A spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant. Whether caused by a car accident, fall, workplace incident, or act of violence, these injuries often result in long-term disability, extensive medical treatment, and significant financial hardship. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in Boston due to someone else's negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Peck Trial Attorneys helps spinal cord injury victims and their families seek compensation for their losses.
Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take. We work to build strong cases that hold negligent parties accountable. With a spinal cord injury lawyer in Boston on your side, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal details.
Why Choose Peck Trial Attorneys for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case
When you're facing a spinal cord injury, you need a law firm that combines legal knowledge with genuine compassion. Peck Trial Attorneys has experience handling spinal cord injury cases throughout Massachusetts. We take a personalized approach to every case. We take time to understand your specific situation, your medical needs, and your long-term goals. Our attorneys work closely with medical professionals to build comprehensive cases that reflect the full impact of your injury. We handle all aspects of your claim on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. We're committed to strong representation, whether through settlement negotiations or trial. We work to pursue fair compensation in your case.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified by location and severity. Cervical injuries affect the neck and typically result in quadriplegia, meaning all four limbs lose function. Thoracic injuries occur in the mid-back and usually cause paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower body. Lumbar injuries happen in the lower back and may result in partial or complete loss of leg function. Sacral injuries affect the lowest part of the spine and often impact bowel and bladder control, along with leg function.
Doctors also classify spinal cord injuries as complete or incomplete. A complete injury means there is total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site, with no voluntary movement or sensation remaining. This classification (ASIA A) refers to the functional outcome rather than whether the spinal cord is physically severed. An incomplete injury leaves some nerve function intact, which may allow for partial recovery of movement or sensation. Understanding the difference between complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries is crucial for determining your legal claim and recovery potential.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Boston
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for a significant portion of cases. Falls from heights, slip and fall accidents, and workplace incidents also cause serious spinal cord damage. Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds and assaults, result in many spinal cord injuries each year. Sports and recreational activities, diving accidents, and medical complications during surgery can also cause these injuries.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Medical Expenses and Future Care Costs
Spinal cord injuries require immediate emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing medical treatment. The lifetime cost of caring for someone with a spinal cord injury is often estimated to range from $1.2 million to $5 million or more, depending on the severity and the person's age at the time of injury. Compensation may include past and future medical expenses, such as emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), comprehensive care planning is essential for long-term recovery. Catastrophic injury cases often require detailed life care plans to calculate future medical needs.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Many spinal cord injury victims cannot return to their previous jobs. Compensation may include lost wages from the time of injury through recovery. Additionally, you may seek damages for reduced earning capacity if you can no longer work in your previous field or at your previous income level. If your injury prevents you from working entirely, you may pursue compensation for future lost earnings. Catastrophic injury compensation often includes substantial damages for lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Beyond economic losses, you may recover compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and reduced quality of life. These non-economic damages reflect the impact a spinal cord injury can have on your daily life, relationships, and future plans. Massachusetts does not cap pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries. Catastrophic injury lawyers understand how to quantify these intangible losses in settlement negotiations and at trial.
How Peck Trial Attorneys Investigates Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Building a strong spinal cord injury case requires thorough investigation and detailed analysis. Our team collects available evidence, including accident scene photographs, witness statements, police reports, and surveillance footage. We work with medical professionals who review your medical records and provide opinions about your injury, treatment needs, and long-term outlook. We consult with life care planners who estimate the long-term cost of care.
Our firm also investigates the defendant's conduct to establish negligence and evaluate whether punitive damages may apply. Throughout this process, we keep you informed and involved in key decisions. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to securing substantial compensation for catastrophic injury victims. Successful spinal cord injury settlements reflect the value of thorough investigation and expert testimony.
Massachusetts Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injuries
In Massachusetts, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2A. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation. Certain circumstances may extend this deadline, such as when the injured person is a minor or in limited situations involving the delayed discovery of harm. However, it is best to act promptly. The sooner you contact Peck Trial Attorneys, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and preserving evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Cases
How long does a spinal cord injury case take?
The timeline depends on the details of your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within months through settlement negotiations, while others may take one to two years or longer if litigation becomes necessary. We work to move your case forward efficiently while allowing time to prepare a thorough claim. Complex catastrophic injury cases may require extended investigation and expert analysis.
What if I were partially at fault for my injury?
Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 231, Section 85. You may still recover compensation if you were less than 51 percent responsible for the accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We evaluate the circumstances surrounding your injury to assess liability.
Do I have to go to trial?
No. Many personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it may go to trial, which can strengthen your position during negotiations. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to present your case in court. Our trial experience ensures you have strong representation whether your case settles or proceeds to litigation.
How much does it cost to hire Peck Trial Attorneys?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront attorney's fees. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to pursue a claim without paying legal fees in advance. Contingency fee representation removes financial barriers to pursuing justice for catastrophic injuries.
What should I do immediately after a spinal cord injury?
Seek emergency medical care immediately. Call 911 if you suspect a spinal cord injury. Preserve evidence by taking photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions if you are able. Get contact information from witnesses. Report the incident to the appropriate authority (police for accidents, your employer for workplace injuries, or the property owner for premises liability). Then contact Peck Trial Attorneys to discuss your legal options.
Can I still file a claim if the injury happened years ago?
You generally have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit in Massachusetts. If your injury occurred within that timeframe, you may still pursue a claim. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Time-sensitive legal deadlines require prompt action to protect your rights.
What makes spinal cord injury cases different from other personal injury claims?
Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences. They often involve extensive medical evidence, testimony from medical professionals, and detailed damage calculations. These cases may involve significant financial exposure, which can affect how insurers and defendants approach settlement. Premises liability cases and product liability claims involving spinal cord injuries require similar comprehensive approaches. Construction accident injuries and burn injuries also demand specialized legal expertise.
Contact Peck Trial Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in Boston, consider speaking with a lawyer about your options. Peck Trial Attorneys offers a free, confidential consultation to review your case and explain potential next steps. Call 857-557-7325 today to speak with a spinal cord injury lawyer who understands what you're going through. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.