No Fee if No Recovery
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis Cases
Have you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury? Causes might include:
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Spinal cord injury during surgery
- Injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident
You may be facing a lifetime of pain and disability. We are experienced in handling cases involving spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
Contact us right away to discuss whether you have a claim for spinal cord injury or paralysis.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury Cases
- Surgical errors damaging the spinal cord during back, neck, or other surgeries
- Delayed diagnosis of spinal cord compression or injury
- Improper treatment of spinal infections (epidural abscess, meningitis)
- Medication errors causing spinal cord damage
- Failure to properly stabilize spine injuries after trauma
- Anesthesia errors during spinal procedures (epidurals, spinal taps)
- Post-operative complications ignored or mismanaged
- Falls at VA facilities causing spinal trauma
Understanding Paralysis from Medical Malpractice
Paralysis can be complete or incomplete, and affects different parts of the body:
Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower body and legs Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Paralysis of all four limbs Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body
The level of spinal cord injury determines the extent of paralysis and functional loss. Higher injuries (cervical spine) typically result in more extensive paralysis than lower injuries (thoracic or lumbar spine).
The Devastating Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims of spinal cord injuries face:
Medical Needs:
- Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
- Multiple surgeries and procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Respiratory support and ventilators
- Catheterization and bowel management
- Treatment of secondary complications (pressure sores, infections)
Lifestyle Changes:
- Wheelchair and mobility devices
- Home modifications (ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms)
- Specialized vehicles
- 24/7 personal care assistance
- Loss of independence
Financial Burden:
- Lifetime medical costs often exceeding $1-5 million
- Lost income and career opportunities
- Costs of assistive technology and equipment
- Home healthcare and personal attendants
Why Spinal Cord Injury Cases Require Experienced Legal and Medical Help
These cases are medically and legally complex, requiring:
- Medical knowledge to review surgical records and identify negligence
- Life care planning to calculate lifetime costs
- Expert witnesses including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists
- Economic experts to project lost earnings and medical expenses
- Understanding of FTCA procedures and federal court litigation
The Archuleta Law Firm has both a doctor-attorney and registered nurse on staff, providing the medical knowledge necessary to thoroughly evaluate and prove spinal cord injury cases.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
FTCA claims for spinal cord injuries can recover:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Cost of home modifications and equipment
- Personal care and attendant costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The Archuleta Law Firm has achieved some of the largest settlements and judgments in FTCA history, including multi-million dollar recoveries for catastrophic spinal cord injuries.
Time is Critical
You must file an administrative claim within 2 years of discovering the spinal cord injury. Given the complexity of these cases and the time needed to gather medical evidence and expert opinions, contact us immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if my spinal cord injury occurred during surgery?
Yes, if the injury was caused by negligence such as surgical error, improper technique, or failure to provide appropriate post-operative care. Our medical team can review your case to determine if malpractice occurred.
How long does a spinal cord injury case take?
FTCA cases typically take 1-3 years from filing to resolution. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries may take longer but can result in substantial compensation.
What if I'm paralyzed and can't work?
Compensation for spinal cord injuries includes lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. We work with economic experts to calculate the full value of your lost income over your lifetime.
Do you handle cases nationwide?
Yes. We represent veterans and military families with spinal cord injuries throughout all 50 states and internationally. Our practice focuses exclusively on FTCA claims.
