Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury can change nearly every aspect of a person’s life in an instant. Someone who was working, raising a family, enjoying Colorado’s outdoors, or simply driving home may suddenly face paralysis, chronic pain, extensive medical treatment, and an uncertain future. Even injuries that do not cause complete paralysis can interfere with walking, working, sleeping, and performing ordinary daily activities. When these injuries result from another person’s negligence, the physical and financial consequences should not fall entirely on the injured person and their family.

At Cook, Bradford & Levy, we represent individuals and families throughout Boulder County and Colorado who have suffered serious injuries because of preventable accidents. Our attorneys understand that spinal cord injury cases require more than proving who caused an accident. They demand a careful examination of the medical evidence, the injured person’s long-term needs, and the financial resources necessary to maintain the best possible quality of life. We work to hold negligent drivers, businesses, property owners, and other responsible parties accountable while helping our clients pursue compensation for the full extent of their losses.

Our firm brings substantial trial experience and a history of successful personal injury representation to these challenging cases. Attorney Jason Levy has extensive experience litigating personal injury cases in state and federal courts, including automobile accident and premises liability claims. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, Levy has received multiple Super Lawyers selections and became a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates in 2025. Attorney Brian Bradford, a Colorado native and former public defender, has recovered tens of millions of dollars from insurance companies on behalf of injured clients. He has conducted numerous jury trials throughout Colorado, served as a law clerk to Colorado Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Love Kourlis, and graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law. He is also a graduate of the nationally recognized Trial Lawyers College. Together with the firm’s broader experience, our attorneys have helped establish Cook, Bradford & Levy as a respected advocate for injured Coloradans.

We know that no settlement can undo a spinal cord injury. However, obtaining fair compensation can make an enormous difference in a person’s ability to access medical care, preserve financial stability, and rebuild a meaningful life. Whether an injury occurred in Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Denver, or elsewhere in Colorado, we are prepared to investigate what happened and pursue the recovery our clients deserve.

Types and Severity of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a critical part of the central nervous system, carrying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When trauma damages the spinal cord, those signals may become partially or completely interrupted. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a person may experience changes in movement, sensation, reflexes, and the functioning of internal organs.

Unlike many broken bones or soft tissue injuries, significant damage to the spinal cord may result in permanent neurological impairment. Treatment and rehabilitation can help patients recover certain abilities, develop adaptive skills, and manage complications, but severe spinal cord injuries frequently create lifelong medical and personal challenges.

Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Medical professionals generally distinguish between complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries based on the preservation of sensory and motor function in the lowest sacral segments.

A complete spinal cord injury involves the absence of sensory and motor function in those segments. It may cause paralysis and loss of sensation below the injury level, although the exact effects depend on which portion of the spinal cord was damaged.

An incomplete spinal cord injury means some sensory or motor function remains preserved below the neurological injury level. A person may retain limited movement, experience altered sensation, or recover certain abilities through rehabilitation. Nevertheless, incomplete injuries can still cause severe disabilities, persistent pain, and substantial limitations.

Paraplegia and Tetraplegia

Paraplegia generally affects the legs and may also interfere with trunk control and pelvic organ function. It commonly results from damage to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord.

Tetraplegia, also called quadriplegia, results from damage to the cervical spinal cord and affects all four limbs to varying degrees. Depending on the injury level, patients may require assistance with breathing, eating, personal hygiene, and other essential activities.

Some individuals also experience neuropathic pain, muscle spasms, impaired temperature regulation, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and an increased risk of pressure injuries or infections. These complications help explain why spinal cord injury claims must account for far more than the immediate hospitalization.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Boulder County and Colorado

Spinal cord injuries can occur in many different circumstances. Colorado’s busy highways, construction activity, mountain terrain, and outdoor recreation opportunities create situations in which preventable accidents may have particularly serious consequences.

Spinal Cord Injuries From Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions are an important cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries. A high-speed impact, rollover, or forceful collision can fracture or dislocate vertebrae and damage the spinal cord.

In Boulder County, serious crashes may occur along US Highway 36 between Boulder and Denver, on the Diagonal Highway connecting Boulder and Longmont, or along South Boulder Road and Arapahoe Road. Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and failure to yield can all contribute to devastating collisions.

For example, a driver traveling too fast along Highway 119 could lose control and strike another vehicle, causing a passenger to suffer a cervical spinal cord injury. A commercial truck collision on Interstate 25 near Erie or Longmont could similarly result in permanent paralysis.

Motorcyclists face additional risks because they lack the protective structure of an enclosed vehicle. Even when wearing appropriate safety equipment, a rider thrown from a motorcycle may suffer serious spinal trauma.

Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1402 addresses careless driving, while § 42-4-1401 prohibits reckless driving. Violations of traffic safety laws may provide important evidence in determining whether a motorist acted negligently.

Spinal Cord Injuries From Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Boulder County’s extensive cycling infrastructure attracts commuters, recreational riders, and competitive cyclists. Unfortunately, bicyclists remain vulnerable to serious injuries when motorists fail to share the road safely.

