When a spinal cord injury changes your life forever, you need experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyers fighting for your future. At Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers, our Connecticut spinal cord injury lawyers have secured the largest bodily injury verdict in state history—$100 million for a warehouse accident that resulted in paralysis. With over $3 billion in recoveries and a team of doctor-lawyers on staff, we bring extensive medical expertise and legal skill to every catastrophic injury case.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Connecticut
The spinal cord serves as the body’s primary communication highway between the brain and the rest of the body. When this critical pathway is damaged, the consequences can be catastrophic and permanent. Our Connecticut spinal cord injury attorneys work with leading medical experts to fully understand the extent of each client’s injuries and their long-term implications.
Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most devastating accidents that can happen to individuals and families. These life-altering injuries often result in permanent paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care that can cost millions of dollars over a lifetime. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15.4 million people worldwide are living with spinal cord injuries. Our Connecticut personal injury attorneys understand the profound impact these injuries have on victims and their families, and we are committed to securing the maximum compensation possible to help rebuild lives and provide financial security for the future.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified by their location along the spine and the severity of the damage. Cervical spinal cord injuries, occurring in the neck region, are often the most severe and can result in quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs and potentially requiring ventilator assistance for breathing.
Thoracic injuries affect the chest and upper back, often resulting in paraplegia with loss of function in the legs and lower body. Lumbar injuries impact the lower back and can affect leg function and bowel and bladder control.
The level of injury determines which bodily functions are affected. Higher injuries on the spinal cord typically result in more extensive paralysis and loss of function. Our team of doctor-lawyers can evaluate medical records and work with specialists to determine the full extent of current and future medical needs.
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Medical professionals classify spinal cord injuries as either complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means there is no function below the level of injury—no sensation and no voluntary movement. Both sides of the body are equally affected. An incomplete injury means that some function remains below the primary level of injury, with varying degrees of sensation and movement possible.
Incomplete injuries offer more hope for recovery, though the extent of improvement varies significantly from person to person. Even with incomplete injuries, victims often face significant challenges and require extensive rehabilitation and adaptive equipment to regain independence. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation provides comprehensive statistics showing that approximately 300,000 Americans are currently living with spinal cord injuries.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Understanding how spinal cord injuries occur helps our Connecticut trial lawyers build strong cases for compensation. The most common causes involve sudden, traumatic impacts that damage the vertebrae and spinal cord tissue.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes account for approximately 37% of all spinal cord injuries. The sudden deceleration and impact forces in vehicle accidents can cause vertebrae to fracture, dislocate, or compress, damaging the delicate spinal cord tissue. Our firm has extensive experience handling complex motor vehicle accident cases involving spinal cord injuries, including cases against commercial trucking companies and manufacturers of defective vehicles.
Workplace Accidents and Falls
Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities present significant risks for spinal cord injuries. Falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery can cause severe spinal trauma. Our record-setting $100 million verdict involved a warehouse accident that resulted in paralysis, demonstrating our ability to hold employers and property owners accountable for unsafe conditions.
Slip and fall accidents, while sometimes perceived as minor, can also result in serious spinal cord injuries, particularly among older adults. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises, and when they fail in this responsibility, they can be held liable for resulting injuries. Our Connecticut personal injury lawyers have successfully represented clients injured in premises liability cases throughout Connecticut.
Medical Malpractice
Medical errors during surgery, particularly spinal surgery, can result in spinal cord injuries. Anesthesia complications, surgical mistakes, and failure to properly diagnose and treat spinal conditions can all lead to permanent spinal cord damage. Our team includes attorneys with extensive medical malpractice experience who understand the complex medical issues involved in these cases.
The Life-Changing Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries affect every aspect of a victim’s life, from basic daily activities to career prospects and family relationships. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences extend far beyond the initial injury.
Physical and Emotional Consequences
Beyond paralysis, spinal cord injury victims often face a range of secondary complications including chronic pain, muscle spasms, respiratory problems, and increased susceptibility to infections. Many victims require assistance with basic activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. The loss of independence can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that require ongoing treatment.
Family members also experience significant emotional and practical challenges as they adapt to new caregiving responsibilities. Marriages and family relationships face tremendous stress, and children may struggle to understand and cope with their parent’s changed condition. Our compassionate legal team understands these challenges and works to secure compensation that addresses the full scope of impact on families.
Financial Burden and Long-Term Care Costs
The lifetime cost of care for a spinal cord injury victim can exceed $6 million, depending on the level and completeness of the injury. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, initial hospitalization and rehabilitation costs alone can reach $347,484 to over $1 million in the first year for severe cases. Ongoing expenses include specialized medical equipment, home modifications, personal care assistance, and continued medical treatment, with annual costs ranging from $40,000 to $200,000 after the first year.
