Plainfield Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries can instantly transform a person’s life. What begins as an ordinary day can end with a life-altering injury that affects your ability to move, work, care for your family, and enjoy the life you once knew. At Vaughn Wamsley, we’ve seen the toll these injuries take—physically, emotionally, and financially. As trusted Plainfield injury lawyers, we’re here to help you navigate the complex aftermath with clarity, support, and fierce legal advocacy.

Understanding the Scope and Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating physical traumas a person can endure. They affect the body’s ability to transmit signals between the brain and limbs, potentially leading to permanent loss of movement and sensation.

Depending on the location and severity, an SCI can result in paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). The injury may be complete—resulting in total loss of function—or incomplete, where some movement or sensation remains.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, there are approximately 17,810 new spinal cord injuries in the U.S. each year. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause, followed by falls, violent acts, and sports injuries. These injuries come with staggering financial consequences. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation estimates that lifetime costs can range from $1.2 million to over $5 million, depending on the age of the victim and the level of injury.

As your spinal injury attorneys in Plainfield, we pursue full compensation so you’re not burdened by these costs alone—especially when someone else’s negligence is to blame.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Plainfield

We’ve handled spinal injury cases that stem from a wide variety of accidents, including:

• Rear-end car collisions
• Motorcycle crashes
• Falls from heights
• Slip and falls on unsafe property
• Workplace incidents involving machinery or falling objects
• Defective or unsafe consumer products
• Acts of violence

No matter how your injury occurred, if someone else was careless or acted recklessly, we’re here to help you hold them accountable and seek the financial compensation you need.

How Indiana Law Protects Spinal Cord Injury Victims

As a personal injury lawyer in Plainfield, IN, we guide our clients through Indiana’s legal framework to ensure they understand their rights and timelines.

Filing Deadlines and Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. If your case involves a government entity (such as an injury on municipal property), you may be required to file a notice of claim within 180 or 270 days, depending on the level of government. If you miss these deadlines, your case can be dismissed—even if it’s valid.

Comparative Fault Rules in Indiana

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. If you’re partially responsible for the accident that caused your spinal cord injury, you can still recover damages—so long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and awarded $500,000, you would receive $400,000.

Our role as your Plainfield injury attorney is to minimize any blame placed on you and make sure the responsible parties are held fully accountable.

Damage Caps on Punitive Awards

Punitive damages are capped in Indiana at three times the amount of compensatory damages or $50,000—whichever is greater. These are not awarded in every case, but may be available when the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or intentional.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered?

The value of a spinal cord injury claim depends on the severity of your injuries, how long you are expected to suffer, and how your life has been altered. We pursue full compensation for damages such as:

• Emergency room and hospitalization costs
• Surgical procedures and future medical care
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• In-home medical assistance
• Durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, hospital beds)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Travel to and from medical appointments

We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to ensure no future cost is overlooked in your claim.

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

Our Proven Approach to Spinal Cord Injury Cases

When you come to us after a spinal cord injury, our first job is to listen. We want to understand what happened, how your life has changed, and what challenges lie ahead. Then, we take swift and thorough action to build a strong case for compensation.

Step 1: Investigating the Cause

We examine every detail of the incident—whether it was a crash, fall, or defective product. We gather witness statements, surveillance footage, police reports, and any relevant documents to build the case for liability.

Step 2: Proving the Extent of Your Injury

We work with spinal cord specialists and medical providers to demonstrate the severity of your injury and the level of disability it causes. We also gather statements from family members and vocational experts to illustrate how the injury has affected your daily life and future career.

Step 3: Negotiating for Maximum Compensation

Insurance companies may try to minimize your payout or shift the blame to you. As your Plainfield spinal cord injury lawyers, we negotiate firmly and refuse to accept lowball offers. If the insurance company won’t make a fair offer, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

Do You Need a Lawyer After a Spinal Cord Injury?

Absolutely. Spinal cord injuries are complex and costly. A skilled attorney ensures that your claim is valued correctly and that you aren’t pressured into settling for less than you deserve. We’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies delay or deny valid claims. We step in to fight for you, protect your rights, and give you peace of mind so you can focus on recovery.

We also know that life doesn’t wait while you heal. Medical bills arrive quickly. You may be unable to return to work. You may need help finding specialists or understanding your insurance coverage. We don’t just handle the legal process—we help coordinate care, provide resources, and ensure your life stays on track while your case progresses.

We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

Worried about cost? Don’t be. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you. That means our success is directly tied to yours. It also means you get high-quality representation without adding financial stress to an already difficult situation.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Spinal Cord Injury

Tragically, some spinal cord injuries are fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, we can help you file a wrongful death claim. These claims allow surviving family members to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, medical bills, and loss of companionship.

We know this is an incredibly painful time. Our team approaches wrongful death cases with the compassion and professionalism you deserve.

What Sets Vaughn Wamsley Apart?

As a local Plainfield injury attorney, we know the community, the courts, and the insurance companies. We’re not a high-volume law firm focused on quick settlements. We take on fewer cases to give each client the personal attention and relentless advocacy they need.

We pride ourselves on being responsive, accessible, and honest. When you hire us, you get a team that genuinely cares about your outcome. We take your case personally, and we fight to win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my spinal cord injury happened at work?

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if your injury occurred on the job. These cover medical treatment and partial wages. However, you may also have a personal injury claim if a third party contributed to your injury (such as a negligent contractor or defective product). We’ll help you explore all avenues for compensation.

How long will my spinal cord injury claim take?

There’s no universal timeline, but most cases take several months to over a year. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring it’s thoroughly developed for the best possible outcome.

Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Indiana’s comparative fault law allows you to recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. Your percentage of fault will reduce your recovery. We work to minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.

What is my claim worth?

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, prognosis, medical costs, lost wages, and how the injury has impacted your life. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the potential value based on the facts of your case.

How do I get started?

Just call us or fill out our contact form. We’ll schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and begin reviewing your case. If we move forward, you’ll have a dedicated Plainfield spinal cord injury lawyer by your side every step of the way.

Don’t Wait. Get the Help You Need Today.

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury in Plainfield, don’t delay. The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better protected your rights will be. Contact Vaughn Wamsley today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the first steps toward recovery.