A driver making an unsafe turn near downtown Boulder, opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path, or failing to yield at an intersection in Louisville could cause a collision that results in spinal cord trauma. Pedestrians struck by vehicles in shopping districts, parking lots, or crosswalks may suffer similar injuries.

These cases frequently require an examination of roadway conditions, traffic signals, driver visibility, and applicable right-of-way requirements. Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1003 also establishes important requirements for motorists passing bicycles.

Spinal Cord Injuries From Falls and Dangerous Property Conditions

A fall from a ladder, staircase, balcony, or elevated work platform can cause severe spinal injuries. These accidents may occur at apartment complexes, commercial buildings, retail establishments, hotels, and private properties throughout Colorado.

Consider a Longmont apartment resident who falls through a deteriorated stairway railing or a visitor at a Boulder business who falls down poorly maintained stairs. If a dangerous property condition contributed to the accident, the responsible property owner or another legally responsible party may face liability.

Colorado’s Premises Liability Act, C.R.S. § 13-21-115, governs many injury claims involving dangerous property conditions. The applicable duties depend on the injured person’s legal status and other circumstances surrounding the incident.

Spinal Cord Injuries From Construction and Industrial Accidents

Construction workers frequently operate near elevated surfaces, heavy machinery, excavation sites, and moving equipment. A fall from scaffolding, an improperly secured ladder, or an accident involving a forklift can cause devastating spinal cord damage.

Construction projects in Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, and Colorado’s growing Front Range communities may involve several contractors and subcontractors working simultaneously. Determining responsibility can therefore require investigating equipment maintenance, safety procedures, site supervision, and the actions of multiple companies.

An injured employee may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under Colorado law. However, when a negligent third party contributed to the injury, a separate personal injury claim may also be available, subject to applicable legal restrictions.

Spinal Cord Injuries From Skiing, Snowboarding, and Outdoor Recreation

Colorado’s mountains attract skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, climbers, and hikers from around the world. Serious falls and collisions during these activities can cause spinal cord injuries.

A mountain biker could suffer a catastrophic injury after encountering an unmarked artificial hazard, or a skier could be struck by another skier traveling recklessly. Whether compensation is available depends heavily on the circumstances, applicable duties, and Colorado’s recreational liability laws.

The Colorado Ski Safety Act, C.R.S. §§ 33-44-101 through 33-44-114, establishes responsibilities and limitations affecting certain skiing-related claims. Not every recreational accident creates legal liability, and some risks are legally considered inherent to the activity. Careful legal analysis is essential before determining whether a viable claim exists.

The Medical and Financial Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury

The financial consequences of spinal cord injuries often extend decades beyond the original accident. Emergency treatment may involve surgery, intensive care, diagnostic imaging, and lengthy hospitalization. Patients may then require inpatient rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing specialist appointments.

For some individuals, independent living becomes possible with mobility equipment and modifications to their homes. Others require daily personal assistance or around-the-clock care. Wheelchairs, accessible vehicles, home renovations, medical supplies, and replacement equipment can create substantial recurring expenses.

The impact on employment can be equally significant. A construction worker who develops paraplegia may be unable to return to physically demanding work. A professional with limited hand function after a cervical injury may struggle to use a computer or perform tasks previously taken for granted.

Family members often become caregivers, reducing their own working hours and experiencing considerable emotional and financial strain. Depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and changes in personal relationships may further complicate recovery.

At Cook, Bradford & Levy, we recognize that these consequences must be evaluated together. A fair settlement should reflect not only what an injured person has already endured but also the reasonable needs and losses that may arise throughout their lifetime.

Who May Be Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury?

Liability depends on how the injury occurred and whether another party failed to exercise the legally required level of care.

A negligent driver may be responsible for injuries caused by a collision. A trucking company may face liability for its own negligent practices or, in appropriate circumstances, for the conduct of its driver. Property owners may be accountable for dangerous conditions under Colorado’s premises liability requirements. Contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other businesses may also be responsible when their conduct or defective products contribute to an injury.

Some cases involve multiple potentially responsible parties. For example, a construction worker injured by falling equipment might have a workers’ compensation claim against an employer while also possessing a separate claim against a negligent equipment manufacturer or subcontractor.

Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, Colorado generally follows a modified comparative negligence rule. In an ordinary negligence case, an injured person’s damages may be reduced according to their percentage of fault, and recovery may be barred when their negligence is equal to or greater than the negligence of the defendant against whom recovery is sought. Additional rules can apply when multiple parties or designated nonparties are involved.

Insurance companies may attempt to shift responsibility to the injured person to reduce their financial exposure. We investigate these allegations carefully and work to establish the facts through reliable evidence.

Compensation Available in Colorado Spinal Cord Injury Cases

A successful spinal cord injury claim may provide compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses. Because these injuries can permanently affect a person’s health, independence, and earning capacity, calculating damages requires careful consideration of future needs.

