Spinal Cord Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Spinal cord injuries from bicycle accidents can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally changing the victim's life forever. These cases require substantial compensation to cover lifetime care needs.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

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Complete Injuries No function below injury site. Results in:

• Paraplegia: Paralysis of lower body

• Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia: Paralysis of all four limbs

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Incomplete Injuries Some function preserved. Types include:

• Anterior Cord Syndrome: Loss of motor function, some sensation preserved

• Central Cord Syndrome: Arms more affected than legs

• Brown-Séquard Syndrome: One side of body affected

How Cycling Accidents Cause SCI

- Direct impact to spine

• Hyperextension of neck (rear-end crashes)

• Compression injuries (being run over)

• Twisting/rotation of spine

Lifetime Costs of Spinal Cord Injury

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Paraplegia

• First year: $500,000+

• Each subsequent year: $70,000+

• Lifetime cost: $2-3 million

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Quadriplegia (High)

• First year: $1,000,000+

• Each subsequent year: $200,000+

• Lifetime cost: $5-10 million+

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Costs Include:

• Emergency and acute care

• Rehabilitation

• Wheelchair and equipment

• Home modifications

• Personal care assistants

• Ongoing medical care

• Lost wages and earning capacity

Legal Considerations

SCI cases require:

• Life care planning expert

• Economist for future damages

• Medical experts on prognosis

• Vocational experts

• Understanding of insurance limits and assets