Who Might Be Liable for My Spinal Cord Injury?

Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) is costly. Medical bills and housing alone can exceed a million dollars during the first year for those who suffer high tetraplegia. Thankfully, injured parties who weren’t responsible for their accident in which they were hurt are usually entitled to compensation.

If your spinal cord was damaged through no fault of your own, you may be able to seek funds for the expenses you expect to incur over the course of your lifetime as a result of your condition. Naturally, the first step to pursuing a payout is determining who was responsible.

Let’s take a look at the parties that are most often liable for SCI-related damages based on the most common causes of these injuries:

1. Motorists

Motor-vehicle collisions are the leading cause of new spinal cord injuries across the country. This includes car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.

Since the majority of all crashes are attributed at least in part to driver error, it stands to reason that motorists are to blame for a significant number of new SCIs every year. Other parties that might be deemed liable include:

• Municipalities;
• City planners;
• Motor carriers;
• Cargo loading contractors;
• Auto mechanics; and
• Vehicle manufacturers.

2. Property Owners

Falls are another common cause of spinal cord injuries, especially among the elderly. Property owners who fail to maintain their premises to a reasonably safe standard can be held liable for any injuries—including those affecting the spinal cord—that result.

3. Violent Offenders

Violent altercations, especially those involving knives and firearms, contribute to more than 1 out of 10 new SCIs annually. If you were attacked, you likely have grounds for a personal injury claim against the perpetrator.

Depending on where the incident occurred, you may be able to name additional parties in your action. If you were assaulted at a hotel or night club, for example, because they failed to provide adequate security or to illuminate the common areas, you should be able to include them in your claim, as well.

4. Sporting Equipment Manufacturers

Sporting accidents are another common cause of spinal cord injuries. While some accidents are total flukes, many can be attributed to defective safety equipment, inadequate training, and the like.

If you sustained your SCI during some kind of recreational activity, there’s a good chance you can hold a manufacturer or other party liable. To determine precisely who was to blame, though, you’re going to have to conduct a thorough investigation. This is where a seasoned personal injury attorney can help.

Discuss Your Claim with a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Minneapolis

If you’re living with a spinal cord injury because another party failed to act with reasonable care, turn to Bradshaw & Bryant. Get the resources and experience of our powerhouse practice backing your every move during the claims process.

From the moment you call our firm to the day your case is resolved, we’ll treat you with the utmost compassion, respect, and professionalism. To schedule a free initial consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Minneapolis, call 800-770-7008 or fill out our Online Contact Form.