A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re moving freely, the next you’re facing paralysis, medical bills, and an uncertain future. At Souder Law, we know the stakes couldn’t be higher. With proven experience in catastrophic injury cases, we aggressively pursue full justice for our clients across South Florida and the Treasure Coast. You deserve accountability, compensation, and dignity, and we won’t stop until you get it.
What are spinal cord injuries?
Every year, thousands of people in the United States suffer spinal cord injuries, with Florida ranking among the states with the highest number of new cases. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCIs, followed by falls and sports-related trauma. Car crashes alone account for nearly 40% of all spinal cord injuries, leaving victims facing not only permanent physical limitations but also lifelong financial and emotional challenges.
A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord, the body’s primary communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body, is damaged. This damage disrupts the transmission of signals that control movement, sensation, and bodily functions. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, the result may be partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, loss of organ function, and other devastating complications that permanently impact quality of life.
Common causes of spinal cord injuries:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Falls from heights, slips, and workplace accidents
- Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds or assaults
- Sports and recreational activities, especially high-impact collisions
- Medical or surgical errors causing accidental damage to the spine
- Industrial or construction site accidents involving heavy equipment
- Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles
How we handle your spinal cord injury claim
At Souder Law, we start by conducting an investigation into how your spinal cord injury occurred. This means gathering accident reports, interviewing witnesses, securing medical records, and consulting with top medical and financial experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries. We identify every liable party, whether it’s a negligent driver, employer, property owner, or healthcare provider, and build a case that captures the true scope of your damages.
From there, we aggressively negotiate with insurance companies that often try to minimize or deny valid claims. We calculate the full value of your case, including future medical costs, long-term care, lost wages, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. If insurers refuse to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight relentlessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve and need.
Damages available in spinal cord injuries
When pursuing a spinal cord injury claim, it’s critical to identify all liable parties to ensure you recover the full amount of compensation you’ll need for a lifetime of care. These catastrophic injuries involve staggering medical costs, long-term rehabilitation, loss of income, and emotional suffering. Holding every responsible party accountable is the only way to secure the financial resources necessary to rebuild your life and protect your future.
Once liability is established, several categories of compensation may be available, including:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Do all spinal cord injuries cause permanent paralysis?
No. Not all spinal cord injuries result in permanent paralysis. The outcome depends on the type and severity of the injury. Complete spinal cord injuries typically cause total loss of movement and sensation below the injury site, while incomplete injuries allow some function or sensation to remain. With immediate medical care and extensive rehabilitation, some patients experience partial recovery, but others may face lifelong impairments.
How much does it cost to live with a spinal cord injury?
The costs are staggering. In the first year alone, a severe injury like high tetraplegia can exceed $1 million in medical care, rehabilitation, equipment, and home modifications. Annual expenses continue throughout life, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury. For many, lifetime costs can reach several million dollars, which is why it’s crucial to pursue maximum compensation.
Steps to take immediately after spinal cord injuries:
- Call 911 and seek emergency medical attention immediately
- Avoid moving the injured person unless absolutely necessary for safety
- Document the accident scene with photos and witness information
- Report the incident to the appropriate authorities (police, employer, or property owner)
- Follow all medical advice and keep detailed treatment records
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements without legal guidance
- Contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney at Souder Law as soon as possible
Find out what your case is worth (at no cost)
Souder Law is relentless in fighting for spinal cord injury victims across Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast. We know these life-altering injuries demand maximum compensation to cover lifelong care, lost income, and your future security. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis: it costs you nothing unless we win. Your case may be worth far more than you realize. Contact us today for a free case review for spinal cord injuries and start pursuing full justice.
