A spinal cord injury happens to one person, but its impact is felt by an entire family. Suddenly, conversations are no longer about weekend plans but about medical treatments, accessibility modifications, and how to pay for a lifetime of care. When this devastating event was caused by another’s carelessness, the frustration and sense of injustice can be all-consuming. The future you planned for has been put at risk, and you need a way to protect it.
The team at Leonard Hill — Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers has spent more than 50 years helping families in Philadelphia secure the resources they need to move forward. Our dedicated Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyer can fight for compensation that supports not just the injured person, but everyone who loves them.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to listen to your story and help you understand your options.
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Key Takeaways for Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
- A spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in catastrophic physical, emotional, and financial damages for victims and their families.
- If an SCI was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another person or entity, the injured party may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation.
- Compensation in an SCI case can cover economic losses like medical bills and lost income, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers that do not account for the lifelong costs associated with a severe spinal cord injury.
- Establishing a successful claim requires proving the four elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
- An experienced attorney can manage the legal process, from investigation to negotiation, allowing the family to focus on healing and adaptation.
- Never accept an initial settlement offer from an insurance company without first consulting with a spinal cord injury attorney.
Why Choose Us for Your Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Choosing the right legal team after a devastating injury is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a firm that not only has a deep understanding of Pennsylvania personal injury law but also possesses the compassion to support you through this difficult journey. The attorneys at Leonard Hill bring a powerful combination of experience, dedication, and personalized attention to every case.
We have spent our careers holding negligent parties accountable, and our approach is built on a foundation of trust and clear communication. We know that legal jargon can be confusing, so we take the time to explain every step of the process in plain English. Our goal is to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can concentrate on what matters most: your health and your family.
Our commitment to our clients includes:
- A Thorough Investigation: We meticulously gather all evidence, from accident reports to medical records, to build a strong and persuasive case on your behalf.
- Access to a Network of Professionals: We collaborate with medical life care planners, financial analysts, and accident reconstructionists to accurately calculate the full, long-term cost of your injury.
- Aggressive Negotiation: We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from lowball offers and advocating tirelessly for the maximum compensation available under the law.
With our firm, you are not just another case number. You are a valued member of the Philadelphia community whom we are committed to helping. We provide the dedicated advocacy you need to face the future with confidence and security.
Understanding the Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord acts as the central communication highway for your body. When it is damaged, that communication is disrupted, which can lead to permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.
The consequences of a spinal cord injury (SCI) extend far beyond the initial physical trauma. Victims often face a lifetime of medical care, including surgeries, physical therapy, and assistive devices. Homes may need to be modified for accessibility, and a person’s ability to return to their previous job or engage in hobbies may be lost forever. The emotional and psychological toll on both the injured person and their family can be immense, requiring ongoing support to adapt to a new way of life.
When these profound losses are the result of an accident that could have been prevented, you have the right to seek justice. A personal injury claim can provide the critical financial support needed to cover these extensive costs and provide a sense of security for the future.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury Cases We Handle
Spinal cord injuries can happen in countless ways, but they are often the result of a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine. Our attorneys have experience representing clients who have suffered SCIs in a wide variety of accidents across Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. We know how to investigate the unique circumstances of each case to identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries that may lead to a personal injury claim include:
- Traffic Accidents
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Defective Products
No matter how the injury occurred, if it was due to someone else’s failure to act with reasonable care, our team is prepared to investigate. We work diligently to uncover the facts and build a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.
Do I Have a Spinal Cord Injury Case?
This is one of the most important questions people have after a serious accident. In Pennsylvania, the foundation of most personal injury lawsuits is a legal concept called negligence. In simple terms, negligence means that someone acted carelessly or recklessly, and their actions directly caused harm to another person.
To have a successful spinal cord injury case, your lawyer must be able to prove four specific elements. Think of them as the four legs of a table—if one is missing, the whole case can fall apart.
Our attorneys meticulously build your case by proving each of these four elements:
- Duty of Care: The first step is to show that the person or entity who caused your injury (the defendant) owed you a “duty of care.” This is a legal responsibility to act in a way that doesn’t cause foreseeable harm to others. For example, every driver on Broad Street has a duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely.
- Breach of Duty: Next, we must prove that the defendant “breached” or violated that duty. This is the specific careless act. A driver who runs a red light, a property owner who ignores a broken handrail, or a doctor who makes a preventable surgical error has breached their duty of care.
- Causation: The third element connects the breach of duty directly to your injuries. We must show that the defendant’s specific act of carelessness was the direct and primary cause of your spinal cord injury. For instance, we would show that the car running the red light is what caused the T-bone collision that injured your spine.
- Damages: Finally, we must demonstrate that you suffered actual harm, or “damages,” as a result of the injury. This includes all the measurable and immeasurable losses you have endured, such as medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and emotional suffering.