Medical Expenses and Lifelong Care

Recoverable medical damages may include emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications, assistive technology, and medically necessary ongoing care. Future expenses may involve replacement wheelchairs, accessible transportation, home modifications, and professional caregiving services.

In particularly serious cases, a life care planner can help estimate the medical services and equipment reasonably required over the injured person’s expected lifetime.

Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity

An injured person may recover compensation for wages lost during treatment and rehabilitation. When permanent physical limitations prevent a return to previous employment, damages may also include diminished future earning capacity.

Evaluating these losses may require reviewing employment history, educational background, career prospects, and expert economic projections.

Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Spinal cord injuries can cause physical pain, emotional distress, loss of independence, and substantial disruption to family and recreational activities.

Colorado law permits recovery of qualifying noneconomic damages, subject to applicable statutory limitations and exceptions. C.R.S. § 13-21-102.5 governs important aspects of these limitations. The applicable cap may depend on when the claim accrued, the type of claim, and other statutory provisions.

Our objective is to present a complete picture of how the injury has affected our client’s life rather than allowing the insurance company to reduce the claim to medical bills alone.

How Cook, Bradford & Levy Builds a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

Spinal cord injury litigation often involves complex medical evidence and significant disagreements about liability, prognosis, and future expenses. Our approach begins with understanding the individual circumstances of the accident and the client’s needs.

We examine accident reports, witness accounts, photographs, video recordings, medical records, and other available evidence. Depending on the case, we may consult accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, vocational experts, and life care planners to help explain the cause and long-term consequences of the injury.

We also investigate available insurance coverage and identify potentially responsible parties. In commercial vehicle or construction accidents, this process may involve reviewing company records, safety policies, equipment inspections, and other materials relevant to the claim.

An insurer may argue that a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury will recover more function than medical evidence reasonably supports. In other cases, the dispute may concern the cost of future care or whether certain medical complications resulted from the accident. These issues require detailed preparation and a willingness to challenge unsupported assumptions.

Our attorneys have substantial experience negotiating with insurance companies and presenting cases in court. We prepare serious injury claims with litigation in mind while pursuing opportunities for fair resolution when doing so serves our clients’ interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Claims

Can I Recover Compensation if My Spinal Cord Injury Did Not Cause Complete Paralysis?

Yes. A spinal cord injury does not have to cause complete paralysis to support a personal injury claim. Incomplete injuries may result in chronic pain, muscle weakness, impaired mobility, and significant medical expenses. Compensation depends on the severity of the injury, its consequences, the available evidence, and whether another party is legally responsible.

How Much Is a Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth in Colorado?

There is no standard settlement amount. The value of a claim depends on factors such as the injury’s severity, expected recovery, future medical needs, lost earning capacity, available insurance coverage, and evidence of liability. A person requiring lifelong assistance may have substantially different financial needs from someone who regains considerable function. We evaluate these factors before recommending a settlement strategy.

Can I File a Claim if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?

Potentially. Colorado’s comparative negligence rules may permit recovery when an injured person’s share of negligence is less than that of the defendant against whom recovery is sought. Any award may be reduced according to the injured person’s percentage of fault. Because allocation of responsibility can be complicated, particularly in accidents involving several parties, legal review is important.

What if My Spinal Cord Injury Happened at Work?

You may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, including medical treatment and certain wage-related benefits. If someone other than your employer or a protected coworker negligently caused the accident, a separate third-party personal injury claim may also be possible. The relationship between these claims, including reimbursement and subrogation issues, should be evaluated carefully.

Should I Accept an Insurance Settlement Before My Rehabilitation Is Complete?

Accepting a final settlement too early can be risky, especially when the long-term consequences of a spinal cord injury remain uncertain. A release may prevent additional recovery even if future medical expenses become much greater than anticipated. Before accepting an offer, it is important to understand the likely prognosis, anticipated care requirements, and full financial impact of the injury.

Protecting Your Future After a Serious Spinal Cord Injury

A serious spinal cord injury can leave individuals and families facing decisions they never expected to make. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, employment changes, and financial concerns can become overwhelming, particularly when an insurance company disputes responsibility or pressures an injured person to accept an inadequate settlement.

At Cook, Bradford & Levy, we believe people who suffer catastrophic injuries because of negligence deserve experienced legal representation and personal attention. Our attorneys have spent their careers challenging insurance companies, investigating serious accidents, and pursuing meaningful compensation for injured Coloradans.

From our offices in Lafayette, Longmont, and Denver, we represent clients throughout Boulder County and communities across Colorado, including Boulder, Louisville, Erie, Broomfield, Arvada, Golden, Salida, Durango, Fort Collins, and surrounding areas.

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact Cook, Bradford & Levy at 303-543-1000 for a free consultation. We can review the circumstances of the accident, explain your legal options, and help you determine the next steps toward protecting your health, financial security, and future.