Wisconsin Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis Attorneys

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most serious and life-changing conditions a person can experience. The spinal cord is a vital part of the body’s system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and other parts of the body, including movement, sensation, and bladder control. When the spinal cord is damaged—whether from a car crash, slip and fall accident, or another incident—the results can be devastating. Victims may face a range of problems, such as paralysis, tingling, difficulty moving, or even loss of bladder function. If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and consult with a seasoned spinal cord injury lawyer. This ensures you are guided through the process and have the best chance to receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Statistics and Prevalence of Spinal Cord Injuries in Wisconsin

Spinal cord injuries are more common than many realize, with approximately 17,000 new cases reported each year in the United States. Wisconsin sees a significant share of these injuries, with the leading cause being motor vehicle accidents. Other common causes include falls, sports-related incidents, and medical malpractice. Most spinal cord injury cases in Wisconsin involve severe damage to the cervical or thoracic spine, which can result in long-term disability and a profound impact on quality of life. If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s carelessness—whether in a crash or another type of accident—it is essential to connect with a dedicated spinal cord injury lawyer. They can help you determine your legal options and guide you toward recovering the compensation you deserve.

Get Help From Our Seasoned Wisconsin Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today

Many accidents lead to catastrophic spinal cord injuries. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we realize that this is one of the most alarming injuries to deal with. Because the spinal cord is central to almost everything a person does, any damage can turn your life upside down. In addition to disability and pain, many spinal cord victims have outrageous medical expenses. Our legal services include a thorough case evaluation, legal document review, and guidance on billing arrangements, all provided to support your personal injury claim. Now is the time to analyze whether you can sue someone for compensation. Call our firm today to speak with our Wisconsin spinal cord injury lawyers at our firm in a free, no-risk consultation. We are committed to helping spinal cord injury victims pursue the compensation and justice they deserve.

Spinal Cord Injuries Our Wisconsin Attorneys Handle

Our firm can help anyone in Wisconsin suffering from the common types of spinal cord injuries, including:

• Spinal contusion. This type of injury involves a bruise to the spinal cord, often as the result of a traumatic accident. This type of injury can lead to impaired sensation and an inability to move certain parts of the body, though recovery tends to be the fastest of all types of spinal cord injuries.
• Incomplete spinal cord injury. The spine is not totally cut into two. For example, it might be shredded, nicked, or partially torn. Because some portion remains connected, a victim tends to retain a degree of movement and sensation below the level of injury. The specific levels of the spinal cord affected will determine which functions are preserved. An incomplete injury can improve with grueling physical therapy, though most incomplete injuries massively disrupt lives.
• Complete spinal cord injury. The cord is completely severed. A person is paralyzed below the level of impact and will have no function or sensation. Injuries at certain levels of the spinal cord can result in the inability to move the hands, significantly impacting daily activities.

This set of injuries affects different parts and levels of the spine, and understanding the types of spinal cord injuries is crucial for proper treatment and legal claims.

Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

The effects of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, not only for the person injured but also for their family. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs, as well as difficulty with breathing, coughing, or controlling bladder and bowel functions. In more severe cases, injuries to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, affecting the arms, legs, or trunk, and making daily activities a challenge. These injuries can also cause secondary problems, such as pressure sores, respiratory issues, and emotional difficulties like depression. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these common symptoms after an accident, it is vital to seek medical care right away. Consulting with a spinal cord injury lawyer can also help ensure you receive the compensation needed to treat and manage your condition, supporting both your recovery and your family’s well-being.

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment is Expensive and Difficult

Often, a spinal cord injury is immediately apparent to paramedics. The victim cannot move and possibly might struggle to breathe on their own. Treating spinal cord injuries presents significant challenges, as immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further damage. Treatment begins immediately to help a victim breathe so they don’t die.

Patients are also immobilized for transportation so that the spinal cord injury isn’t worsened. This is a frightening moment for families, who watch a loved one strapped to a gurney get loaded into the back of an ambulance.