Many victims require wheelchair-accessible vehicles, home modifications including ramps and accessible bathrooms, and specialized equipment like hospital beds and ventilators. These costs continue throughout the victim’s lifetime and must be factored into any settlement or verdict. Our attorneys work with life care planners and economists to ensure all future costs are properly documented and included in your claim.
Connecticut Spinal Cord Injury Laws and Your Rights
Connecticut law provides important protections for spinal cord injury victims, but understanding these laws and how they apply to your specific situation requires experienced legal representation.
Statute of Limitations in Connecticut
Connecticut generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including spinal cord injury cases. This means you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions and nuances to this rule. In cases involving medical malpractice, the discovery rule may apply, extending the deadline if the injury was not immediately apparent.
For cases involving government entities or employees, special notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced Connecticut spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and all deadlines are met.
Comparative Negligence Laws
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your spinal cord injury, you may still be entitled to compensation. As long as your fault is less than 51%, you can recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This law is particularly important in complex cases involving multiple parties or where the defendant attempts to shift blame to the victim. Our experienced trial attorneys know how to counter these tactics and present evidence that minimizes any alleged fault on the part of our clients.
Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Spinal cord injury victims in Connecticut may be entitled to comprehensive compensation that addresses both current and future needs. Our attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to ensure all damages are properly calculated and presented.
Medical Expenses and Future Care Costs
Compensation includes all medical expenses related to the spinal cord injury, from emergency room treatment and surgery to ongoing rehabilitation and therapy. Future medical costs are a critical component of spinal cord injury cases, as victims typically require lifelong medical care and monitoring.
We work with medical experts to develop comprehensive life care plans that account for all future medical needs, including regular physician visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment replacement, and potential complications that may arise over time. Our proven track record demonstrates our ability to secure maximum compensation for these extensive future care needs.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
Most spinal cord injury victims cannot return to their previous employment, if they can work at all. Compensation includes lost wages from the time of injury through settlement or trial, as well as the loss of future earning capacity. This calculation considers the victim’s age, education, work history, and career trajectory that was interrupted by the injury.
This component of damages can be substantial for younger victims with decades of potential earnings ahead of them. We work with vocational experts and economists to present compelling evidence of the full economic impact of the injury. Our experienced legal team has successfully recovered millions in lost earning capacity damages for spinal cord injury clients.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Beyond economic losses, spinal cord injury victims endure tremendous physical pain and emotional suffering. Connecticut law allows for compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the psychological impact of permanent disability.
These non-economic damages recognize that spinal cord injuries affect far more than just earning capacity—they fundamentally alter a person’s ability to enjoy life’s pleasures and maintain relationships. Our trial attorneys are skilled at presenting evidence that helps juries understand the full human impact of these devastating injuries.
Awards & Recognition
Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers has earned national recognition for our trial advocacy and record-setting results. Our founding partner, Andrew Garza, was named 2022 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Keenan Trial Institute and 2023 Lawyer of the Year by New England Legal Awards. Garza was selected for Super Lawyers from 2016 to 2023 and was named one of the Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation.
Partner Sean Claggett was named 2017 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Nevada Justice Association and maintains an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a perfect 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo. Our attorneys are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, recognizing lawyers who have won verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million.
Our firm’s “Big Hearts/Big Data/Big Justice” approach combines compassionate client service with cutting-edge trial technology and aggressive advocacy. We are selective in the cases we accept, allowing us to dedicate the substantial resources necessary to achieve maximum client results.
Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Connecticut, time is critical. Evidence must be preserved, witnesses interviewed, and legal deadlines met. Our Connecticut spinal cord injury lawyers offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Our Farmington headquarters is located at 76 Batterson Park Road, Suite 301, Farmington, CT 06032. You can reach us at 860-469-4557. We serve clients throughout Connecticut, including Enfield, Hartford, Manchester, Glastonbury, East Hartford, and Windsor.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting inadequate compensation. Our significant results speak for themselves, and we’re ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation with experienced Connecticut spinal cord injury lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions and special circumstances that can affect this deadline. It’s important to consult with an attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected and all legal deadlines are met.
What if the spinal cord injury was partially my fault?
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys are experienced in countering attempts to shift blame to injury victims.
How much is my spinal cord injury case worth?
The value of a spinal cord injury case depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, your age, earning capacity, medical expenses, and the circumstances of the accident. Our firm has secured verdicts and settlements ranging from millions to our record-setting $100 million Connecticut verdict. We provide free consultations to evaluate your case.
Do I need to pay attorney fees up front?
No. We handle spinal cord injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all case expenses, including expert witness fees and medical record costs, so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights.
How long does a spinal cord injury lawsuit take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly. Some cases settle within months, while others may take several years if a trial is necessary. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring maximum compensation for our clients.
Can I file a wrongful death claim if my loved one died from a spinal cord injury?
Yes. If a spinal cord injury results in death, family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost financial support, and other damages. Our compassionate attorneys can guide you through this difficult process.
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