Spinal cord injuries can cause devastating and lasting changes for victims and their families. Whether it’s the result of a car accident on I-90, a workplace incident at one of Spokane’s construction sites, or a slip-and-fall on unsafe property, these injuries often lead to physical, emotional, and financial challenges that require immediate attention.
In Washington, injury victims have the right to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused. Spinal cord injury cases are built to recover compensation for the costs of treatment, lost wages, and the life adjustments necessary after such a catastrophic injury.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our spinal cord injury lawyers bring extensive experience in advocating for spinal injury victims throughout Spokane and surrounding areas. Our attorneys build compelling cases that help clients secure the compensation they need to move forward.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Spokane, call Russell & Hill, PLLC at (509) 361-2065 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys.
A spinal cord injury can disrupt every aspect of life, creating physical, emotional, and financial hurdles that often feel overwhelming. For Spokane residents, these injuries frequently require long-term care, significant lifestyle changes, and a network of resources to support recovery.
Spinal cord injuries can lead to life-altering conditions such as paralysis, reduced mobility, and chronic pain. Beyond the physical challenges, victims may experience emotional impacts like depression, anxiety, or difficulty adjusting to their new reality.
The financial strain is just as significant. Medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation quickly add up. Long-term expenses like assistive devices, home modifications, and personal care can cost millions of dollars over a lifetime. For example, a Spokane resident injured in a motor vehicle accident on Division St. might require ongoing physical therapy at a local facility, adaptive equipment for mobility, and modifications to their home to accommodate a wheelchair.
Spinal cord injuries are life-changing and frequently result from preventable situations. In Spokane, spinal cord injuries occur due to car accidents, icy sidewalks, unsafe workplaces, or property owners neglecting clear hazards. Identifying who is responsible allows victims to hold negligent parties accountable and seek compensation for the costs of their injury, from medical expenses to lost income.
Busy streets like Division and Sprague, along with highways like I-90, are common locations for severe crashes in Spokane. A high-speed collision on I-90 might leave a driver with permanent mobility challenges, while a distracted driver running a red light on Monroe could cause a spinal injury that requires months of rehabilitation.
In cases like this, our injury team will identify not only the immediate cause of the crash but also contributing factors, like whether the other driver was speeding, texting, or under the influence. Our spinal cord injury attorneys gather a wide range of evidence to build compelling cases that reflect the full impact of the injury. This may include things like examining traffic camera footage, analyzing crash reports, consulting with medical experts, and uncovering any additional factors that contributed to the accident.
Spokane’s winters turn sidewalks, parking lots, and stairways into hazards when snow and ice aren’t properly cleared. A simple trip on a slick entryway at a downtown business could result in spinal fractures or herniated discs that affect every aspect of daily life. Older adults in particular are vulnerable to these falls, which can lead to lengthy hospital stays and significant physical limitations.
We investigate whether property owners took reasonable steps to keep their premises safe, including reviewing maintenance logs, inspecting the condition of walkways, and determining whether warnings were posted. If a landlord or business ignored Spokane’s snow removal ordinances, we use that evidence to hold them accountable.
Spinal cord injuries happen far too often in Spokane’s high-risk industries like construction, logging, and manufacturing. For example, a logging worker on a job near Mount Spokane could sustain spinal trauma from improperly secured equipment, or a fall from scaffolding at a downtown building site could leave a construction worker unable to return to work.
Our attorneys look at more than just the immediate accident. We dig into safety protocols, training practices, and equipment maintenance records to uncover what went wrong. If negligence by an equipment supplier or subcontractor played a role, we make sure those parties are included in the case alongside any workers’ compensation claims.
Some spinal cord injuries are due to negligence in settings where basic safety measures are ignored. For example, a Spokane tenant might report a loose step to their landlord, yet another tenant falls and suffers a severe injury because the repair was never made. Another example is in a medical setting, where a misstep during surgery or an improper injection could result in spinal trauma that was entirely preventable.
For cases like these, we build a case that shows how the injury could have been avoided. We gather unique evidence like prior tenant complaints, inspection reports, or correspondence that shows a property owner or professional failed to act when they should have. In medical cases, we consult specialists who can explain what went wrong and why it deviated from standard practices.
Every spinal cord injury case has its own story, and at Russell & Hill, PLLC, we focus on uncovering the details that matter most. For Spokane residents, we provide local knowledge, trusted advocacy, and the determination to pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
What you do in the hours and days following a spinal cord injury can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to acquire compensation. Taking action right away protects your health, preserves key evidence, and lays the groundwork for a compelling case.
Spinal cord injuries require prompt evaluation and treatment to prevent further damage. Facilities like Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane are equipped to handle severe trauma and provide the specialized care these injuries demand. Even if symptoms seem minor at first, such as tingling or stiffness, delays in treatment can lead to long-term complications.
