The reality is that every spinal injury is unique; so are the financial recoveries that follow. Spinal cord injury (SCI) claims vary widely in compensation, reflecting the severity of the injury and the enormous costs involved.

While no amount of compensation can undo what happened, understanding how claims are valued can be a critical first step toward securing your future. 

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our spinal cord injury lawyers believe that victims deserve answers and fair compensation after a life-changing accident that resulted in injury. That’s why we’re committed to helping you receive the right settlement for your injury. 

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Claims

Spinal cord injuries often result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, workplace incidents, or acts of violence. The immediate and long-term consequences can include paralysis, chronic pain, loss of sensation, and a range of complications that affect daily living.

Unlike minor injuries, a spinal cord injury usually means extended medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, home modifications, assistive devices, and, sometimes, permanent loss of independence. 

This dramatic shift often leads to questions about the “average settlement for a spinal cord injury” or what a typical “spinal cord injury settlement” covers. However, the answer depends on the specifics – medical evidence, the severity of injury, ongoing needs, and more.

A claim for a spinal cord injury is designed to recover damages that reflect both the economic impact and the noneconomic losses. Injury lawyers can help make a comprehensive case to ensure all damages, immediate and future, are documented and pursued.

Levels of Spinal Cord Injuries

Understanding the different levels of spinal cord injuries is crucial, as the location and extent of damage significantly affect both the victim’s life and the value of any potential settlement or verdict. 

Spinal injuries are typically classified by:

  • No Paralysis: Herniated discs, compression fractures, bulging discs, or nerve root damage without full paralysis.
  • Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Some movement or sensation remains below the injury site.
  • Complete Paraplegia: Paralysis affecting the lower half of the body (legs and lower trunk).
  • Complete Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Paralysis of all four limbs, often resulting from a high cervical spine injury.

Each level has distinct implications for medical costs, daily care needs, lost earning potential, and noneconomic damages – factors that drive the value of a spinal cord injury claim.

Average Settlement for a Spinal Cord Injury 

How much a spinal cord injury is worth greatly depends on the level of injury and how long it can last. The average settlement for a spinal cord injury can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the specifics of the injury, medical treatment, long-term needs, and how the injury occurred.

Let’s take a look at the following spinal cord injuries and their estimated value when claiming for compensation:

Average Settlement for a Herniated Disc Injury

A herniated disc can cause radiating pain, numbness, and significant disruption in daily life. While not every herniated disc leads to permanent disability, severe cases require surgery or result in chronic symptoms.

The estimated worth for herniated disc injuries could go from $50,000 to $200,000.

The value increases with surgical intervention, evidence of permanent injury, and loss of function. Outlier cases with severe impact have reached $500,000 or more.

Average Settlement for a Compression Fracture

A compression fracture often occurs in the vertebrae after trauma such as a car accident or a fall. These injuries can cause severe pain, mobility issues, and sometimes lead to spinal instability or nerve damage.

The estimated worth for a compression fracture could go around $50,000 to $400,000.

Lower-end settlements may be for compression fractures that heal without surgery or permanent disability. Cases involving surgery, permanent pain, or related nerve injury may see higher compensation.

Average Settlement for a Cervical Spine Injury

A cervical spine injury is among the most serious, as it can impact the neck, shoulders, arms, and sometimes cause paralysis (quadriplegia).

The estimated value of a cervical spine injury could go from $200,000 to several million dollars.

Non-paralyzing neck injuries might result in settlements on the lower end. In cases of complete paralysis, settlements and verdicts often exceed $1 million, with some jury verdicts surpassing $10 million to cover a lifetime of care.

Average Settlement for a Bulging Disc Injury 

A bulging disc is similar to a herniated disc, with the disc protruding and pressing on nearby nerves. Some bulging discs heal with conservative treatment, but others result in chronic pain or the need for surgery.

The estimated value of a bulging disc injury could go around $30,000 to $150,000.

Less severe than a herniated disc, but cases involving surgical intervention or permanent symptoms may see higher settlements.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on real verdicts and settlements in the U.S., but your spinal cord injury claim’s value depends on the specifics of your situation, including the strength of medical evidence and how your spinal cord injury lawyer can maximize the potential worth of your case..

What Can Be Compensated for Your Spinal Cord Injury? 

A spinal cord injury settlement is designed to make you whole, to the extent possible. 

Here’s what can be compensated in a spinal cord injury claim:

  • Medical costs
  • Rehabilitation
  • Medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, braces, adaptive devices)
  • Future anticipated medical costs
  • Income lost due to time off work
  • Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
  • Loss of future earnings for permanent disability
  • Home and vehicle modifications
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental anguish, depression, anxiety
  • In-home care or nursing assistance
  • Transportation for medical visits
  • Out-of-pocket costs related to injury

Properly documenting these losses – economic and noneconomic – and projecting them into the future is vital to a full recovery. Injury lawyers work with medical professionals, life care planners, and other experts to ensure every cost is captured and justified.

How Can You Maximize Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury?

The value of a spinal cord injury settlement isn’t just about the initial numbers; it’s about presenting a compelling, well-supported injury claim. 

Here’s how you can maximize your compensation:

  • Seek immediate medical attention: Prompt care not only protects your health but also establishes a clear link between the accident and your injury.
  • Follow all treatment recommendations: Consistency with medical treatment shows that your injuries are real and serious.
  • Document everything: Keep records of medical appointments, prescriptions, lost wages, and how the injury affects your life.
  • Consult a spinal cord injury lawyer early: Injury lawyers experienced with spinal injury cases understand the stakes and know how to gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take your case to trial if needed.
  • Be wary of early settlement offers: Insurance companies often start with low offers. A seasoned injury lawyer can advise whether an offer is fair based on your total damages and projected future needs.
  • Include long-term impact: Work with your attorney to calculate future costs so you’re not left shortchanged years down the road.

Every step you take to protect your rights today can make a real difference in your future well-being and financial security. Position yourself for a fair and comprehensive recovery with the right legal representation.

What Can Impact the Value of Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

Several factors can influence a spinal cord injury settlement or verdict:

  • Severity of the Injury: Complete paralysis or injuries requiring lifelong care will be valued higher than injuries with a good prognosis for recovery.
  • Age and Occupation: Younger victims with high-earning potential and long life expectancy generally see higher awards to compensate for lost future income and care needs.
  • Liability and Evidence: Clear evidence of another party’s negligence strengthens your claim.
  • Medical Documentation: Detailed medical records, expert opinions, and future care projections are critical.
  • Comparative Fault: If you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced under state law.
  • Insurance Limits: The defendant’s insurance policy may cap how much you can actually recover unless there are other liable parties or assets.
  • Venue and Jury Pool: Certain jurisdictions have a history of higher verdicts for serious injuries.

A spinal cord injury lawyer with experience in these claims can assess the unique strengths and challenges in your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Get a Lawyer to Know the Real Worth of Your Injury 

The physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a spinal cord injury can last a lifetime. When your future is on the line, you deserve a team of injury lawyers that understands not only the true value of your spinal cord injury claim but also the dedication it takes to win it without paying any upfront cost. 

Our spinal cord injury lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates have helped countless individuals across Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona secure life-changing settlements after serious injuries, including a spinal cord injury. 

If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury after an accident,  let’s fight for every dollar you need for your recovery. Call us today at 866-308-3822 to schedule your free consultation or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp