Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Spinal cord injury cases are among the highest-value personal injury claims. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, lifetime costs range from approximately $1.2 million for incomplete motor injuries at any level to over $5.1 million for high tetraplegia (C1–C4). Case value depends on injury severity, level of paralysis, age at injury, future medical and care needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys work with life care planners and economists to document the full lifetime cost.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). In South Carolina, you have 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). Given the complexity of spinal cord injury cases — which require extensive expert analysis, life care planning, and medical documentation — it is critical to contact an attorney as early as possible to begin building your case.

A complete spinal cord injury means there is no motor or sensory function below the level of injury — the damage to the spinal cord is total. An incomplete injury means some nerve pathways remain intact, preserving partial motor or sensory function. Incomplete injuries are classified using the ASIA Impairment Scale (A through E), which impacts both prognosis and the damages calculation in a legal claim.

Spinal cord injury victims may recover compensation for: all past and future medical expenses (surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications), assistive devices and home modifications (wheelchair, accessible vehicle, home renovation), attendant care and nursing services, lost wages and lifetime lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for spouses. Punitive damages may also be available in cases of egregious negligence.

In most cases, yes. Spinal cord injuries require ongoing medical management including: physical and occupational therapy, urological care, respiratory management (for cervical injuries), skin integrity monitoring to prevent pressure ulcers, mental health treatment, medication management, and regular specialist evaluations. A life care plan documents all of these future needs and their projected costs, which our attorneys use to support your claim.

Yes. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. You can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, and potentially against other liable parties such as a trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or government entity responsible for road conditions. Georgia's modified comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows recovery if you are less than 50% at fault; South Carolina allows recovery at 50% or less fault (Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co.).

Workplace spinal cord injuries may be covered by workers' compensation, but you may also have a third-party claim against a property owner, general contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer whose negligence contributed to your fall. Third-party claims allow you to recover damages beyond what workers' compensation provides, including pain and suffering and full lost earning capacity. Our attorneys evaluate all potential sources of recovery.

Spinal cord injury cases typically take 18 to 36 months or longer to resolve due to their complexity. We generally wait until the patient has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) — which can take a year or more for spinal cord injuries — before settling, to ensure we have a complete picture of long-term needs. Cases involving disputed liability, multiple defendants, or corporate negligence may take longer and may proceed to trial.

Depending on the level of injury, home modifications may include: wheelchair ramps and widened doorways, accessible bathroom renovations (roll-in shower, grab bars), kitchen modifications for wheelchair access, stair lifts or single-floor living arrangements, smart home technology for environmental controls, and accessible vehicle modifications with hand controls. These costs are documented in a life care plan and are fully recoverable in your claim.

At Roden Law, we handle spinal cord injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Given the catastrophic nature of these injuries and the millions of dollars potentially at stake, having experienced legal representation is essential. We provide free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.