Advocating for Victims of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can change your life forever. Whether caused by a car accident, a fall, or an injury on someone else’s property, spinal cord injuries often lead to long-term disability, paralysis, and a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to have the right legal team on your side to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
At Neal & Solevilla Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens that spinal cord injury victims face. Our experienced legal team is committed to providing top-tier representation and zealous advocacy, including the expertise of a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. When you hire Neal & Solevilla, you are choosing a law firm that will stand by you every step of the way, fighting tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
At Neal & Solevilla Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens that spinal cord injury victims face. Our experienced legal team is committed to providing top-tier representation and zealous advocacy, including the expertise of a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. When you hire Neal & Solevilla, you are choosing a law firm that will stand by you every step of the way, fighting tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by trauma, such as a blow to the spine. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Car accidents: High-impact collisions often cause damage to the spine, especially in rear-end or rollover crashes.
Falls: Slip-and-fall accidents, particularly from heights, can result in serious spinal injuries.
Sports injuries: Contact sports and recreational activities like football, diving, and skiing can lead to spinal cord injuries.
Falls: Slip-and-fall accidents, particularly from heights, can result in serious spinal injuries.
Sports injuries: Contact sports and recreational activities like football, diving, and skiing can lead to spinal cord injuries.
Workplace accidents: Construction site accidents, falls from ladders, or injuries from heavy machinery can cause severe spinal damage.
Violence: Gunshot wounds or physical assaults can also lead to traumatic spinal cord injuries.
Violence: Gunshot wounds or physical assaults can also lead to traumatic spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord injuries can be categorized as complete or incomplete. A complete injury means that there is no function below the level of the injury, resulting in total paralysis. An incomplete injury means that there is some level of function or sensation below the injury site. Both types of spinal cord injuries can result in permanent disability and require lifelong medical care.
The Devastating Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
The consequences of a spinal cord injury are often catastrophic, affecting nearly every aspect of a victim’s life. The physical impact of the injury may include:
Paralysis: Depending on the location of the injury on the spinal cord, victims may suffer from paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).
Loss of sensation and motor function: Victims may experience partial or total loss of sensation and movement, which can affect their ability to walk, move their arms, or perform basic daily activities.
Chronic pain: Many spinal cord injury victims experience chronic pain, which can interfere with their ability to work or enjoy life.
In addition to the physical consequences, spinal cord injuries can have a profound emotional and psychological impact on victims and their families. Coping with permanent disability, changes in lifestyle, and the loss of independence can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
Financially, the costs associated with a spinal cord injury can be staggering. Victims often require:
Extensive medical treatment: This may include surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
Lifelong care: Victims with severe injuries may require assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
Home modifications: Many spinal cord injury victims need to modify their homes to accommodate wheelchairs, mobility aids, or other assistive devices.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Spinal cord injuries often prevent victims from returning to work, leading to a significant loss of income.
Paralysis: Depending on the location of the injury on the spinal cord, victims may suffer from paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).
Loss of sensation and motor function: Victims may experience partial or total loss of sensation and movement, which can affect their ability to walk, move their arms, or perform basic daily activities.
Chronic pain: Many spinal cord injury victims experience chronic pain, which can interfere with their ability to work or enjoy life.
In addition to the physical consequences, spinal cord injuries can have a profound emotional and psychological impact on victims and their families. Coping with permanent disability, changes in lifestyle, and the loss of independence can lead to depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
Financially, the costs associated with a spinal cord injury can be staggering. Victims often require:
Extensive medical treatment: This may include surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
Lifelong care: Victims with severe injuries may require assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
Home modifications: Many spinal cord injury victims need to modify their homes to accommodate wheelchairs, mobility aids, or other assistive devices.
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Spinal cord injuries often prevent victims from returning to work, leading to a significant loss of income.
Why You Need an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Spinal cord injury cases are some of the most complex and high-stakes personal injury claims. Proving liability for the accident, calculating the full extent of your damages, and negotiating with insurance companies all require a deep understanding of both the legal and medical aspects of your case. Insurance companies often try to minimize compensation by downplaying the severity of your injuries or offering lowball settlements that don’t cover your long-term needs.
At Neal & Solevilla, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation for spinal cord injury victims. We understand the unique challenges these cases present, and we know how to build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. From investigating the cause of your injury to working with medical experts to determine the full scope of your damages, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.
At Neal & Solevilla, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation for spinal cord injury victims. We understand the unique challenges these cases present, and we know how to build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. From investigating the cause of your injury to working with medical experts to determine the full scope of your damages, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.
Why Choose Neal & Solevilla?
1. Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Neal & Solevilla is that our team includes a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. This certification is a mark of excellence, awarded to attorneys who have demonstrated the highest level of skill, experience, and success in civil trial law. Board certification is awarded by The Florida Bar only after at least five years in practice, at least 15 contested civil cases, peer review and a written examination, and it represents a commitment to providing the highest quality legal representation.
In spinal cord injury cases, the stakes are incredibly high. Victims often require millions of dollars in compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Insurance companies know this, and they will often fight hard to reduce the amount they have to pay. Having a board certified attorney on your side sends a strong message that you are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary, and that you have the expertise and resources to win.
In spinal cord injury cases, the stakes are incredibly high. Victims often require millions of dollars in compensation to cover their medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Insurance companies know this, and they will often fight hard to reduce the amount they have to pay. Having a board certified attorney on your side sends a strong message that you are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary, and that you have the expertise and resources to win.
2. Experience Handling Complex Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Spinal cord injury cases are medically and legally complex. These injuries often involve long-term medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and permanent disability, all of which must be factored into your claim. At Neal & Solevilla, we have extensive experience handling complex spinal cord injury cases, and we know how to navigate the legal challenges these cases present.
