Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Washington State

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event that impacts an individual's physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Spinal injuries often result in permanent disability, requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and significant adjustments to daily life. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence or wrongful act of another party in Washington State, pursuing a legal claim is not just about seeking compensation. A spinal cord injury lawyer helps you secure the resources necessary to rebuild a changed life. Our Seattle law firm is committed to advocating for victims of spinal cord injuries across Washington, including those in Tacoma, Seattle,and beyond. 

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when trauma damages the spinal cord, the body’s central pathway for transmitting signals between the brain and nerves. The consequences of an SCI vary depending on the severity and location of the injury, ranging from partial loss of motor control and sensation to complete paralysis, such as paraplegia (paralysis affecting the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis affecting all four limbs). Spinal cord injuries are categorized into two main types:

Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This involves a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury. There is no communication between the brain and the body below the injury site, leading to permanent paralysis.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In this type, some motor or sensory function is preserved below the injury level. The spinal cord retains partial ability to transmit signals, allowing for varying degrees of mobility and sensation. The prognosis for recovery is generally better with incomplete injuries, though the extent of recovery can vary significantly.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Understanding the type and cause of your spinal cord injury helps a spinal cord injury lawyer build a strong legal claim. At the Cochran Firm, our Seattle lawyers work with medical experts to evaluate the full extent of your injuries and their long-term effects.  Common causes of spinal cord injuries often involve traumatic events, including:

Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes, often due to high-impact forces.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slips, trips, and falls, especially from significant heights, are frequent contributors.

Acts of Violence

Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other assaults can directly damage the spinal cord.

Sports and Recreation Injuries

Activities like football, rugby, diving, and skiing carry a risk of SCI.

Work-Related Accidents

Industrial and construction accidents, falls, or incidents involving heavy machinery can lead to spinal injuries.

Why Do I Need a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?

Between medical care, rehabilitation, and financial stress, the last thing you should worry about is navigating the legal system. An experienced Seattle spinal cord injury lawyer ensures your rights are protected and fights for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Here’s how retaining specialized legal counsel helps your case:

1. Handling Complex Medical and Legal Issues
SCI cases involve extensive medical records, expert testimony, and projections of future care needs. An experienced spinal cord injury or back injury attorney understands both the medical terminology and the legal strategies required to present your case effectively. 

2. Proving Negligence
To win a spinal cord injury claim in Washington, your lawyer must show:

  • Duty of Care – the defendant had a responsibility to act safely.
  • Breach of Duty – they failed to meet that responsibility.
  • Causation – their actions directly caused your injury.
  • Damages – you suffered losses as a result.

At the Cochran Firm, our Seattle lawyers gather evidence and work with medical experts to connect negligence to your injury.

3. Fighting Insurance Companies
Insurers often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. Without representation, you risk accepting less than your case is worth. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively and take your case to trial if necessary. 

4. Navigating Washington Laws
Washington law sets a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.The state also follows pure comparative negligence, so you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault; your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Our team ensures all deadlines are met and these rules are applied in your favor.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

In Washington State, victims may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. These damages are typically divided into two categories:

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for measurable financial harm caused by your injury. These include:

  • Medical expenses: You can recover costs for hospital care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing treatment.
  • Lost income: You may be compensated for wages, benefits, and bonuses you were unable to earn while recovering.
  • Reduced earning capacity: If your injury prevents you from returning to your prior occupation or limits your future ability to work, you may claim future lost earnings.
  • Home modifications: Compensation can cover necessary changes such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, stair lifts, and bathroom adjustments.
  • In-home care and rehabilitation: You may be reimbursed for the cost of nursing care, personal aides, and specialized rehabilitation services.

Non-Economic Damages

 Non-economic damages compensate for the human cost of a spinal cord injury. These include:

  • Pain and suffering: You can recover damages for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injury and medical treatment.
  • Emotional distress: Compensation may be awarded for mental health impacts such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can no longer participate in hobbies, activities, or social experiences you once valued, you may recover for this loss.
  • Loss of consortium: Your spouse or family members may seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
  • Permanent impairment or disfigurement: You may be compensated for lasting physical limitations or visible injuries that alter your quality of life.


Unlike some states, Washington does not cap personal injury damages, which means there is no legal maximum on what you may recover. However, Washington law does not permit punitive damages in standard personal injury cases. The value of your claim depends on strong evidence, medical documentation, and expert testimony about your long-term needs.

At The Cochran Firm Seattle, our spinal cord injury lawyers work with medical and financial experts to calculate the true cost of your injury. We ensure your claim accounts for both immediate expenses and the lifelong challenges you may face.

Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, the time to act is now. Washington law generally gives you only three years from the date of injury to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can make it harder to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

At The Cochran Firm Seattle, our spinal cord injury attorneys combine decades of personal injury experience with the national resources of one of America’s best law firms. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Let our team handle the legal battle so you can focus on your health and recovery. Call or fill out our online form today to schedule your free consultation with a Seattle spinal cord injury lawyer.