Spinal Cord Injuries

There is no charge to speak with us about your case. Call us or fill out the form — it’s fast, and it’s free. We want to know how you or your loved one has been hurt so we know how best to help. And it’s important to remember: In most cases you will never be asked to pay for our help until the end of the case. Learn more about contingency fees here.

Your Lerners lawyer and supporting legal team will collect needed information from you and others about the nature of your injury and begin preparing your case. We also work to ensure important insurance forms are filled out properly and timely and that all requirements are met.

We not only support you with legal expertise but also work to connect you with rehabilitation and medical professionals to treat your injuries and speed up your recovery. While you recuperate, our lawyers ensure you secure what you need to enjoy the best possible quality of life in the wake of your injury.

Each case is different, and Ontario’s legal and insurance systems can move slowly; however, we work hard to ensure that your case moves forward as speedily as possible without compromising on what we need to do to guide it to a successful result. A legal case can require some patience, but we will update you throughout so that you understand what is happening at every stage of your case. We will continue to advocate on your behalf for as long as necessary.

Paying for legal representation can vary depending on several factors, including the lawyer’s fee structure, the nature of the case, and the financial situation of the injured person. It’s important to discuss fee arrangements and potential costs during an initial consultation. In our contingency fee retainers (no fee unless we recover money by settlement or award), you won’t be charged for our services. We can’t promise you a specific outcome — this can be an involved and complicated process, but we can promise to remain at your side from start to finish and never give up. Click here to learn more about contingency fees.

A spinal cord injury refers to damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, either temporarily or permanently. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the brain down the back, enclosed within the spinal column (backbone). It plays a crucial role in transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body, enabling movement and sensation. Spinal cord injuries can occur due to various causes, including trauma (such as from accidents, falls, or violence), diseases (like spinal cord tumors or infections), or degeneration (as in spinal stenosis or disc degeneration). The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on the location and severity of the damage. Injuries higher up on the spinal cord can result in more extensive loss of function, potentially affecting both sensation and movement below the injury site.

Spinal cord injuries can result from various causes, but some of the most common include: Motor Vehicle Accidents; Falls; Sports Injuries; Violence.

In Canada, spinal cord injury can become a legal matter in various contexts.

Personal Injury Claims: If someone sustains a spinal cord injury due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party (such as in a motor vehicle accident, workplace incident, or medical malpractice), it can lead to a personal injury lawsuit. The injured person may seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Insurance Claims: Spinal cord injuries often involve significant medical expenses and long-term care needs. Dealing with insurance companies to ensure coverage for necessary treatments and rehabilitation can sometimes require legal intervention.

Disability Rights and Accommodations: Individuals with spinal cord injuries may face challenges related to accessibility, discrimination, and obtaining reasonable accommodations at work or in public spaces. Legal assistance may be needed to ensure their rights are protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act and provincial human rights codes.

Criminal Law: In cases where a spinal cord injury results from criminal actions (such as assault or reckless driving), it can lead to criminal charges against the perpetrator. The injured person may also be involved in legal proceedings as a witness or victim.

Guardianship and Decision-making: Severe spinal cord injuries may impact an individual’s capacity to make decisions about their care, finances, or personal matters. Legal processes, such as obtaining guardianship or powers of attorney, may be necessary to ensure their interests are represented.

If you sustain a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may have grounds to sue various parties depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury. Here are potential parties you might consider suing: Individuals; Employers; Government Entities; Companies; Healthcare Providers; Manufacturers; Property Owners.

A spinal cord injury lawsuit typically follows a series of steps aimed at resolving the legal claim and obtaining compensation for the injured party. Throughout the stages, the injured person’s lawyer plays a crucial role in advocating for their client’s rights, preparing the case, negotiating settlements, and presenting evidence in court if necessary. The goal is to secure fair compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the spinal cord injury.

If you or someone else experiences an accident resulting in a suspected spinal cord injury in Canada, it’s crucial to take immediate actions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the injured person. Here are some steps to consider: Call Emergency Services; Minimize Movement: Do Not Remove A Helmet; Provide Comfort and Reassurance; Document the Accident; Contact Family or Next of Kin; Seek Legal Advice; Follow Medical Recommendations.

Determining the amount of compensation for a spinal cord injury can vary widely depending on several factors. These factors include the severity of the injury, the impact on the person’s life and ability to work, the level of negligence or liability of the party at fault, and the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is filed. It’s important to note that every case is unique, and the actual amount of compensation can vary significantly based on the specific details and circumstances of the injury and the legal proceedings. Lerners personal injury lawyers specializing in spinal cord injuries play a crucial role in assessing the case, calculating damages, negotiating with insurance companies or defendants, and advocating for fair compensation on behalf of the injured person.

Compensation for a spinal cord injury in Canada typically covers a wide range of expenses and losses that result from the injury. The specific items covered can vary depending on the circumstances of the injury, the severity of the spinal cord damage, and the legal and insurance processes involved. Here are the main aspects that spinal injury compensation may cover: Medical Expenses; Lost Income and Earning Capacity; Pain and Suffering; Care and Assistance; Rehabilitation and Therapy; Specialized Equipment and Adaptations; Transportation and Travel Expenses; Legal Fees; Loss of Enjoyment of Life.

Yes, there is a time limit, known as a statute of limitations, for making a spinal injury claim in Canada. The specific time limit can vary depending on the province or territory where the injury occurred and the circumstances surrounding the claim. In some cases, it may be imperative to provide “notice” particulars to the at fault parties, and a lawyer can assist in determining whether it is necessary to do so.