When a spinal cord injury occurs due to someone else’s negligence in Tampa, victims and their families face overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and life-altering changes. A Tampa spinal cord injury attorney at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers understands the devastating impact these catastrophic injuries have on individuals and families throughout Hillsborough County.

Our legal team works diligently to hold responsible parties accountable while securing the comprehensive compensation needed for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Tampa, contact our experienced attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and rights under Florida law.

Why Choose Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case

Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers has extensive experience representing spinal cord injury victims throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. Our legal team understands the complexity of these catastrophic injury cases and has the resources to take on large insurance companies and corporations to pursue the compensation you deserve.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This approach allows you to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs during recovery.

Our Tampa office provides convenient access for clients and their families. For those facing mobility challenges, our attorneys can meet at your home or medical facility when needed.

Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with medical professionals, life care planners, and financial experts who help us develop comprehensive claims for long-term care, lost income, and future needs.

At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we provide personalized attention to every client. We take the time to understand how your injury affects your life and your family, allowing us to advocate effectively for full and fair compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for a free consultation. Our attorneys will explain your rights, outline your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Tampa

Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most severe and life-altering injuries a person can sustain. The spinal cord serves as the body’s primary communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. It transmits signals that control movement, sensation, and vital bodily functions. When this critical structure suffers damage, the consequences can be permanent and profound.

Tampa medical facilities, including Tampa General Hospital’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program, treat numerous spinal cord injury cases annually through specialized rehabilitation services. These injuries fundamentally alter not only the victim’s life but also place enormous emotional and financial burdens on family members. Family members often become primary caregivers. Understanding the full scope of these injuries is essential for pursuing appropriate legal action and securing fair compensation.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Understanding the classification and severity of these injuries is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and legal remedies. Medical professionals classify spinal cord injuries into two primary categories by severity: complete and incomplete injuries.

Complete spinal cord injuries result in total loss of sensation and motor function below the point of injury. Victims with complete injuries typically experience permanent paralysis and require extensive long-term care. Incomplete spinal cord injuries allow for some preservation of function below the injury site. However, the extent of remaining abilities varies significantly among individuals.

The location of the injury along the spinal column also determines the specific effects on the victim’s body. Cervical injuries occur in the neck region and often result in quadriplegia. These injuries affect all four limbs and potentially require mechanical ventilation. Thoracic injuries in the upper and middle back typically cause paraplegia. These injuries affect the lower body while preserving arm and hand function. Lumbar and sacral injuries in the lower back may impact leg function, bowel and bladder control, and sexual function.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County often result from preventable accidents.

• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause, accounting for about 38.2% of new cases in 2021, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. High-speed collisions, rollovers, and rear-end impacts with cars, trucks, and motorcycles can generate tremendous force that damages the spinal cord. Motorcycle riders face especially high risks due to the lack of protective barriers. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers can help you pursue compensation from those responsible.
• Slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries, representing approximately 32.3% of cases. These slip and fall incidents are particularly common among older adults and often occur because of wet floors, poor lighting, or damaged walkways. Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions may be held legally responsible under premises liability laws when their negligence results in serious injury.
• Workplace accidents also contribute to many spinal cord injuries in Tampa’s construction and industrial sectors. Falls from heights, malfunctioning equipment, and being struck by heavy objects can cause severe trauma. While Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits, additional compensation may be available through third-party claims when other parties or defective equipment contribute to the accident.
• Medical malpractice can also cause spinal cord injuries, particularly during spinal surgeries. These iatrogenic injuries account for roughly 4.1% of cases and occur when healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care. Establishing liability in these cases typically requires expert medical testimony.
• Sports-related activities make up about 7.8% of spinal cord injuries. High-impact sports such as football, diving, and gymnastics carry significant risk, especially when safety protocols are not followed or equipment fails.

The Life-Changing Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries cause severe physical and emotional challenges that extend long after the initial trauma. While paralysis is the most visible effect, victims often face additional complications that require continuous medical care and significantly affect their quality of life.

Physical Consequences

Physical complications are common. Cervical injuries can impair breathing, leading to respiratory difficulties and the need for mechanical ventilation. Cardiovascular issues such as irregular blood pressure and an increased risk of blood clots frequently develop. Spinal cord injury victims often lose bowel and bladder control, requiring ongoing management. Immobility can also cause skin breakdown and pressure sores, affecting up to half of all patients, and it can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Emotional Consequences

Emotional and psychological challenges are equally serious. Nearly half of all spinal cord injury patients experience depression, along with anxiety and adjustment disorders, as they adapt to sudden loss of independence, career changes, and altered life goals. Counseling and long-term psychological support are often essential for recovery.

Family members also endure emotional strain as they adjust to caregiving roles and changing household responsibilities. These ripple effects can reshape relationships and family dynamics. Addressing both the physical and emotional consequences is critical to pursuing full and fair compensation.

Financial Consequences

The financial burden of spinal cord injuries can be staggering. Lifetime costs often exceed several million dollars. Emergency medical care represents just the beginning of a long and expensive treatment journey that continues for the remainder of the victim’s life. Life care planning is essential for documenting these expenses and securing appropriate compensation.

Medical Treatment and Long-Term Care Costs

Initial hospitalization costs can range from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars. This depends on the severity of the injury and the length of stay. High tetraplegia cases average $1,064,716 in first-year costs. Low tetraplegia cases average $769,351, and paraplegia cases average $518,904. Emergency transportation by helicopter or ambulance adds additional costs that insurance may not fully cover.

