How Much Is a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit Worth?

Numerous factors are involved in calculating the compensation you may be due for a spinal cord injury. One thing is certain: If you believe the injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, it is important to explore your legal rights. You may have grounds for a Phoenix spinal cord injury lawsuit.

The spinal cord injury attorneys at Burg Simpson represent clients throughout Arizona from our office in Phoenix. We have extensive experience advocating for people with serious and catastrophic injuries, both in settlement negotiations and at trial.

What Are the Steps for Filing a Phoenix Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?

First, we recommend consulting a lawyer if you suffered a spinal injury through no fault of your own in a car accident, fall, etc. You can discuss your legal options for FREE by calling Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 today.

Once you hire an attorney, the steps involved in making a claim include:

• Investigating the incident: Your lawyer will collect evidence such as photographs, witness testimony, accident reports, and more.
• Determining fault: Based on the evidence, your attorney will identify any and all defendants responsible for your injuries.
• Assessing damages: Damages are the compensable losses associated with the spinal cord injury. They may include the costs and other losses you have incurred to date, as well as projected expenses and damages in the future.
• Pursuing compensation: It may be possible for your lawyer to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. The case is over if a settlement is reached. However, if negotiations do not progress, it may be in your best interest to commence legal proceedings. 
• Filing the lawsuit: The complaint must be filed with the appropriate court. For example, if the accident that caused your spinal injury occurred in or around Phoenix, the claim would likely need to be filed with the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Cases do not automatically proceed to trial after a lawsuit is started. A settlement is still possible, and even likely. However, because of the potential for a trial, it is vital to entrust your case to a lawyer with extensive experience trying cases in court – and winning.

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How Much Is Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Quantifying the losses from a spinal injury should be left to a skilled personal injury attorney. They have the experience and access to experts needed to calculate the value of your case, as well as pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Damages that may be recovered in a Phoenix spinal cord injury lawsuit include:

• Past and current medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• The cost of medical-related travel
• Medical equipment and assistive devices
• Household services and in-home medical care
• Modifications to your home or vehicle
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Chronic pain
• Mental and emotional anguish

The compensation you are entitled to depends in part on the age at which the injury occurs. Statistics from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) show that someone who sustains a spinal cord injury at 25 will face significantly higher lifetime costs than a 50-year-old with the same injury.

Another key consideration is the severity of the spinal cord injury. For example, an injury resulting in total paralysis below the neck would involve significantly more damages than an incomplete injury with minimal loss of motor function.

How Much Is a Cervical Spine Injury Worth?

The cervical spine is made up of vertebrae and nerves in the neck. Injuries to the cervical spine are considered the most serious, often requiring lifetime care and extensive technological assistance. According to the NSCISC, healthcare and living expenses in the year after the injury can total $1 million or more on average, with annual costs ranging from $140,000 to $228,000.

How Much Is Paraplegia Worth?

Paraplegia is complete paralysis and loss of feeling in the lower extremities. It may be caused by injury to the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region (i.e., the upper or lower back). The NSCISC has calculated the cost of paraplegia in the first year at $641,153 on average, with annual expenses averaging $84,934.

How Much Is a Spinal Compression Fracture Worth?

A compression fracture occurs when one or more vertebrae break and collapse. They commonly occur in motor vehicle collisions, slip and fall accidents, etc. According to the American Journal of Neuroradiology, the cost of surgically repairing vertebral compression fractures can range from approximately $10,000–$13,000. Both the cost and complexity are likely to be higher if the spinal cord is affected.

How Much Is a Herniated Disc Worth?

A herniated disc is not a spinal cord injury per se, but bulging discs can place pressure on the spinal cord. Comprehensive diagnosis is essential for determining whether the spinal cord is affected. If it is, medical expenses and other damages are likely to be more substantial.

How Much Is Failed Back Surgery Worth?

Surgical errors during procedures on the spine can result in paralysis and other devastating complications. You may be able to make a claim for spinal cord injuries stemming from medical malpractice to pursue compensation for the cost of subsequent surgeries, adaptive equipment, and loss of income, as well as chronic pain and other issues.

What Kind of Proof Do I Need for a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?

Compelling evidence is essential when pursuing legal action for a spinal cord injury. Your claim needs to demonstrate causation, establish fault and liability, show just how serious your injury is, and make a strong case for the damages you are seeking.

Important types of evidence for a Phoenix spinal cord injury lawsuit include:

• Medical records
• Accident and crash reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Photos and video of the scene, your injuries, etc.
• Testimony from your doctors and other medical providers
• Expert witness testimony

Ultimately, you will need to prove that the negligence of one or more defendants caused your life-altering injury. Insurance companies will try to argue against your claim and present evidence to the contrary. This demonstrates the importance of having an attorney represent you in communications with insurers, settlement negotiations, trial preparation, and (if necessary) at trial.

Get Help Filing a Lawsuit for a Spinal Cord Injury in Phoenix

Catastrophic injury claims are often hotly contested by defendants and insurance companies. It may be necessary to file a lawsuit and even proceed to trial if you suffered a spinal cord injury in an auto accident, on a dangerous property, etc.

Burg Simpson has extensive experience representing clients who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own. We have recovered more than $2 billion in settlements and trial awards.

Litigation is a major part of our practice. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, ensuring we are ready to file a Phoenix spinal cord injury lawsuit and represent you in court as needed.

Contact Burg Simpson today for a FREE case evaluation. Our spinal cord injury lawyers serve clients throughout metro Phoenix and all of Arizona.