Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Arizona
Legal Guidance and Support After a Spinal Cord Injury in Arizona
At Rasmussen Injury Law, our Arizona spinal cord injury attorneys are here to support you and your family after a catastrophic injury. Our personal injury lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, communicating clearly and compassionately so you always know what to expect.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury after a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or other catastrophic accident, call Rasmussen Injury Law first. Our goal is to pursue full, fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Spinal Cord Injuries: An Overview
A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when the cord itself is damaged or when the surrounding vertebrae, ligaments, or discs are harmed. They most often follow a sudden, powerful impact, such as a car crash or a serious fall.
This trauma can fracture or shift the spinal bones and injure the delicate nerve fibers within the cord. Because the spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body, this type of injury can disrupt those signals. As a result, people with SCIs often experience long-term changes in strength, mobility, sensation, and other bodily functions below the point of injury.
After an SCI, medical practitioners will assess the extent of the damage to determine whether the injury is complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means there’s a total loss of feeling and voluntary movement below the injury site. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that some sensation or motor function still exists below the affected area, even if it’s limited. The impact of incomplete injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of function remaining.
Our Practice Areas
Rasmussen Injury Law: Your Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Legal Team
Rasmussen Injury Law is an Arizona personal injury firm that focuses on serious injury and wrongful death cases, including spinal cord injury and trauma. With 30 years of combined experience in personal injury cases, our team possesses a deep understanding of both the legal issues and the real-life challenges survivors face after these incidents.
We handle personal injury lawsuits arising from motor vehicle crashes, dangerous property conditions, medical negligence, and other preventable incidents, many of which can cause spinal cord injuries. This broad experience helps us identify who may be responsible, what insurance coverage may apply, and how to build a strong claim for compensation.
Client care is at the center of our work. We emphasize clear communication, honest guidance, and steady support from your first call through the resolution. We are committed to pursuing the medical, financial, and life-care resources you need so you can stay focused on your health, family, and future.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the Mayo Clinic, spinal cord injuries are usually caused by:
Traffic Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions, including crashes involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles, are a leading source of spinal cord trauma. They account for nearly half of all reported spinal cord injury cases. These incidents may stem from distracted or reckless driving, defective vehicles, or unsafe road design and maintenance. When a crash leads to an SCI, our spinal cord injury attorneys conduct a detailed investigation into every potential cause, from driver behavior to roadway conditions, so we can build a strong claim for you and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Injuries Sustained in the Workplace
Jobs in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial settings carry a particularly high risk of severe back and spinal injuries. Falls from scaffolding or ladders, equipment failures, and unsecured materials or debris contribute to an estimated 12 to 25% of spinal cord injuries. These injuries can end careers and permanently change your quality of life. Rasmussen Injury Law will help you navigate workers’ compensation benefits while also examining whether third parties, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners, may share responsibility. This ensures that every path to recovery is explored.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Falls on unsafe or poorly maintained premises are a significant cause of spinal cord injuries, especially among adults over 65. Hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or missing handrails can turn a simple misstep into a life-changing accident. In these cases, we carefully review property conditions and gather photos, witness statements, and maintenance records. Then, we collaborate with medical professionals to fully document your injuries. Our premises liability lawyers handle communications with insurers and pursue compensation for your medical care, rehabilitation, and lost earnings.
Medical Malpractice
A smaller but significant portion of spinal cord injuries, approximately 5%, results from preventable medical errors. Surgical complications, delayed or incorrect diagnoses, and improper treatments can all damage the spinal cord or worsen an existing condition. Our spinal cord injury attorneys review medical records, consult with independent experts, and identify where healthcare providers may have failed to meet the standard of care.
Working with our experienced medical malpractice lawyers can help improve your claim and the likelihood of favorable results. We are committed to holding negligent medical professionals and facilities accountable and to seeking the financial resources you need for ongoing treatment, long-term support, and meaningful recovery.
What To Do After a Spinal Cord Injury
- Avoid unnecessary movement. Try to stay still. Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for you. Even a seemingly “mild” spinal injury can become far more serious if the person is moved. Worsening damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, loss of feeling, and problems with bladder and bowel control.
