--- title: Why Should I Pursue a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit? description: There are many reasons why survivors choose to pursue a spinal cord injury lawsuit, including seeking justice and compensation for their injuries, as well as to provide funding for their future ongoing medical care costs. image: https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/spinal%20cord%20injury%20lawsuit.jpeg --- [![spinalcord logo desktop](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ![spinalcord logo mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-white_png.png) ](https://www.spinalcord.com/) MENU ** ![spinal cord logo slide out mobile](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png) ** [![Dale Swope](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dale-img-min.jpg?width=100&name=dale-img-min.jpg) The Purpose Behind Spinalcord.com ** Play Dale Swope's Story ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1kPXDw_CQU) [For Advice Call: (877) 336-7192 ](tel:8773367192) ![Spinalcord Logo](https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord-logo-icon-svg.svg) - 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[Community](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Trusted Organizations](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [Events Calendar](https://www.spinalcord.com/events) - [Podcast](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-life-uncovered/episode-1) - Recognition - [Best of Awards](https://www.spinalcord.com/best-of-awards) - [Trusted By Designation](https://www.spinalcord.com/trusted-by-the-spinal-cord-injury-community) - [** ](tel:8773367192) - [** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/why-should-i-pursue-a-spinal-cord-injury-lawsuit#) - [** **(877) 336-7192** ](tel:8773367192) - [** **Contact Us** ](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) # Why Should I Pursue a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit? Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) Publish Date: March 18, 2020 No matter whether you’ve recently been in an accident or you were injured within the past couple years, you have an important decision to make. Do you, or do you not, pursue a [spinal cord injury (SCI)](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury) lawsuit for injuries you sustained? ## **When to Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer ** There are many reasons why people who have sustained spinal cord injuries choose to file a lawsuit. Spinal cord injuries are among the most traumatic and devastating injuries a person can sustain and require comprehensive, ongoing treatment. An SCI often results in: - A partial or complete loss of physical sensation and motor function below the injury; - A loss of independence or the ability to care for oneself; - A loss of income by no longer being able to work; - Exceedingly high medical bills and other financial concerns; - A loss or changes to [relationships](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/topic/relationships); and - Mental anguish or depression. These are just a few of the reasons why you should consider pursuing a spinal cord injury lawsuit or settlement. ***But, what are some of the benefits of pursuing legal action?*** ### **To Seek Compensation for Your Injuries** Spinal cord injuries are among the [most expensive injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-medical-expenses) in terms of initial and ongoing medical care, treatment, support, and general living costs. These injuries vary in terms of severity, recovery potential, and their overall impact on your life. In addition to suffering the physical pain and suffering of a spinal cord injury, you also may have to deal with the [loss of independence](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/why-living-independently-as-a-quadriplegic-or-paraplegic-is-important) and loss of consortium (companionship) that can result from such a traumatic injury. #### **Costs of Treatment and Ongoing Care** The [costs](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/2017-spinal-cord-injury-statistics-you-ought-to-know) associated with spinal cord injury medical treatment and ongoing care are astronomical. In fact, by 2013, it was estimated that spinal cord injuries cost the U.S. healthcare system approximately [$40.5 billion each year](https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/stats-about-paralysis) — a** 330% increase** from the previous estimated annual costs of $9.8 billion in 1998. The [average yearly expenses](https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%20-%202017.pdf) in the first year for an individual with a high tetraplegia spinal cord injury is $1.079 million, and the cost for each subsequent year averages $187,443. *We’ve put together another article about some of the other [hidden costs of spinal cord injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/hidden-costs-of-a-spinal-cord-injury-and-tips-for-dealing-with-them).* #### **Lost Income and Inability to Work** If you’ve suffered a severe spinal cord injury, you may be eligible to [receive compensation](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/can-i-receive-compensation-from-lost-wages-after-a-spinal-cord-injury) for economic damages that stem from lost wages and income earning potential. Lost wages are the past and current wages that you have been unable to earn from the moment of your injury. Unfortunately, it is common for people who have sustained SCIs to go months or years without being able to work due to their injuries. In some cases, they may be unable to work for the rest of their lives. For those can are able to work at least part time, many are unable to return to their previous forms of employment, meaning that they’re unable to achieve the same level of income they had prior to their injury. If you are in this kind of situation now due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages from the person, municipality or business that is responsible. In some specific cases, you also may be able to seek damages for income you’ve had to forego due to limited mobility, hospitalizations, and ongoing recovery process. ![lost wages after spinal cord injury lawsuit](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/young-woman-working-with-laptop-while-sitting-in-w-EZR42XN.jpg?width=1024&height=683&name=young-woman-working-with-laptop-while-sitting-in-w-EZR42XN.jpg) ## **To Seek Justice for Your Spinal Cord Injury** If your injury was the result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions, you have a right to seek justice for the damage that individual caused. This will give you at least some satisfaction in knowing that the person or another third party will be held responsible for what happened to you. It also may instigate future positive changes in their lives or business practices of those responsible that may prevent another individual from ending up in your life-changing situation. #### **Proving Fault** There are many other examples of how other people, municipalities or organizations may be responsible for your injuries. However, your challenge is that you’ll need to [prove fault](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/dissecting-spinal-cord-injury-fault-after-a-car-accident) in order to hold anyone accountable for any injuries that were caused as a direct or indirect result of their actions or inactions. When it comes to spinal cord injury lawsuits, there are two main ways to show that [someone else was responsible for your injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/dissecting-spinal-cord-injury-fault-after-a-car-accident). These reasons include personal negligence and faulty products. In the case of car accidents, which are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries in the U.S., these injuries can be caused by: - A defective product, such as faulty brakes; - Negligence of another driver who engaged in distracted driving or by breaking the law (speeding, running a red light, etc.); or - Negligence of a third party that didn’t properly maintain a vehicle or other property, roads, or related contributing factors; ## **Case Results for Swope, Rodante P.A.** The experienced spinal cord injury lawyers at Swope, Rodante P.A. have been successfully representing clients with seemingly impossible trials. One case, which involved a U.S. Army veteran who became a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic after his minivan was t-boned by a dump truck, resulted in a [$12.5 million settlement](https://www.swoperodante.com/co-counsel-success-dump-truck/) — impacting his and his family's financial stability. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/6197f147-d903-48a2-98c8-7c4648b23a6b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/6197f147-d903-48a2-98c8-7c4648b23a6b)Due to the incredible costs associated with medical and ongoing care, pain and suffering, and other injury-related financial losses that stem from lost income, many spinal cord injury lawsuits can take years if they go to trial. This is why many SCI survivors who choose to seek a personal injury lawsuit or settlement hire an attorney to handle their case. If you’ve been in an accident within the past few years, you still may be eligible to file a case under the statute of limitations. [Speak with one of our spinal cord injury attorneys](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) to see whether you have a case. **Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury, Advice & Tips, Legal, Financial ### Stay Updated on Advancements On Traumatic Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries About the Author #### Spinal Cord Team The authors of Spinalcord.com are made up of attorneys, those in the medical field, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about our team of authors including a brief biography that explains how they impact the SCI and TBI community. [Learn More About the Author](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors) **Leave a Comment** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/dc8bc979-ba55-463a-9400-f92cbdebcb1a) true ### Spinal Cord Injury - [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/prognosis-of-spinal-cord-injuries) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Brain Injury - [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury) - [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries) - [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms) - [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi) - [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer) ### Finding Treatment - [Physician Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-and-spinal-cord-injury-physician-directory) - [Rehabilitation Directory](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-hospitals-rehabilitation-directory) - [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements) - [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention) ### Legal Options - [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer) - [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer) - [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims) - [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start) - [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims) #### [About Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) Spinal cord injuries are traumatic for patients and their families. They cause disruptive changes to every aspect of your life and there is a lot of new information to navigate and understand. Our experts have collected everything in one place to help you learn more about your injury, locate doctors and treatment centers, find financial support, and get assistance navigating your next move. [Learn More About SpinalCord.com →](https://www.spinalcord.com/about-us) ## [Contact Us](https://www.spinalcord.com/contact-us) ![logo-footer-spinal-cord.png](https://www.spinalcord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/logo-footer-spinal-cord.png?width=249&name=logo-footer-spinal-cord.png "logo-footer-spinal-cord.png") **  [877-336-7192](tel:8773367192) ** [support@spinalcord.com](mailto:support@spinalcord.com) [**](https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com/) [**](https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom) [**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg) Copyright 2026 | All Rights Reserved. [Spinal Cord, Inc.](https://www.spinalcord.com) Sponsored by [Tampa personal injury lawyers](https://www.swoperodante.com/tampa-personal-injury-lawyer/) at Swope, Rodante P.A. a Florida law firm located at 1234 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. The information provided by SpinalCord.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, see [ Disclaimer Policy.](https://www.spinalcord.com/disclaimer) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/why-should-i-pursue-a-spinal-cord-injury-lawsuit#) [**](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/why-should-i-pursue-a-spinal-cord-injury-lawsuit#) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebSite", "name" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "SearchAction", "query-input" : "required name=search_query", "target" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/search?q={search_query}" }, "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+1-877-336-7192" } ], "legalName" : "Spinal Cord, Inc.", "logo" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/spinalcordcom", "https://twitter.com/SpinalCordCom", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAbz2AC18acXQkpMNPeDIqg", "http://www.linkedin.com/company/spinalcord-com" ], "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.

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What Is a Spinal Contusion?

\n\"Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image\"\n

Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.

\n

For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.

\n

A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.

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Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For

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Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.

\n

Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:

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Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.

\n

Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.

\n

If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Spinalcord.com Team" }, "datePublished" : "2020-12-03", "image" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name" : "Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "url" : "https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion" } ``` ```json { "@context":"https://schema.org", "@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Spinal Cord Inc", "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.", "inLanguage":"en-US"}, { "@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"Spinalcord Logo", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "width":327,"height":300, "caption":"spinal contusion"}, { "@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#webpage", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion", "isPartOf":{"@id":"https://spinalcord.com/#website"}, "primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#primaryimage"}, "datePublished":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00","dateModified":"2020-12-03T18:30:35+00:00", "author":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors"}, "description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals. What Is a Spinal Contusion? Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks. For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities. A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way. Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician. Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma: Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks Loss of bladder or bowel function Difficulty breathing Muscle spasticity Difficulty understanding speech Problems with attention Memory challenges Heart rate and blood pressure problems Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI. Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment. If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.", "breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb"}, "inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion"]}]}, { "@type":"BreadcrumbList", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem", "position":1, "item": { "@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/", "name":"Home"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":2, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "url":"https://spinalcord.com/blog/", "name":"Articles"}}, {"@type":"ListItem", "position":3, "item":{"@type":"WebPage", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/signs-of-a-serious-spinal-contusion/", "name":"Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion"}}]}, {"@type":"Person", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors", "name":"Spinalcord Team", "image":{"@type":"ImageObject", "@id":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "inLanguage":"en-US", "url":"https://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Logos/spinal-cord_png.png", "caption":"Spinalcord Team"}, "description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ." } ]} ```