Many spinal cord injuries require immediate surgery to remove any pressure on the spine. The surgical teams’ goal is to improve stability, which might require inserting rods or screws. These are necessary to help the bones heal in a way that won’t continue to impinge on the spinal cord.

Once the spinal column is stabilized and vertebrae heal, a patient will likely begin physical therapy. A patient’s medical team will need to identify the full extent of disability. With an incomplete injury, patients often try to train their bodies to relearn how to walk or grasp objects.

Medical care is expensive. It is not unusual for victims to incur a million dollars in medical bills for the first year. Advances in medicine, including new therapies and improved access to specialized care, are essential for improving outcomes for spinal cord injury patients.

Ongoing advancements in the field of spinal cord injury treatment continue to offer hope for better recovery and rehabilitation options.

Ensuring Adequate Medical Care

Access to quality medical care is essential for anyone living with a spinal cord injury. The right treatment can make a significant difference in your ability to recover and maintain your quality of life. A spinal cord injury lawyer can play a key role in providing support by helping you secure the medical care you need, from specialized doctors and therapists to rehabilitation services. By working closely with your medical team, your lawyer can help build a strong case that reflects the full extent of your needs, ensuring you have the resources necessary for ongoing care and healing. This commitment to providing comprehensive support can help you focus on your recovery and improve your overall well-being.

What Are the Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

According to the United Spinal Association, about 17,700 Americans suffer a spinal injury in a year. The most common causes are:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Getting struck by a car or truck while driving can easily damage a person’s spine. Many patients are immediately immobilized and need someone to call an ambulance for them. Less serious spinal contusions might show up as back pain, incontinence, or loss of balance.
• Slip and falls. A person can severely damage their spine in a fall, especially if they fall down a staircase. Victims may hit the ground hard after a fall, leading to serious spinal injuries.
• Worksite accidents. Falls are a serious cause of injury in the construction trades. A worker might fall from a ladder or scaffolding or otherwise fall from a roof and hit the ground.
• Contact sports. Some spinal cord injuries stem from violent hits in contact sports, like football.
• Violent attacks. A serious attack could damage a person’s spine. A victim might be shot or otherwise fall backwards and strike their spine on the curb or a fire hydrant.

Can You Sue for a Spinal Cord Injury in Wisconsin?

There are important reasons to hire a spinal cord injury lawyer, including understanding who can be held accountable and maximizing your chances to recover compensation for your injuries. Our personal injury law firm can sue any responsible parties who have legal liability for your injury. This is a factual and legal issue. Some accidents are merely accidents and no one is to blame. But many accidents are caused by a failure to use care, which is called negligence.

We might bring a claim against responsible parties such as:

• A negligent driver or trucker for running into your vehicle or striking you as you walked across the road. Drivers are often negligent because they are distracted, drunk, fatigued, or fail to follow the speed limit.
• A property owner for failure to keep the premises safe. They might have created a defect which causes you to fall, or they failed to warn you of a defect they couldn’t immediately fix.
• A property owner for failing to provide adequate security to keep you safe. For example, a landlord might not have locks on the doors or windows, and a criminal enters and attacks you. Other premises need security cameras and guards, depending on the history of crime.
• A school or athletic association for failing to enforce rules in a sporting contest. If they let the physical contact get out of control, they might be liable.
• A violent criminal for intentionally harming you and causing bodily injury.

While some victims may want the responsible party to apologize, the legal system is designed to focus on financial compensation rather than apologies.

Ultimately, our goal is to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Seeking justice in these cases means holding responsible parties accountable and obtaining financial compensation to help you move forward.

