Spinal cord injury cases are among the most complex in personal injury law. Choosing the right attorney can mean the difference between adequate compensation and settlements that fall millions short of your actual needs.
Why Specialization Matters
SCI cases require specialized expertise because:
- Medical complexity—understanding injury severity, prognosis, and complications
- Damage valuation—accurately calculating lifetime needs totaling millions
- Expert coordination—managing medical, economic, and life care experts
- Resource requirements—cases require significant financial investment
- Insurance negotiations—dealing with sophisticated defense teams
What to Look for in an Attorney
Experience with Catastrophic Injuries
- Track record—previous spinal cord injury verdicts and settlements
- Case volume—regular handling of catastrophic cases
- Medical knowledge—understanding of SCI medicine and complications
- Expert relationships—established connections with qualified experts
Financial Resources
SCI cases require substantial investment:
- Expert witness fees—$20,000-$100,000+ for multiple experts
- Life care plan preparation—$5,000-$15,000
- Economic analysis—$5,000-$15,000
- Medical record review—thousands of pages
- Deposition costs—court reporters, videographers
The attorney must have resources to fund your case properly.
Trial Experience
While most cases settle, trial capability affects settlements:
- Insurance companies know which attorneys will try cases
- Credible trial threat produces better settlements
- Must be prepared to go to verdict if settlement is inadequate
Personal Attention
- Will the attorney handle your case personally?
- How accessible will they be?
- Who will you communicate with regularly?
Questions to Ask
Experience Questions
- How many spinal cord injury cases have you handled?
- What were the outcomes of those cases?
- Have you tried SCI cases to verdict?
- What is your experience with similar injury levels?
Case Handling Questions
- Who will work on my case day-to-day?
- How will you keep me informed of progress?
- What is your assessment of my case?
- What challenges do you anticipate?
Fee Questions
- What is your contingency fee percentage?
- What costs will be deducted from my recovery?
- Are costs advanced by the firm?
- What happens if we lose—do I owe costs?
Fee Arrangements
Contingency Fees
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency:
- No upfront payment required
- Attorney paid percentage of recovery
- Typical range: 33-40%
- If no recovery, no attorney fee
Cost Responsibility
Understand how case costs are handled:
- Are costs advanced by the firm?
- Are costs deducted before or after fee calculation?
- What if the case is unsuccessful?
Sliding Scale Fees
Some attorneys offer reduced fees for certain case stages:
- Lower percentage if case settles early
- Higher percentage if trial required
Red Flags
Be cautious of attorneys who:
- Guarantee specific outcomes—no ethical attorney can promise results
- Pressure quick decisions—reputable attorneys allow time to decide
- Lack relevant experience—general practice may not serve you well
- Seem too busy—your case deserves focused attention
- Won't explain their approach—you deserve transparency
Initial Consultation
Most SCI attorneys offer free initial consultations:
- Review your case facts
- Assess potential claims
- Explain the legal process
- Discuss fee arrangements
- Answer your questions
Use consultations to compare multiple attorneys before making a decision.
Second Opinions
If you've already hired an attorney but have concerns:
- You have the right to consult another attorney
- Second opinions on case value are appropriate
- You can change attorneys if necessary (though fee implications apply)
Conclusion
Your choice of attorney significantly impacts your recovery. Seek an attorney with proven catastrophic injury experience, adequate resources, and genuine commitment to your case. The right representation ensures you receive compensation that truly addresses your lifetime needs.