Violence causes approximately 14% of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Gunshot wounds and stabbings to the spine frequently result in permanent paralysis. While assailants face criminal charges, victims may also pursue civil compensation.

How Violence Causes Spinal Cord Injuries

Gunshot Wounds

Firearms are the leading cause of violence-related spinal cord injuries:

  • Direct spinal cord damage—bullets traversing the spine
  • Vertebral fractures—bullet impacts shattering bone
  • Secondary damage—bone fragments, swelling, or hemorrhage affecting the cord

The level of paralysis depends on where the bullet damages the spinal cord. Cervical gunshot wounds often cause quadriplegia; thoracic and lumbar wounds typically cause paraplegia.

Stab Wounds

Knife attacks can damage the spinal cord when the blade penetrates between vertebrae into the spinal canal.

Blunt Force Trauma

Severe beatings, being struck with objects, or being thrown can cause spinal fractures and cord damage.

Civil Claims for Violence-Related Paralysis

Criminal prosecution doesn't compensate victims. Civil lawsuits can provide recovery when:

Claims Against the Assailant

You can sue the person who attacked you for:

  • Assault and battery—intentional torts
  • All resulting damages—medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering

However, individual assailants often lack assets or insurance to pay judgments. Other defendants may provide recovery.

Premises Liability Claims

Property owners may be liable if they failed to provide reasonable security:

Foreseeability of Crime

Property owners must provide security when criminal activity is foreseeable. Evidence of foreseeability includes:

  • Prior crimes at the location—history of violent incidents
  • Neighborhood crime rates—high-crime areas require more security
  • Type of business—certain businesses attract criminal activity

Inadequate Security Measures

Liable property owners may have failed to provide:

  • Adequate lighting in parking lots and common areas
  • Security guards or patrol
  • Working surveillance cameras
  • Controlled access (locks, key cards)
  • Adequate staffing

Properties Commonly Involved

  • Apartment complexes—particularly in high-crime areas
  • Hotels and motels—security for guests
  • Parking garages and lots—often isolated areas
  • Nightclubs and bars—alcohol increases violence risk
  • Convenience stores—frequent robbery targets
  • Shopping centers—large crowds, multiple access points

Employer Liability

If you were attacked at work, claims may exist against:

  • Your employer—for inadequate workplace security
  • Co-workers' employers—if a coworker attacked you
  • Property owners—if employer didn't own the premises

Special Relationships

Some entities have heightened duties to protect from violence:

  • Schools—duty to protect students
  • Hospitals—duty to protect patients
  • Nursing homes—duty to protect residents
  • Prisons/jails—duty to protect inmates from assault

Proving Premises Security Claims

Key Evidence

  • Crime statistics—prior incidents at the property and surrounding area
  • Police reports—documentation of the attack and prior calls
  • Security records—guard logs, camera footage, incident reports
  • Property inspection—lighting, locks, security measures in place
  • Security expert testimony—evaluation of adequacy of measures

Security Expert Analysis

Security experts can testify about:

  • Industry standards for similar properties
  • Specific security measures that should have been implemented
  • How adequate security could have prevented the attack

Criminal Case Coordination

Civil and criminal cases proceed separately but can interact:

Criminal Conviction Benefits

A criminal conviction can help your civil case:

  • Establishes the assault occurred
  • May be admissible as evidence in civil case
  • Discovery from criminal case may provide useful information

Timing Considerations

  • Civil cases can proceed before criminal trial concludes
  • Assailant may invoke Fifth Amendment, limiting discovery
  • Don't wait for criminal case to resolve—statute of limitations applies

Damages in Violence-Related Spinal Cord Cases

Victims can recover:

  • Medical expenses—all treatment costs, past and future
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering—physical pain and emotional trauma
  • Emotional distress—PTSD, anxiety, depression from violent attack
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages—potentially available against property owners who egregiously failed to provide security

Statute of Limitations

Filing deadlines for violence-related injury claims vary:

  • Assault/battery against attacker: typically 1-3 years
  • Premises liability: typically 2-3 years
  • Claims against government (public housing, etc.): often 30-180 days notice required

Contact an attorney promptly—evidence preservation is critical in security cases.

Conclusion

While criminals bear primary responsibility for violent attacks, property owners who fail to provide reasonable security share liability for foreseeable crimes. If inadequate security contributed to a violent assault that caused your spinal cord injury, you may recover substantial compensation from negligent property owners.