your rights. Contact Maxx Compensation now and let us put our experience to work for you.

Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Our car accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of spinal cord injury cases arising from vehicle crashes.

The massive force involved in truck accidents makes spinal cord injuries especially common in these collisions. Our truck accident lawyers have the resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers.

In the most severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to fatal complications. Our wrongful death attorneys can help families who have lost a loved one due to spinal cord trauma.