Lebanon Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Not every injury can be seen on the surface. A spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating physical traumas a person can experience. It changes how you move, how you work, and how you live. It impacts your body, finances, independence, and emotional well-being. At our firm, we understand how deeply these injuries affect our clients, and we work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.

As Lebanon injury lawyers, we’ve seen the ripple effect on families and communities. We’ve stood beside clients as they’ve learned to live with paralysis, adjust to wheelchairs, and fight for fair compensation. Our job is to provide strong legal guidance, compassionate representation, and results that can make a difference in our clients’ lives.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. The result is often permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the injury site. The two broad categories of SCIs are:

• Complete spinal cord injury – No sensation or motor function below the point of injury.
• Incomplete spinal cord injury – Some level of function or sensation remains.

The effects vary widely depending on the location of the injury and its severity. Victims may suffer from paraplegia (affecting the lower limbs) or quadriplegia (involving all four limbs). Either outcome can result in a lifetime of medical treatment, assistive equipment, and personal care.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics in Indiana and the U.S.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are approximately 17,810 new spinal cord injury cases each year in the United States. Around 78% of new cases are male, and the average age of injury has shifted from 29 in the 1970s to 43 today. The leading causes of SCIs include:

• Vehicle crashes: 38.6%
• Falls: 32.2%
• Acts of violence: 14%
• Sports and recreational activities: 7.8%
• Medical or surgical complications: 4.2%

In Indiana, the state’s Department of Health administers the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Fund, which supports research and care for individuals affected by SCIs. This reflects how seriously Indiana takes the long-term implications of these injuries.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Lebanon, IN

As a spinal injury attorney in Lebanon, we’ve handled cases involving a range of scenarios, from motor vehicle accidents on I-65 to slip-and-fall injuries at local businesses. Here are the most common causes we encounter:

Car Accidents

Auto collisions remain the number one cause of spinal cord injuries. Whether in a rear-end crash or a high-speed collision, the forces can compress or fracture the vertebrae. When spinal discs are displaced or vertebrae are shattered, the spinal cord may be permanently damaged.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents are especially dangerous. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20 times more than a passenger car, and when these massive vehicles crash, the force often results in catastrophic injuries. As Lebanon injury lawyers, we aggressively pursue trucking companies and drivers when their negligence causes harm.

Falls

Falls from ladders, staircases, or slick walkways are a significant cause of SCIs, especially among older adults. If property owners fail to maintain safe premises, we can help hold them responsible under Indiana’s premises liability laws.

Workplace Accidents

Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities pose a high risk for spinal injuries. If your injury happened on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation, but we also investigate whether third parties—like contractors or equipment manufacturers—share liability.

Sports and Recreational Activities

Athletes and weekend warriors sometimes suffer spinal injuries from impact sports, diving accidents, or off-road vehicle use. When defective equipment or inadequate supervision plays a role, a personal injury lawyer in Lebanon, IN, can help pursue legal action.

Indiana Personal Injury Laws That Affect Your Case

Navigating a spinal cord injury claim means understanding the legal framework surrounding it. Indiana law gives injury victims a pathway to compensation, but there are rules and deadlines you must follow.

Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, personal injury lawsuits must generally be filed within two years of the injury date. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed regardless of its merits. This makes early legal consultation critical.

Comparative Fault Rule

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule (IC 34-51-2). If you are partially responsible for the accident that caused your injury, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. You cannot recover damages if you are more than 50% at fault.

Damage Caps

In most personal injury cases, Indiana does not cap damages. However, caps do apply in claims against the government or under the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act. For example, as of 2019, the medical malpractice cap is $1.8 million.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

What Compensation Can You Recover?

A spinal cord injury comes with high financial costs. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the average yearly cost for high tetraplegia can exceed $1 million in the first year alone. Even less severe SCIs can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

As your Lebanon spinal cord injury lawyer, we pursue full compensation for:

• Emergency medical bills
• Surgeries and ongoing treatment
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds)
• Modifications to your home and vehicle
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress
• Long-term care or in-home nursing

In some cases, we also seek punitive damages to hold egregiously negligent defendants accountable.

How Our Law Firm Can Help

You need more than legal knowledge—you need a law firm that cares. We bring compassion and determination to every case and take pride in helping our clients regain control of their lives.

Here’s how we approach spinal cord injury cases:

Step 1: In-Depth Consultation

We begin by listening. We want to understand your story, your challenges, and your goals. Then, we explain your legal options and what to expect at every step.

Step 2: Investigation

Our team investigates the cause of your injury, gathers medical records, interviews witnesses, consults with specialists, and reconstructs the accident if needed.

Step 3: Demand and Negotiation

We calculate the full scope of your damages and issue a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. We handle all communications and aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement.

Step 4: Trial, If Necessary

If the insurance company refuses to settle, we will go to trial. We’ve built our reputation as skilled litigators who don’t back down from a courtroom fight.

Why Choose Us as Your Lebanon Spinal Injury Attorneys?

We’ve dedicated our practice to helping injured people across Indiana, and spinal injury cases are some of the most critical work we do. When you hire us:

• You get direct access to an experienced Lebanon injury lawyer—not just paralegals or staff.
• You receive personalized attention and clear communication at every stage.
• You don’t pay unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis.

We’re proud to stand beside the people of Lebanon when they need us most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the statute of limitations for spinal cord injury claims in Indiana?

In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This includes cases involving spinal cord injuries. Failing to file within this period may result in losing your right to seek compensation. It’s crucial to consult with a Lebanon spinal cord injury lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner.​

What compensation can I expect from a spinal cord injury claim?

Compensation varies based on the injury’s severity and impact on your life. A spinal injury attorney in Lebanon can help you pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Each case is unique, so discussing your situation with a qualified attorney is essential.​

How does Indiana’s comparative fault law affect my case?

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. Your compensation may be reduced proportionally if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. However, you may be barred from recovering damages if you’re more than 50% at fault. A personal injury lawyer in Lebanon, IN, can assess your case and advise on how comparative fault may influence your claim.​

Why should I hire a Lebanon injury lawyer for my spinal cord injury case?

Spinal cord injury cases are complex and require thorough legal knowledge. A Lebanon injury lawyer can navigate the legal system, gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests to secure the compensation you deserve.​

What if my injury occurred at work?

If your spinal cord injury happened on the job, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, if a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury, you could pursue a separate personal injury claim. Consulting with a spinal injury attorney in Lebanon can help you explore all available legal options.​

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t try to face the aftermath alone. Insurance companies are not on your side—but we are.

As your Lebanon spinal cord injury lawyer, we’ll help you seek the full compensation you need to move forward. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Call us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help.