How Much Compensation Can I Receive For A Spinal Cord Injury?

How Much Compensation Can I Receive For A Spinal Cord Injury?

It is estimated about 300,000 people are living with a spinal cord injury in the US, usually because of vehicle accidents, falls, medical errors, and sports injuries. If you are in an accident and suffer a spinal cord injury, you may have serious medical bills, long-term disability, loss of income, and other losses. When someone’s negligence caused the accident, you could be entitled to compensation in a lawsuit, and the help of an attorney is critically important for the best outcome. For help with your case, speak to our Antioch spinal cord injury lawyers today.

The Economic Costs Of A Spinal Cord Injury

The most severe cost related to a spinal cord injury involves medical care. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the initial year of medical care can range from nearly $400,000 to almost $1 million, depending on the degree of injury. Also, ongoing costs of spinal cord injury can range from tens of thousands to more than $200,000 annually. For paraplegia, first-year costs can be approximately $518,000, and subsequent years may be approximately $68,000.

There are other economic costs to consider with a spinal cord injury. People with spinal cord injuries often cannot work anymore or may need to work in lower-paying professions. The lost income can have a significant impact on their lives going forward. The severe economic costs of a spinal cord injury are why retaining a skilled spinal cord injury lawyer in Antioch is vital. Your attorney will hire medical and economic experts who can accurately value your economic losses and ensure you get enough money to cover your medical bills and loss of income for the future.

The Non-Economic Costs Of A Spinal Cord Injury

Another aspect of spinal cord injury compensation is non-economic costs. These severe losses, such as medical bills, do not have specific dollar costs but involve the physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering that injury victims and their families suffer. Your personal injury attorney will account for some or all of the following non-economic losses in your claim or lawsuit:

• Physical pain and suffering related to the spinal cord injury
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of an intimate relationship with a spouse or family member
• The psychological and emotional trauma that the injury causes

Potential Compensation For A Spinal Cord Injury

As noted earlier, the compensation available for a spinal cord injury depends on the degree of injury and related factors. Depending on the degree of paralysis and economic and non-economic losses, a settlement could be worth anywhere from $100,000 to over a million. However, all cases differ, and you should have your case reviewed by an experienced spinal cord injury attorney to understand your case’s value better.

Examples Of Spinal Cord Injury Settlements

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) represent profound and often devastating events that can significantly alter the course of a person’s life. These injuries can lead to substantial long-term medical expenses, a permanent loss of mobility, and profound emotional distress that affects not only the victims but also their families. In seeking justice and financial relief, many victims pursue compensation through legal claims. The amounts awarded in settlements can vary widely, depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the degree of liability assigned to the responsible parties, and the financial damages incurred.

Notable Spinal Cord Injury Settlements

$18 Million Settlement – In a landmark case, a 26-year-old man suffered catastrophic spinal cord injuries after falling 18 feet through an unsecured manhole. This tragic incident occurred due to the negligence of a company that failed to properly secure the manhole cover, leading to this life-altering accident. The substantial payout was a reflection of the severe consequences of the company’s oversight.

$54 Million Jury Award – A heart-wrenching case involved a nine-year-old girl who was left quadriplegic after a federal employee recklessly ran a red light, crashing into her family’s vehicle. The jury awarded a staggering $54 million to cover the extensive and ongoing medical care required for her condition, including an arduous series of 24 surgeries and the necessity for long-term nursing support, highlighting the profound impact such injuries have on young lives.

$800,000 College Football Injury Settlement – A former college linebacker experienced a devastating injury that resulted in paralysis during a competitive game. His subsequent settlement of $800,000 with the educational institution underscored the inherent risks associated with contact sports and illustrated the critical need for proper medical oversight and protective measures for athletes.

Multi-Million Dollar Settlements for Car Accidents

Vehicle crashes are often a common source of spinal cord injuries, resulting in substantial compensation. Many of these cases lead to settlements exceeding $1 million, particularly when the injury severity is high and the long-term medical needs are significant. The emotional and physical challenges faced by victims and their families contribute to the overall settlement values.

Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts

Several key factors play a crucial role in determining the amount of compensation awarded in spinal cord injury cases:

Severity of Injury – Cases involving complete paralysis generally yield higher compensation than those involving partial impairments, as the impact on quality of life and medical needs is far more significant.

Medical Expenses – The costs associated with medical treatment—ranging from surgeries and rehabilitative therapies to the need for assistive devices—can heavily influence the settlement amount as victims face ongoing healthcare needs.

Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Victims who are unable to return to work often seek compensation for their lost income and potential future earnings, further affecting settlement discussions.

Pain & Suffering – The emotional toll of an SCI can be immense, leading to significant pain and suffering claims. This aspect takes into account the diminished quality of life and the psychological impact on both the injured party and their loved ones.

Liability & Negligence – The presence of clear evidence of negligence or wrongdoing typically leads to larger settlements, as it establishes the responsibility of the parties involved and the extent of their liability for the life-altering consequences faced by victims

Spinal cord injury claims require experienced legal representation to ensure fair compensation. Victims should consult attorneys specializing in catastrophic injuries to navigate complex negotiations and secure financial support for long-term care.

Contact Our Antioch Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Now

Understanding spinal cord injury settlements can help victims and families prepare for legal proceedings and advocate for their rights. If you suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone’s negligence, you may face hundreds of thousands in medical bills and other losses. Contact our Antioch spinal cord injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. for help with your spinal cord injury case at (847) 395-2200.