Overview
Spinal cord injuries can range from minor nerve damage causing temporary numbness to severe paralysis requiring lifelong care. Even moderate spinal injuries often result in significant medical bills, ongoing treatment, and lifestyle changes. Because spinal injuries can have long-term or permanent consequences, they often result in higher settlements than other injury types, but proving the full extent of damage and predicting future care needs requires careful medical documentation and expert testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is a spinal cord injury from a car accident?
Spinal cord injuries vary enormously in severity. Some cause temporary nerve irritation or minor disc herniation with symptoms that resolve after treatment. Others cause permanent nerve damage, partial or complete paralysis, or chronic pain lasting the rest of your life. The severity depends on exactly where on the spine the injury occurred and how much damage was done. Proper medical evaluation is essential to understanding what you're dealing with.
What kind of medical care do spinal injuries require?
Initial care typically involves imaging like MRI or CT scans to determine the exact injury, sometimes surgery if there's damage to the spine itself, physical therapy, and pain management. Some injuries resolve with conservative treatment while others require ongoing management or specialist care. Chronic spinal injuries can lead to permanent pain or mobility limitations requiring long-term support.
How much can a spinal cord injury settlement be worth?
Spinal injury settlements vary widely based on severity and prognosis, but they're often among the highest-value injury claims because of potential long-term care needs. A moderate disc herniation might settle for tens of thousands, while a severe spinal cord injury causing partial paralysis might settle for six figures or more, depending on the permanent impact on work and daily life.
What evidence do I need for a spinal injury claim?
Medical imaging like MRI or X-ray showing the injury, a clear diagnosis from a qualified spine specialist, documentation of treatment and its results, expert testimony about prognosis if there's long-term impact, and documentation of how the injury affects your ability to work and live normally.
What if my spinal symptoms get worse over time?
Some spinal injuries do worsen or develop complications over months or years. This is one reason it's important not to settle too quickly after a spinal injury—before the full extent of long-term impact is clear. A lawyer can help you understand how to account for potential progression or complications when negotiating a settlement.
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Get A Free Case Review →This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and every case is different. Contact us to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