Protecting Your Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury

If your spinal cord injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, it is crucial to protect your rights and seek legal advice from a seasoned spinal cord injury lawyer. Navigating the legal system can be complex, but a dedicated attorney will guide you through every step—gathering medical records, determining the responsible party, and building a strong legal claim. Acting quickly is important, as waiting too long can make it harder to recover the compensation you deserve. By working with a knowledgeable legal team, you can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair and just compensation for your injuries, helping you and your family move forward after sustaining such a life-altering injury.

Damages & Full and Fair Compensation for Spinal Cord Claims in Wisconsin

Our firm has a strong record of success in spinal cord injury cases, consistently obtaining favorable compensation for our clients. Our reputation is built on helping clients recover the damages they deserve after life-changing injuries.

Because these are catastrophic injuries, our clients often request damages for:

• Past and present medical care, including surgery, prescriptions, overnights in the hospital and ICU, ambulance transportation, and other care.
• Future medical expenses. If you have ongoing disabilities, you might need future rehabilitation, counseling, surgery, and modifications to your home or vehicle.
• Pain and suffering. Our clients suffer immense pain and diminished quality of life. We can request money for all physical and emotional suffering and pain.
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Even a relatively minor spinal cord injury can prevent a person from working for months, if not longer. More serious injuries could lead to permanent unemployment. You should request money for all lost income.

When you work with us, you can expect clear guidance on the types of damages and compensation available in your case.

Spinal Cord Injury FAQs

What are the long-term effects of a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury can cause life-changing effects that vary depending on the severity and location of the damage. Some people experience partial or complete paralysis, while others may struggle with reduced mobility, chronic pain, or loss of sensation in certain areas of the body. Beyond physical challenges, these injuries often lead to emotional and financial stress because of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive equipment needs. The long-term effects are not limited to the injured person—they also affect families and caregivers who must adjust to new routines. Because of these lasting impacts, many people turn to personal injury lawyers for help. Lawyers can investigate how the injury occurred, determine who is responsible, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. While recovery may be uncertain, legal support can provide families with financial resources to manage the future with greater security.

How can personal injury lawyers help after a spinal cord injury?

Personal injury lawyers play a critical role in helping people who suffer a spinal cord injury caused by negligence, such as a car accident, workplace accident, or fall. These cases are often complex because the costs of treatment and long-term care can last a lifetime. A lawyer can gather medical evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong claim. They also handle negotiations with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts. By fighting for fair compensation, lawyers aim to cover expenses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation programs, home modifications, and lost income. Importantly, they also seek damages for pain and suffering, recognizing the emotional impact of paralysis. While no amount of money can undo the injury, having experienced personal injury lawyers on your side ensures your rights are protected and your future needs are prioritized. Legal guidance can ease the financial burden, giving families the support needed to focus on recovery.

What compensation is available for spinal cord injury cases?

Compensation in a spinal cord injury case is designed to address both immediate and long-term needs. Victims may be entitled to recover medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation. In addition, they may seek damages for lost wages if they are unable to return to work, or reduced earning capacity if their career path changes permanently. Beyond financial losses, courts also consider the emotional toll, awarding damages for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. In some cases, compensation can also cover modifications to homes or vehicles, assistive technology, and the cost of in-home care. Because these claims often involve large sums and aggressive insurance defense, working with personal injury lawyers is essential. Lawyers understand how to calculate the full scope of damages and fight to ensure victims and families receive fair recovery. For those living with paralysis or reduced mobility, financial support provides not just relief but also stability and dignity for the future.

Call Our Wisconsin Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today

This is a difficult time for you and your family. You deserve the help of a seasoned, passionate Wisconsin spinal cord injury lawyer. Contact Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC,, today. Our firm has decades of combined experience negotiating settlements for some of the worst catastrophic injuries imaginable. When appropriate, we might even file a personal injury lawsuit in court on your behalf. You can count on us to do everything possible to get fair compensation for your spinal injury.

Don’t wait to seek legal help—acting quickly can make a significant difference in your case. Do not hesitate to call us by phone at 608-784-4370 or contact us online—our consultations are free!