Spinal Cord Injury in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when damage to the spinal cord results in loss of function, sensation, or mobility. SCIs can result in paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or quadriplegia (full body paralysis).
Drunk Driving Accident cases in Colorado that result in spinal cord injury are subject to 2 years for motor vehicle accidents (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)). Under Colorado’s modified comparative fault system (C.R.S. § 13-21-111), your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage and barred entirely at 50% or more fault.
Spinal Cord Injury Settlement Ranges
| Severity | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Low Severity | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| Medium Severity | $500,000 – $2,000,000 |
| High Severity / Catastrophic | $2,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
These ranges are general estimates based on Colorado verdict and settlement data. Actual case values vary based on specific facts.
Medical Treatment & Case Impact
Spinal cord injuries require immediate emergency treatment and often surgery. Long-term care includes rehabilitation, physical therapy, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and attendant care. Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO is a world-renowned SCI rehabilitation center.
Spinal cord injuries produce the highest settlement values in personal injury law due to catastrophic medical costs, lifetime care needs, lost earning capacity, and profound quality of life impact. Life care plans documenting future needs are essential. Colorado’s damage caps are often exceeded through negotiation in these cases.