Proving all four of these elements requires a detailed investigation, compelling evidence, and a strong legal argument. This is where the knowledge and resources of an experienced law firm become invaluable.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
Shortly after an accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the at-fault party. They might seem friendly and concerned, and they may even offer you a quick settlement. While this offer can be tempting, especially when medical bills are piling up, it is crucial to proceed with extreme caution.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. The adjuster’s primary job is to protect the company’s bottom line by resolving your claim for as little money as possible. The first offer they make is almost always far less than what your claim is truly worth. It is a calculated tactic, hoping you will accept the money before you understand the full, lifelong financial impact of a spinal cord injury.
The true costs of an SCI are staggering and unfold over a lifetime. The initial offer will likely not account for:
- Future surgeries or long-term rehabilitation needs.
- The cost of in-home nursing care or assistance.
- Expensive home and vehicle modifications for accessibility.
- A permanent loss of your ability to earn an income.
- The profound emotional pain and loss of enjoyment of life.
Accepting an early offer and signing a release form means you give up your right to seek any further compensation for your injury, forever. You cannot go back and ask for more money later if you discover your medical needs are greater than you anticipated. Before you speak with an adjuster or sign any documents, you should discuss your case with an attorney who can help you understand your rights and the true value of your claim.
Compensation Available in a Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
No amount of money can undo a spinal cord injury, but a successful personal injury lawsuit can provide the financial resources you and your family need. The compensation awarded in a lawsuit is legally referred to as “damages.” In Pennsylvania, damages are typically categorized into two main types: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for all of the direct financial losses and expenses you have incurred and will incur in the future because of your injury. These are tangible costs that can be calculated and proven with bills, receipts, and expert financial projections.
Examples of economic damages include:
- All past, current, and future medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, medication, therapy)
- Rehabilitation costs (physical, occupational, and vocational therapy)
- Costs for medical and assistive equipment (wheelchairs, ventilators, specialized beds)
- Expenses for home or vehicle modifications
- The cost of long-term personal or nursing care
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous career
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for the profound, intangible losses that have no specific price tag but have drastically impacted your quality of life. These losses are very real, and you deserve to be compensated for them.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish (including depression, anxiety, and PTSD)
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once loved)
- Loss of consortium (the negative impact on your relationship with your spouse)
Our legal team often works with life care planning professionals who can create a comprehensive report that details every anticipated medical and personal need for the rest of your life. This allows us to present a clear and powerful picture of the full financial damages to the insurance company or a jury.
How Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Can Help With Your Case
Spinal cord injury cases are incredibly challenging. When you entrust your case to us, we handle every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus on your well-being.
Our dedicated team will immediately get to work on your behalf to:
- Provide a Free, No-Obligation Consultation: We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options.
- Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation: We will secure all critical evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions, to build the strongest case possible.
- Calculate Your Total Damages: We work with leading medical and financial professionals to determine the full, long-term value of your claim, ensuring no future cost is overlooked.
- Handle All Legal and Insurance Communications: We will take over all communication with insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys, protecting you from their tactics and advocating for your best interests.
- Negotiate for a Full and Fair Settlement: Our primary goal is to secure a settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for all of your losses without the stress of a trial.
- Take Your Case to Court: If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to present your case to a judge and jury to fight for the justice you deserve.
From start to finish, we will be your guides and advocates, providing straightforward advice and unwavering support through every stage of the legal process.
Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injury FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions our clients have about spinal cord injury claims in Pennsylvania.
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. For most personal injury cases, including those for spinal cord injuries, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
If you miss this strict deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. It is critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I am partially at fault for the accident that caused my injury?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of the fault is not greater than the other party’s (i.e., you are 50% or less at fault). However, your final compensation award will decrease by your percentage of fault.
How much does it cost to hire a Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyer?
Our firm, like most personal injury firms, works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs to hire us.
We only get paid a percentage of the total compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This arrangement allows everyone to have access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
What is a life care plan and why is it important for my case?
A life care plan is a detailed, comprehensive report created by medical and financial professionals. It outlines all the anticipated medical treatments, rehabilitation needs, assistive devices, home modifications, and in-home care a person with a spinal cord injury will need for the rest of their life.
This critical document translates a lifetime of needs into a specific dollar amount, helping to ensure your settlement or award covers the full scope of your future costs.
Can I file a claim if my injury happened on public property?
Yes, you can file a claim against a government entity in Pennsylvania if your injury resulted from negligence on public property, such as a poorly maintained park or a dangerous city sidewalk.
However, these cases have special rules and shorter deadlines under the Pennsylvania Tort Claims Act. It is essential to contact an attorney immediately to protect your right to pursue compensation from a government body.
What if the person who caused my injury has no insurance?
If the at-fault party is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover the catastrophic costs of your spinal cord injury, we can explore other avenues for compensation.
This may involve your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your auto insurance policy. We can also investigate whether a third party, such as an employer or property owner, shares responsibility for the accident.
Contact Our Trusted Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today
Living with a spinal cord injury presents daily challenges. Securing your financial future should not be one of them. You have the right to hold the responsible party accountable and seek the resources you need to live a full and supported life.
Let the dedicated legal team at Leonard Hill stand with you. We are ready to put our more than 50 years of combined experience to work for you. Contact us today at (215) 567-7600 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and legal options. We are here to help.