Rehabilitation represents a critical component of spinal cord injury treatment. Costs continue for months or years after the initial injury. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy help victims maximize their remaining function and learn adaptive techniques. Tampa Bay area rehabilitation facilities, including those affiliated with Tampa General Hospital, provide intensive programs. However, these services come with substantial price tags.

Home modifications become necessary to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Wheelchair ramps can cost $1,119 to $3,583. Accessible bathrooms and beds can cost thousands more. Total modifications potentially reach tens of thousands of dollars. Vehicle modifications add additional expenses. These include wheelchair lifts and hand controls, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles costing up to $80,000.

Ongoing medical care includes regular physician visits, prescription medications, medical equipment maintenance, and treatment for secondary complications. Personal care attendants may be necessary for activities of daily living. Costs potentially reach up to approximately $185,000 annually for individuals with high tetraplegia requiring extensive care. These substantial expenses underscore the importance of securing full compensation through a personal injury claim.

Legal Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury in Tampa

Florida law provides important protections for spinal cord injury victims when their injuries result from another party’s negligence. Understanding these legal rights is important for securing the compensation necessary to cover the enormous costs associated with these catastrophic injuries.

Establishing negligence requires demonstrating that the responsible party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the victim’s injuries. In motor vehicle accidents, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow Florida traffic laws. Under Florida premises liability laws, property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. Employers must provide safe working environments for their employees under Florida labor laws.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% fault threshold under Florida Statute § 768.81. This means that compensation may be reduced if the victim bears some responsibility for the accident. However, victims who are less than 51% at fault may still recover damages proportional to the other party’s degree of fault. This modified system, effective March 24, 2023, represents a significant change from Florida’s previous pure comparative negligence rule.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations in Florida provides two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Florida Statute § 95.11. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeframe. Medical malpractice cases have different limitation periods, and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. Acting quickly is important to preserve evidence and witness testimony.

Insurance coverage often proves inadequate for spinal cord injury cases. This makes it necessary to identify all potentially liable parties and available insurance policies. Multiple defendants may share responsibility. Additionally, umbrella policies or commercial insurance may provide additional coverage beyond standard auto or homeowner’s policies. Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers has extensive experience identifying all available sources of compensation.

Compensation for Tampa Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Spinal cord injury victims in Tampa may be entitled to compensation that covers both immediate and lifelong needs. Calculating the full scope of damages is essential to ensure settlements or verdicts provide lasting financial security.

• Medical expenses often make up a large portion of compensation, including past bills and the projected cost of lifetime care. Life care planners help estimate these costs, which can reach several million dollars depending on the severity of the injury.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are also significant. Many victims cannot return to their previous jobs, and some are unable to work at all. Economists evaluate these losses based on the victim’s age, career path, and potential future earnings.
• Non-economic damages such as pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life compensate for the profound personal impact of spinal cord injuries. Though harder to measure, they are an important part of achieving full recovery.
• Compensation may also include home and vehicle modifications to support long-term mobility, along with maintenance or future updates as needs evolve.
• Family members can seek damages for loss of consortium, recognizing the strain a catastrophic injury places on relationships.

At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we pursue every category of available compensation to help clients and their families rebuild their lives after a spinal cord injury.

How Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Handles Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Our Comprehensive Legal Approach

At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we recognize that spinal cord injury cases demand thorough preparation and significant resources.

• Our Tampa legal team begins each case with a detailed investigation to identify all responsible parties and secure critical evidence before it’s lost.
• Gathering evidence is central to proving spinal cord injury cases. When necessary, we conduct accident reconstructions with engineering experts who analyze vehicle damage, road conditions, and other technical factors. We also gather witness statements early and preserve any available surveillance footage.
• We work closely with experts and professionals such as neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists to document the full extent of our clients’ injuries. Life care planners calculate long-term medical costs, while economists assess lost income and reduced earning capacity. Together, this evidence supports the full measure of compensation our clients deserve.
• Our attorneys are well-versed in negotiating with insurance companies that try to undervalue catastrophic injury claims. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we have the testimony and documentation needed to succeed in court or settlement negotiations.
• Throughout the process, we maintain open communication with clients and their families. We handle the legal complexities so they can focus on healing and rebuilding their lives. This client-centered approach defines Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers’s commitment to those affected by spinal cord injuries.

Real Case Result: Spinal Fracture from Rear-End Collision

Our firm represented a teenage girl who suffered a multiple-level spinal fracture in her neck when an SUV rear-ended her family’s car on SR-94. Despite the at-fault driver’s minimal insurance coverage, our attorneys secured the $25,000 policy-limit settlement and successfully reduced her medical reimbursement claim from nearly $75,000 to under $5,000.

This case demonstrates the importance of underinsured motorist coverage and how strategic legal advocacy can help spinal cord injury victims recover meaningful compensation even when available insurance coverage is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries in Tampa

Contact Our Tampa Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, don’t wait to get legal help. The experienced spinal cord injury attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations so you can understand your legal options with no financial obligation. During your consultation, our team will review your case, explain your rights under Florida law, and provide clear, honest guidance about your next steps.

Our Tampa spinal cord injury lawyers handle cases throughout Hillsborough County and nearby areas. With extensive local experience and knowledge of Florida’s courts and procedures, we’re well-positioned to represent you effectively. Act quickly. Evidence can fade, witnesses can become unavailable, and Florida’s two-year statute of limitations sets a strict filing deadline. Contact us now.

At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This allows you to access skilled legal representation without upfront costs. Don’t let a slip and fall injury disrupt your life. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (813) 605-1100 to schedule your free consultation and start your path toward recovery.