Medical records from your initial treatment also become key evidence for your case. They create a clear connection between the incident and your injuries and make it harder for insurance companies to dispute your claim.
Accurate documentation after a spinal cord injury forms the foundation for proving what happened, identifying who is responsible, and demonstrating the injury’s impact on your life. While attorneys conduct a thorough investigation, providing as much detailed documentation as possible early on can significantly strengthen your case.
Motor Vehicle Accidents: In crashes, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions. Collect the contact information of other drivers and any witnesses. Police reports and traffic camera footage are also valuable. Attorneys use these details to pinpoint fault, whether it involves a reckless driver, poor road design, or mechanical failure.
Falls: For slip, trip, and fall injuries, take photos or videos of the condition, such as ice, spills, or broken steps, before it is cleaned up or repaired. Witnesses may be able to confirm how long the hazard was present. If possible, ask the property owner or manager to document the accident formally. Attorneys use this evidence, along with maintenance logs or local safety regulations, to establish negligence.
Workplace Accidents: In Spokane workplace accidents, victims should report the injury to a supervisor immediately and ensure an official report is filed. Take photos of the accident site and any faulty equipment. Co-workers may also provide valuable insight into safety conditions or previous warnings about hazards. Attorneys examine safety records, equipment maintenance logs, and compliance with workplace regulations to determine whether the employer or a third party was at fault.
Acts of Negligence: In cases involving medical malpractice, unsafe premises, or other negligent acts, document as much as possible. Save medical records, test results, or correspondence with healthcare providers. For unsafe premises, take photos of hazards, keep records of previous complaints, and note any lack of response from property owners. Attorneys use this documentation to demonstrate that the negligence directly caused the injury.
Detailed documentation can help establish the facts, but it also provides the leverage needed to challenge opposing arguments. Evidence like photos, records, and expert testimony can expose gaps in the other party’s claims, like a lack of maintenance or attempts to shift blame. Strong documentation also demonstrates the lasting impact of the injury so that your case accounts for both immediate and future losses.
Spinal cord injury cases are complex, and waiting too long to seek legal help can put your case at risk. Property owners, businesses, and insurance companies often begin building their defense immediately after an incident. Without an attorney, it’s easy to lose access to critical evidence, such as surveillance footage or maintenance logs, that might support your claim.
An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can step in to protect your rights. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we ensure that evidence is preserved, handle negotiations with insurance adjusters, and connect you with medical experts who can explain the long-term impact of your injury. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case can be.
Yes, spinal cord injury claims can include compensation for future income losses if your injury affects your ability to work. This includes not only wages you would have earned but also career advancements or promotions you may have missed due to your injury. Attorneys may work with vocational experts and economists to calculate the full extent of these losses, ensuring your claim reflects the financial impact on your future.
If faulty equipment, such as a defective car seatbelt or unsafe construction machinery, contributed to your injury, you may have a claim against the product’s manufacturer in addition to other responsible parties. Attorneys investigate these cases thoroughly to determine whether product liability laws apply.
Spinal cord injuries often require unique accommodations, such as home modifications, mobility aids, and lifelong caregiving. These costs are included in damage calculations and can make spinal cord injury settlements or verdicts significantly higher than other personal injury cases.
Some spinal injuries, such as herniated discs or nerve damage, may initially seem minor but worsen over weeks or months. Be sure to seek ongoing medical evaluations and document the progression of symptoms. An attorney can adjust your claim to include these changes and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of your injury.
Attorneys often collaborate with medical specialists, rehabilitation experts, and vocational consultants to demonstrate the lasting consequences of a spinal cord injury. Medical professionals providing care for your injury can give detailed reports and testimony on how the injury impacts your daily life, earning capacity, and overall health, strengthening your case for comprehensive compensation.
A spinal cord injury can completely disrupt your life, creating overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and the need for long-term care. For victims in Spokane, pursuing compensation provides access to resources that ensure stability and recovery over time. Attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC understand the unique challenges a spinal cord injury brings and work to secure the financial support you need.
Spinal cord injury claims account for a wide range of damages, from urgent medical expenses to long-term losses. Here are the key categories:
Determining the value of a spinal cord injury claim involves more than adding up medical bills. Attorneys collaborate with economic experts, medical professionals, life care planners and others to assess the full scope of your losses.
For example:
Washington’s comparative negligence laws (RCW 4.22.005) also play a significant role in determining compensation. If you are found partially at fault for the incident—for example, slipping on icy stairs while wearing inappropriate footwear—your settlement may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Attorneys work to minimize assigned fault and maximize the amount you recover so that you receive adequate compensation for all your losses.