- Promptly see a doctor. Seek medical care as soon as possible after a suspected spinal cord injury. This can help limit long-term harm and support better recovery. Doctors typically use neurological exams and imaging tests to diagnose the injury and plan treatment. Rehabilitation then focuses on restoring as much independence and quality of life as possible, even when some impairments are permanent.
- Talk to a spinal injury attorney. Contact an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as you can, ideally before speaking with any insurance company. An attorney can explain your rights, help you avoid mistakes, and handle communications on your behalf. Insurers may seek multiple statements or broad access to your records in an effort to minimize your claim. Your lawyer is there to protect your interests from the start.
Common Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves running from the brain down through the lower back. It carries signals that control sensation, movement, and essential functions like breathing. When the spinal cord is damaged, these signals can be disrupted, leading to serious changes in how the body moves and works.
Signs of a spinal cord injury can include numbness or tingling, weakness, paralysis, pain, and loss of control over bladder, bowel, or other bodily functions. Because the spinal cord plays such a central role in everyday life, injuries in this area are often life-altering and usually require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Why Choose Rasmussen Injury Law, Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Spinal cord injury cases can be highly complicated, with serious financial consequences and insurers often work aggressively to reduce or deny claims. At Rasmussen Injury Law, our spinal cord injury attorneys have a strong track record with these matters and recognize the distinct medical, emotional, and economic burdens they place on individuals and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a spinal cord injury lawyer in Arizona?
You’re not legally required to hire a spinal cord injury lawyer in Arizona. But in most serious cases, it’s a very smart idea.
Spinal cord injuries are usually high-stakes. Medical bills can be enormous, future care needs are often uncertain, and you may be unable to work for months or even permanently. At the same time, insurance companies are motivated to pay as little as possible. They may dispute fault, question the extent of your injuries, or pressure you to accept a quick settlement before you understand the long-term impact.
An experienced Arizona spinal cord injury attorney can:
- Explain your rights and options under Arizona law in plain language.
- Investigate the cause of your injury and identify all potentially responsible parties.
- Work with medical and financial experts to estimate future care costs and lost earning capacity.
- Handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies.
- Help you avoid mistakes, like giving recorded statements or signing releases that hurt your claim.
If your injury is serious, your recovery is expected to take a long time, or someone else’s negligence may be involved (such as in a crash, fall, or medical error), talking with a spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible can help protect both your health and financial future.
Speak with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Arizona today to learn your options.
What steps do I need to take after a spinal cord injury?
After a spinal cord injury, your first step should be to get prompt medical attention and closely follow your provider’s recommendations. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of recovery and create a clear record of your injuries, which is critical if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Keep copies of all medical records and bills. Whenever possible, document the scene of the incident with photos, incident or police reports, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. This kind of evidence can play a key role in strengthening your case and supporting a fair financial recovery.
You should also speak with a spinal cord injury attorney as soon as you’re able. An experienced lawyer can walk you through your options, handle all communication with insurance adjusters, and begin gathering the proof needed to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Acting quickly helps protect important evidence and ensures that you comply with Arizona’s filing deadlines (within two years, according to the state’s statute of limitations). With the right legal support, you can pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and the long-term effects that a spinal cord injury has on your life.
What kinds of financial recovery could I qualify for?
Compensation in a spinal cord injury case can be significant because the costs are often lifelong. Depending on your situation, your recovery may include emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation and physical therapy, medications, mobility aids, and home or vehicle modifications. You may also be entitled to past and future lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and long-term care expenses.
Arizona law also allows recovery for the human impact of an SCI. That can include damages for chronic pain, emotional distress, anxiety or depression, loss of independence, and the loss of enjoyment of activities you once loved. Strain on close family relationships may also be reflected in your settlement or verdict.
If the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or gross negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish that conduct and deter similar behavior. The value of your case will ultimately depend on how severe and permanent your injuries are and how they affect your daily life.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact Rasmussen Injury Law for a free consultation to discuss your options.
What is the leading cause of spinal cord injuries?
Data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) indicate that motor vehicle crashes, particularly car accidents, are the top cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States, accounting for roughly 4 in 10 cases. Falls are the next most common cause, making up about 32%. Acts of violence, often involving firearms or knives, contribute around 15%, while sports and recreational activities are responsible for around 5-8%. Surgical complications and related medical issues add another 4% to the total.