Personal Injury · Haute Lawyer Network
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Last reviewed: June 2026
Spinal cord injury (SCI) claims involve some of the highest damages in personal injury law — because spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, loss of bladder and bowel function, and other permanent, life-altering consequences that require lifelong medical care, home modification, and personal assistance.
The economic damages in a serious SCI case can reach millions of dollars when future medical expenses, home and vehicle modifications, attendant care, lost lifetime earnings, and lost earning capacity are fully calculated.
These cases require a team of expert witnesses — spinal cord injury specialists, life care planners, vocational rehabilitation experts, and economic experts — to fully document and present the damages.
Liability in SCI cases most commonly arises from vehicle accidents, falls, diving accidents, sports injuries, and medical malpractice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a complete and incomplete spinal cord injury?
A complete injury causes total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level. An incomplete injury preserves some function — meaning partial movement or sensation may remain. The difference significantly affects prognosis and the extent of ongoing care needs.
How is the value of a spinal cord injury case calculated?
Through comprehensive expert testimony — life care planning establishing the cost of all future medical and personal care needs, vocational expert testimony about lost earnings, and economic expert testimony projecting total lifetime costs in present value.
What is an attendant care claim?
Compensation for the cost of personal care assistance — assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, and other daily activities — that the injured person now requires as a result of the injury. Attendant care costs can total millions of dollars over a lifetime.
Can spinal cord injury victims recover pain and suffering damages?
Yes. Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life — including the inability to engage in activities the victim previously enjoyed — are significant components of SCI damages.
How long do SCI cases take?
Serious SCI cases typically take 2-4 years to resolve — requiring time for the medical picture to stabilize, comprehensive life care planning to be developed, and thorough damages documentation.
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