How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Spinal Injury?

Securing proper compensation for spinal injury is essential for ensuring the best future for you and your loved ones. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating and life-altering events a person can experience. They can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and a host of other debilitating issues—and this is to say nothing of the emotional and physical suffering they can cause. 

Bringing decades of combined experience to each case we take, Burg Simpson knows how to help victims of spinal cord injury get justice. We are here to listen to your story and provide straightforward advice on how best to move forward with your claim.

To schedule your FREE and confidential case evaluation with an experienced Denver spinal cord injury lawyer, please call Burg Simpson at 303-792-5595 today. We serve individuals and families living throughout the Front Range and other areas of Colorado.

Types of Compensation for a Spinal Injury

There are generally three types of damages that can be sought following a spinal injury. These are:

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, include quantifiable losses such as:

• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages
• Diminished Earning Capacity
• Property Damage 

In cases of spinal cord injury, economic damages may also include assistive technologies like wheelchairs, modifications to your home, and any special care made necessary by your injury.

Non-Economic Damages

Also known as general damages, non-economic damages are more abstract than economic damages. They include:

• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Enjoyment in Life
• Emotional Distress

In Colorado, non-economic damages are currently capped at $642,180, in most personal injury claims (see Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-102.5). There are exceptions to this cap, but only under very specific circumstances. This rate is adjusted every two years for inflation.

Punitive Damages

Compensation for spinal injury often includes economic and non-economic damages. When an injury is the result of someone else’s intentional or grossly negligent behavior, punitive damages—also known as exemplary damages—may be awarded as well. In Colorado, these cannot exceed the actual amount of general and special damages awarded.

Understanding what compensation you may be entitled to seek following SCI is easier with an experienced attorney. The Denver spinal cord injury lawyers at Burg Simpson are here to review your claim for free, discuss all of your options, and help you determine what compensation you may be owed.

Long-Term Costs of Spinal Cord Injury

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the first-year costs of SCI treatment can easily exceed $1 million, with each subsequent year costing between $52,150 and $228,450 depending on the severity of the injury. This is, tragically, for healthcare and related expenses alone. Indirect costs, such as lost wages, average just under $90,000 per year for victims of spinal cord injury. Over the course of a victim’s life, the direct and indirect costs of SCI may be several million dollars.

Each type of SCI comes with its own set of medical requirements. These will affect the overall cost of spinal cord injury and may include:

• Immediate Medical Care, such as initial hospitalization, surgery and stabilization, and admission to intensive care
• Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, vocational therapy, and more
• Home and Vehicle Modifications to allow for easier use of wheelchairs and similar assistive technology
• Ongoing Care, including regular medical check-ups, medication, and in-home assistance

When seeking compensation for spinal injury, all of these costs must be taken into account. So too must your personal pain and suffering, forced change of lifestyle, and potential lifelong struggle be considered when calculating damages.

The Denver spinal cord injury lawyers at our firm will take the time necessary to assess the true value of your claim based on the ways your injury has and will continue to impact every area of your life. Reach out today for a cost-and-obligation-free consultation to learn more.

Why Hire a Lawyer to Secure Compensation for Spinal Injury

Retaining a lawyer is a strategic move that significantly increases your chances of securing fair compensation for spinal injuries. Trying to navigate the complexities of personal injury law is daunting enough. This is even more apparent when you are grappling with the physical and emotional toll of SCI. Working with an experienced Denver spinal cord injury lawyer is often essential for obtaining the compensation you deserve.

When you choose Burg Simpson for representation, you will receive:

A Thorough Case Evaluation and FREE Consultation

We will review your case FREE of charge to assess its validity. This allows us to help you determine the next best steps. Evaluating your claim may require analyzing medical records, accident reports, and other relevant documentation to determine what you may be owed.

Comprehensive Investigation

Solid evidence is the cornerstone of a strong case. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. This may include gathering eyewitness statements, collaborating with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries, and collecting related evidence like security footage or accident reconstructions. This allows us to establish liability and prepare a case for full compensation.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. Our Denver spinal cord injury lawyers have decades of experience dealing with insurance adjusters. We will fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement that accounts for all of your economic and non-economic damages.

Litigation and Trial Preparation

Although many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some may require court proceedings. If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, we will prepare your case for trial. During your trial, we will represent your interests, present your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Emotional Support

Spinal injury can be emotionally devastating. Our compassionate attorneys serve as moral support as well as seasoned legal counsel. We are here to provide resources and guidance as we fight for the best possible outcome.

Our lawyers and firm have received several awards and accolades, including recognition from Super Lawyers, U.S. News & World Report, and the National Trial Lawyers Association. Listed as one of the Best Law Firms in the nation and staffed by some of America’s Most Influential Trial Lawyers, we have the resources, experience, and proven history you need when choosing the right lawyer for your spinal cord claim.

Looking for Compensation for Spinal Injury? Schedule a FREE Case Review Today!

If you have sustained an SCI in an accident, contact Burg Simpson for a FREE case review today. Our Denver spinal cord injury lawyers serve Aurora, Lakewood, Highlands Ranch, Northglenn, and surrounding areas of Colorado.