In addition to affecting compensation determinations, RCW 4.22.005 shapes how fault is assigned and what evidence matters most in spinal cord injury cases. Opposing parties and insurers frequently claim the injured person’s actions contributed to the accident so that they can reduce payouts. Our attorneys challenge claims like these with detailed evidence and a clear presentation of how the other party’s negligence caused the injury.
Fault assignments directly influence the final settlement or court award. For example, if an injured party is found 25% responsible for a slip-and-fall in downtown Spokane, their total compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Insurers and defense attorneys may try to shift fault by focusing on peripheral details, such as the victim’s footwear or actions leading up to the incident, even when the primary hazard was caused by the property owner’s negligence.
For spinal cord injury cases, these disputes often hinge on whether the hazard was obvious or avoidable. For instance, if a driver in Spokane is hit at an intersection like Division and Francis but was texting at the time, partial fault may be assigned even if the other driver ran a red light. Our attorneys carefully dissect these scenarios to clarify who holds the greater responsibility.
Minimizing assigned fault starts with uncovering facts that counter opposing arguments. Attorneys gather evidence to show that external factors—not the injured party’s actions—were the primary cause of the accident.
Examples include:
In addition to evidence, the experts that attorneys consult with in spinal cord injury cases can clarify complex details. For example, a medical expert can explain how the force of an accident directly caused a spinal cord injury, or a vocational expert can illustrate how the injury impacts earning potential over time. Expert insights not only challenge attempts to shift blame onto the victim but also highlight the full extent of negligence and its consequences. Attorneys use this information to present a comprehensive case that ensures fault is assessed accurately and compensation addresses all aspects of the victim’s losses.
Losing a loved one because of a spinal cord injury is devastating. Complications like respiratory failure or severe infections can turn an already difficult situation into an unimaginable loss. Families in Spokane often face not only emotional heartbreak but also unexpected financial burdens like medical bills and funeral costs. A wrongful death claim gives families a way to pursue justice and secure financial resources to move forward.
Spinal cord injuries can lead to fatal outcomes in ways families might not expect. For example, infections caused by immobility or respiratory issues linked to nerve damage can develop long after the initial accident. Complications like these place a heavy toll on families, leaving them to manage significant medical expenses, funeral arrangements, and the loss of income or support their loved one provided.
Seeking compensation through a wrongful death claim can’t undo the loss, but it can help cover those costs and hold the responsible party accountable.
Wrongful death claims in Washington can be filed by spouses, children, and, in some cases, parents or siblings and can cover a range of losses, including:
It’s important to act within Washington’s three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. Missing this deadline can make it harder—or even impossible—to hold the responsible party accountable. Attorneys help families through this process and make sure all evidence is preserved and the claim reflects the full impact of the loss.
Our Spokane law firm brings an in-depth understanding of Spokane’s courts, judges, and insurance companies to your case. Knowledge of how cases are evaluated, which arguments resonate most, and the tactics insurers typically use to reduce payouts gives your attorney a strategic advantage. Whether negotiating with an adjuster or presenting a case in court, familiarity with Spokane’s legal environment strengthens your position.
Having an attorney close to home makes every step of the process easier. In-person consultations are more convenient, and your attorney is readily available to visit accident scenes, meet with local witnesses, or attend court hearings. Proximity allows your attorney to remain engaged with the details of your case and provide updates promptly, creating a more personalized and effective approach.
We’ve helped many Spokane residents and others recover compensation for life-altering spinal cord injuries. One client, a long-time construction worker, experienced permanent spinal cord damage after a back surgery. The injury not only ended his ability to work but also brought significant emotional and financial strain.
After reaching out to Russell & Hill, PLLC, he found the support and advocacy he needed during a difficult time. With our team’s help, he was able to secure the resources necessary to rebuild his life. He expressed deep gratitude for the honesty, respect, and tireless effort he received from his claims manager and our firm, saying it gave him hope for the road ahead.
Every case is unique, and we are proud to stand with our clients through their most challenging moments, working to secure the results they deserve.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we provide more than legal expertise. We take the time to understand your situation and build a strategy tailored to your specific challenges. Our knowledge of Washington law and Spokane’s legal environment allows us to anticipate potential challenges and address them proactively.
Severe injury cases require attention to detail and persistence. From negotiating with insurers to presenting your case in court, we focus on protecting your rights and pursuing the resources you need to rebuild your life.
Spinal cord injury cases are time-sensitive. Evidence can be lost, memories fade, and delays can weaken your case. Taking action quickly ensures that your rights are protected and your personal injury claim is handled with the urgency it deserves.
Call Russell & Hill, PLLC at (509) 361-2065 or by email to schedule your free consultation. Our Spokane-based attorneys are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and start building a case that reflects the full impact of your injury.
