Salt Lake City Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Fighting For Spinal Cord Injury Victims in Utah

A person who is paralyzed in an accident faces significant daily challenges and may be deprived of many of life’s joys. The lifelong costs of care can be astronomical. In addition, such an injury takes a psychological toll on the victim’s entire family.

Insurance companies tend to view spinal cord cases in terms of the care needed to keep the patient alive. However, we know this is not enough to provide for you. At Cutt, Kendell & Olson, we see a person who will not only survive, but adapt and create a new future. We fight for comprehensive damages to give our clients economic security and the same quality of life they had before the accident.

Our spinal cord injury lawyers have a proven record of advocacy for victims of catastrophic personal injuries. We have secured settlements and jury verdicts for those who suffered spinal cord injuries in auto accidents, collisions with trucks, bicycle accidents, motorcycle crashes, skiing accidents, slip and falls, and workplace accidents. Our goal is to always obtain maximum compensation, so you have the means to provide for yourself and your loved ones despite your disability.

Many of the people who contact us are dealing with overwhelming medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about where to turn. When you are coping with a spinal cord injury after a serious crash on I-15, in a ski resort accident, or after a fall at a job site, it can be hard to know whether you need help from a catastrophic injury lawyer. We can evaluate what happened, explain how Utah personal injury law applies to your situation, and help you understand whether pursuing a claim makes sense for you and your family at this stage.

We offer free consultations to spinal cord injury victims. Call our Salt Lake City office at (801) 901-3470 to speak with one of our trial attorneys today.

How Spinal Cord Injury Cases Are Evaluated

When we take on a spinal cord case, we look far beyond the initial hospital stay or the first few months of lost wages. We review your medical records, talk with your treating providers, and consider how the injury affects your ability to work, care for yourself, and take part in the activities you enjoyed before the accident. This type of careful evaluation is especially important in catastrophic cases because decisions made early on can affect the financial support available years down the road.

Our team also examines how the incident occurred and who may be legally responsible under Utah law. That may include an at-fault driver, a property owner, an employer, or even a product manufacturer if a defect played a role. We gather evidence such as witness statements, photographs, incident reports, and, when appropriate, opinions from medical and rehabilitation professionals in the Salt Lake City area to build a clear picture of what happened and how the injury has changed your life. This thorough approach is designed to give you the information you need to decide whether to pursue a claim and what a fair resolution might look like.

We Understand Your Needs

Clients with quadriplegic injuries, and many with paraplegic injuries, will require some level of assisted care for the rest of their life, from 24-hour nursing care to help with chores and errands. Many spinal injury patients also need ongoing help from a physical therapist or home health aide to exercise their limbs to prevent muscle loss and bedsores and retain muscle tone and posture.

These measures are essential to maintaining your overall health after a spinal cord injury. However, they only meet basic physical needs. Our team wants to help you access vocational rehabilitation if you wish to return to the workforce. We want to make sure you can participate in activities with your family and loved ones. We are willing to fight for the compensation that will make this possible.

We have seen the full range of spinal cord injuries, including:

• Complete quadriplegia (total paralysis) from high cervical injuries
• Incomplete quadriplegia
• Paraplegia
• Loss of motor function
• Ataxia
• Loss of sensation

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of compensation are available in catastrophic injury cases?

People with catastrophic injuries may seek damages for medical expenses, future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and changes in quality of life. Utah courts also allow claims for costs related to adaptive equipment and necessary home modifications.

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Utah?

The statute of limitations for most catastrophic injury lawsuits in Utah is four years from the date of the incident. However, some cases—such as those involving government entities—can have shorter deadlines, so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible.

Will my case go to trial in Salt Lake City?

Most catastrophic injury cases resolve through negotiations, but some go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Cutt, Kendell & Olson prepares every case thoroughly in case court becomes necessary.

Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Salt Lake City Today

In just the first year after a spinal cord injury, a patient’s medical needs may exceed $1 million. They will likely continue for the rest of that person’s life. Add to that the lost earnings, home modifications, and pain and suffering, and you can see why you deserve a large settlement. No matter what the insurance company has offered you, talk to us before you sign any papers to see if you will receive a fair amount.

By working with physicians and rehab specialists, life care planners and economists, vocational trainers, and many other professionals, we calculate the actual compensatory damages you are likely to face over the course of your lifetime. Then, we take this number to the insurance company and make it clear we will not accept lowball offers. Our trial lawyers are skilled at both negotiating claims and arguing cases in court. No matter what is necessary to help your case, we are willing to put in the effort and resources to help.

For many families, another concern is where they will receive the right medical care and rehabilitation services. In the Salt Lake City area, people with spinal cord injuries may be treated at major facilities such as the University of Utah Hospital or Intermountain Medical Center, and then transition to inpatient or outpatient rehab. We help clients account for transportation needs, follow-up care, and support services so they can focus on healing while we handle communication with insurers and the legal process on their behalf.

Start your spinal cord injury claim today by scheduling a free consultation. Our Salt Lake Office can be reached at (801) 901-3470.