Defining a Complete Spinal Cord Injury
A complete spinal cord injury is diagnosed when there is no sensory or motor function preserved in the sacral segments (S4–S5). Clinicians confirm this status through standardized ISNCSCI exams and ASIA worksheets. If no sacral sparing is present, the injury is classified as ASIA Grade A.
Accurate classification provides the foundation for damages in civil litigation. A spinal cord injury attorney may introduce exam results, trauma notes, and imaging records to ensure the medical diagnosis is reflected in a lawsuit.
Functional Outcomes in Complete SCI
The effects of a complete injury vary depending on the level of the spinal cord affected:
- Cervical cord damage: Tetraplegia, affecting all limbs, often with breathing difficulties.
- Thoracic or lumbar damage: Paraplegia, sparing arm function but limiting trunk control, bladder, and bowel function.
According to the Mayo Clinic, respiratory issues and infections remain a leading concern after cervical trauma.
Families coping with these injuries often turn to back injury attorneys to connect medical realities with legal claims for compensation.
The Financial Burden of Complete Injuries
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that a young adult with tetraplegia may face first-year medical costs near $1 million and lifetime costs exceeding $6 million.
Expenses typically include:
- Long-term hospitalizations and rehabilitation
- Ongoing respiratory and urological care
- Custom wheelchairs and pressure-relieving equipment
- Accessible housing and vehicle modifications
- Full-time attendant or nursing care
A paralysis attorney will l work with life care planners to quantify these expenses for juries and insurers.
Building the Legal Case
Proving damages requires precise documentation. Key evidence includes:
- ASIA worksheets confirming ASIA A classification
- Radiological imaging of the spinal cord
- Rehabilitation notes detailing functional limitations
- Expert testimony linking medical findings to costs
When a crash causes paralysis, a car accident attorney or truck accident attorney may investigate liability, including driver error or defective vehicle components.
Families may also consult with personal injury lawyers to ensure the civil claim addresses both medical expenses and economic losses.
Legal Recovery and Long-Term Support
A complete spinal cord injury reshapes every aspect of life. The personal injury attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm coordinate medical evidence, expert testimony, and life care planning to present comprehensive damages.
By documenting long-term costs clearly, an experienced injury attorney may help families secure resources for decades of care and independence.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this article. Laws may vary by jurisdiction. Please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
