Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) change lives in an instant. Beyond the physical challenges, they bring a lifetime of medical needs, financial strain, and emotional adjustment.
That’s why securing fair spinal cord injury compensation is so critical. Sullivan & Sullivan personal injury attorneys know how to build strong cases that account for the true, long-term impact.
The Real Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries
SCI survivors face significant and ongoing expenses, including:
Emergency and Initial Treatment
Spinal cord injury victims may require surgery, hospitalization, and weeks or months of rehabilitation. The first year alone can cost thousands of dollars, especially for more severe injuries.
Ongoing Medical Care
Spinal cord injuries don’t simply heal. Many people need lifelong support:
- Regular visits with specialists
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Prescription medications
- Treatment for complications like infections, respiratory issues, or chronic pain
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
Wheelchairs, mobility devices, ramps, lifts, and vehicle modifications are not one-time expenses. They often need repair, upgrades, or replacement over the years. Homes may also need remodeling to allow safe, independent living.
In-Home or Long-Term Care
Some survivors require daily help with personal care, either from family members who must give up work or from paid caregivers. These costs can reach tens of thousands annually.
Lost Earning Potential
The financial burden doesn’t end with medical care. Many people with SCIs are unable to return to their previous jobs. Lost wages and reduced career opportunities can amount to millions over a lifetime.
Emotional and Quality-of-Life Costs
While harder to measure in dollars, the emotional toll of a spinal cord injury is very real. Depression, anxiety, and loss of independence or enjoyment of life are common and must be factored into compensation claims.
How Attorneys Secure Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Because the costs are so extensive, having the right legal representation is essential. A successful claim starts with evidence. Lawyers gather medical records, therapy notes, equipment invoices, and proof of lost wages. They may also use journals or statements from family to illustrate how the injury affects daily life.
Attorneys work with medical experts, rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners to project future costs. Vocational experts can explain how the injury limits job opportunities, while economists calculate lost earning potential.
Compensation must cover both:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of independence or quality of life.
A fair outcome depends on showing that someone else’s negligence caused the injury. Attorneys investigate the accident, collect witness statements, review reports, and work to counter any defense arguments that might try to reduce compensation.
Insurance companies often fight to minimize payouts in spinal cord injury cases because the stakes are so high. Experienced attorneys negotiate aggressively and prepare thoroughly for trial if necessary—ensuring clients aren’t pressured into unfair settlements.
Why Choosing the Right Law Firm Matters
Spinal cord injury cases are not like typical personal injury claims. They require experience with catastrophic injury litigation, connections to trusted medical and financial experts, and commitment to seeing the case through.
If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of a spinal cord injury or securing spinal cord injury compensation, Sullivan & Sullivan is here to help. We’ll fight to ensure that your future needs are fully represented and your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