Our team will work with a network of medical professionals, including surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, and life care planners, to fully evaluate the extent of your injuries. We’ll calculate not only your immediate medical expenses, but also the long-term costs of your care, including future surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. We will also account for your lost income, loss of earning capacity, and the impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
Our team will work with a network of medical professionals, including surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, and life care planners, to fully evaluate the extent of your injuries. We’ll calculate not only your immediate medical expenses, but also the long-term costs of your care, including future surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. We will also account for your lost income, loss of earning capacity, and the impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
3. Zealous Advocacy and Personalized Representation
At Neal & Solevilla, we pride ourselves on providing zealous advocacy for every client. We understand the immense challenges spinal cord injury victims face, and we are committed to fighting tirelessly on your behalf. Our attorneys will work closely with you to understand your needs, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every stage of your case.
We are not a high-volume firm that pushes cases to quick settlements. Instead, we take the time to build a strong case, thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your injury, gathering evidence, and negotiating aggressively with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We are not a high-volume firm that pushes cases to quick settlements. Instead, we take the time to build a strong case, thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your injury, gathering evidence, and negotiating aggressively with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
4. Proven Track Record of Success
At Neal & Solevilla, we have a proven track record of success in securing significant compensation for our clients. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims, and we have the experience and resources to take on even the most complex cases. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every client, and we won’t stop fighting until you receive the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
5. No Attorney Fees Unless We Win
At Neal & Solevilla, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a **contingency fee basis**—you don’t pay us any fees unless we win your case. This means you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case, without worrying about upfront legal costs.
Pursuing Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
Medical Expenses: This includes emergency medical care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
Lost Wages: If your injury has prevented you from working, we will seek compensation for your lost income.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury has permanently affected your ability to work, we will seek compensation for your loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Spinal cord injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional suffering. We will seek compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
Long-Term Care Costs: If your injury requires ongoing care, such as in-home assistance or nursing care, we will ensure that these costs are accounted for in your claim.
Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Many spinal cord injury victims require modifications to their homes, such as wheelchair ramps, as well as assistive devices like wheelchairs or motorized scooters. We will seek compensation for these necessary expenses.
Call Neal & Solevilla for a free consultation about your case today, and begin your journey toward restoration.
Medical Expenses: This includes emergency medical care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
Lost Wages: If your injury has prevented you from working, we will seek compensation for your lost income.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury has permanently affected your ability to work, we will seek compensation for your loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Spinal cord injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional suffering. We will seek compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
Long-Term Care Costs: If your injury requires ongoing care, such as in-home assistance or nursing care, we will ensure that these costs are accounted for in your claim.
Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Many spinal cord injury victims require modifications to their homes, such as wheelchair ramps, as well as assistive devices like wheelchairs or motorized scooters. We will seek compensation for these necessary expenses.
Call Neal & Solevilla for a free consultation about your case today, and begin your journey toward restoration.
Frequently asked questions about Florida spinal cord injury claims
Florida spinal cord injury claims at a glance
- Florida places no cap on pain and suffering in an ordinary negligence case.
- The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center puts first-year costs of high tetraplegia at $1,446,827 and every year after at $251,246, in 2025 dollars.
- For paraplegia the same source gives $705,131 in the first year and $93,409 each year after.
- Where future economic damages exceed $250,000, either side can ask the court to order periodic payments rather than a lump sum, under Statute 768.78.
- You have two years from the date of injury to file, under Statute 95.11(5)(a).
What types of compensation are available for spinal cord injuries in Florida?
Past and future medical care, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, home and vehicle modification, attendant care, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and pain, suffering and mental anguish. In a catastrophic case the future care component usually dwarfs everything already spent, which is why a life care plan matters more here than in an ordinary injury claim.
Is there a cap on pain and suffering in a Florida spinal cord injury case?
No. Florida places no cap on non-economic damages in an ordinary negligence case. The caps that existed for medical malpractice were struck down by the Florida Supreme Court, for wrongful death in Estate of McCall in 2014 and for personal injury in North Broward Hospital District v. Kalitan in 2017, and the Legislature has not reinstated them.
What are the lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury?
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center puts first-year costs of high tetraplegia at $1,446,827 and each following year at $251,246, in 2025 dollars. Paraplegia runs $705,131 then $93,409. Estimated lifetime costs for someone injured at 25 range from about $2.1 million to $6.4 million, covering health care and living expenses only.
How much is a spinal cord injury case worth?
Nobody can price one from a phone call, and you should be wary of anyone who tries. The figure turns on the level and completeness of the injury, the life care plan, lost earning capacity, and how much insurance and how many liable parties actually exist. Available coverage caps real recoveries far more often than the injury does.
What is the difference between complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries?
A complete injury means no motor or sensory function remains below the level of injury. An incomplete injury means some function survives, and how much varies enormously. Clinicians grade this on the ASIA Impairment Scale. The distinction drives the prognosis, the cost of future care, and therefore the value of the claim.
Can I file a lawsuit for a herniated disc caused by an accident?
Yes. A herniated disc is a spinal injury even though it is not a spinal cord injury, and it commonly meets the permanent injury threshold in Statute 627.737(2) that opens the door to pain and suffering damages. Expect the insurer to argue the disc was degenerative and pre-existing, which is why early imaging and an accurate history matter.
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Florida?
Two years from the date of the injury, under Statute 95.11(5)(a). Where future economic damages exceed $250,000, be aware that either side can ask the court to order those damages paid periodically rather than as a lump sum, under Statute 768.78, so how a settlement is structured deserves as much attention as its headline figure.
