Spinal cord injuries (SCI) changes life in an instant. Many people face challenges with movement, sensation, and strength below the injury site. These injuries often lead to ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and major adjustments to daily routines. Families also face emotional and financial stress as they try to understand what the future will look like. Freeburn Law, represents spinal cord injury victims throughout Pennsylvania. Our attorneys understand the medical and legal issues these injuries create, and we work closely with clients to secure the support they need. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s carelessness, contact Freeburn Law for a free consultation.
Differences Between Complete and Incomplete Spinal Injuries
Medical teams classify spinal cord injuries based on how much movement and sensation remain below the injury site. These classifications help determine treatment needs, long-term outcomes, and the type of support a person may require.
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
- All motor and sensory function is lost below the injury site.
- There is no communication between the brain and the spinal cord below the injury, resulting in total paralysis and loss of sensation.
- This type of injury often leads to permanent effects, such as complete paraplegia or quadriplegia, depending on the location.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
- Some degree of motor or sensory function remains below the injury site.
- The amount of preserved function varies widely, from minimal sensation or movement to significant control over certain muscles.
- People with incomplete injuries may experience chronic pain, partial paralysis, or temporary loss of function that can sometimes improve with rehabilitation.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Pennsylvania
Spinal cord injuries can occur in many situations. In Pennsylvania, the most common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Slip & falls
- Workplace incidents
- Violence
- Sports-related injuries
The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and the type of trauma. Injuries to the cervical spine (neck) often affect the arms and legs. Injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine may impact the legs and lower body.
Motor Vehicle Collisions, Falls, and Job-Related Spine Injuries
Traffic crashes and falls account for a large share of spinal cord injuries statewide. Workplace accidents—especially in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and industrial settings—also contribute to many spine injuries. Workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation, including medical care, lost wages, and vocational support. Some cases also involve third-party claims against negligent contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers.
The Long-Term Impact of Living With a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury affects nearly every part of a person’s life. Many people live with permanent changes in mobility, chronic health complications, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Beyond the physical challenges, families often face stress related to long-term costs and lifestyle adjustments. Common needs after a spinal cord injury include:
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Ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy
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Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or specialized equipment
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Home and vehicle modifications
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Support with daily living and transportation
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Counseling or emotional support for adjusting to a new routine
The cost of lifelong care can reach several million dollars. For many families, fair compensation is essential to maintaining independence and ensuring proper treatment.
Financial Recovery for Medical Care, Lost Wages, and Future Needs
If a spinal cord injury happens because of negligence, victims may pursue compensation to cover the full scope of their losses. These cases often involve significant damages because the impact of the injury is long-lasting. Compensation may include:
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Hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation
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Home care, transportation, and assistive devices
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Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Loss of independence or reduced quality of life
Settlement values vary widely. Mild injuries may resolve for lower amounts, while severe injuries involving paralysis often settle for well over $1 million. The attorneys at Freeburn Law gather medical evidence, expert opinions, and financial records to ensure your claim reflects the full impact of the injury.
Proving Negligence in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
To recover compensation, the injured person must show that another party acted carelessly and caused the accident. This often requires a detailed review of medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert evaluations. Freeburn Law helps clients by:
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Investigating the cause of the injury
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Collecting medical documentation and expert opinions
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Identifying all responsible parties
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Calculating the full cost of current and future care
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Negotiating with insurance companies or taking the case to trial
Our team has handled complex spinal injury cases across Pennsylvania and understands what is required to present a strong claim.
Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Focused on Results
Freeburn Law is a leading Pennsylvania personal injury law firm with a proven track record of securing significant compensation for our clients. Our team of dedicated attorneys has experience in:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis injuries
- Back and neck injury claims
- Traumatic spinal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Workplace spinal cord injury claims
- Catastrophic injuries
We understand the intricacies involved in spinal cord injury claims and are committed to providing compassionate, results-driven representation.
Free Consultation and Help When You Need It Most
Freeburn Law has several offices throughout Central Pennsylvania to better serve our clients. We have locations in Harrisburg, York, Selinsgrove, Kingston, Lebanon, King of Prussia, Lewistown, Lancaster, and Johnstown. If you can’t come to us, we will come to your home or meet you in the hospital. We are available 24/7 – evenings and weekends. If you or a loved one suffers from a spinal cord injury, contact Freeburn Law today at (717) 777-7777 to speak with an experienced spinal cord injury attorney PA. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
