Understanding Your Rights After a Life-Changing Work Injury
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can alter every part of your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. For injured workers in North Carolina, these injuries often bring not only intense medical challenges but also confusion about what rights and resources are available under workers’ compensation law.
At Shankle Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand your options, protect your future, and fight for the support you need to recover.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Your spinal cord is the body’s communication highway—carrying signals between the brain and the rest of your body. An injury to this system can result in a partial or total loss of sensation, mobility, or organ function below the point of trauma. In workers’ comp cases, spinal cord injuries are often classified as either:
- Complete SCI – No motor or sensory function below the site of injury
- Incomplete SCI – Some preserved feeling or movement below the injured area
Depending on where the injury occurs, it can lead to:
- Paraplegia – Paralysis of the legs and lower body
- Tetraplegia (or quadriplegia) – Paralysis from the neck down, including arms and hands
These injuries require long-term treatment, specialized equipment, and often a complete restructuring of a person’s home and work life.
Who Is at Risk for a Spinal Cord Injury at Work?
While spinal cord injuries are most commonly associated with catastrophic accidents, they can happen in a wide range of jobs. Common workplace causes include:
- Falls from height (roofing, scaffolding, ladders)
- Motor vehicle accidents (delivery drivers, utility or transport workers)
- Heavy machinery accidents (factories, warehouses, construction sites)
- Falling objects or crush injuries
- Slip and falls on unsafe surfaces
According to recent data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), approximately 18,000 new SCI cases occur in the U.S. each year. Motor vehicle crashes account for 37% of all reported cases, while falls make up 32%—both of which are common in job-related incidents.
The Long-Term Impact of SCI
SCI recovery is expensive. The NSCISC estimates that the average lifetime cost for someone injured at age 25 can range from:
- $3 million for incomplete paraplegia
- Over $6.2 million for high tetraplegia (C1–C4 level, complete)
These numbers reflect costs for medical treatment, personal care, rehabilitation, and lost wages—not to mention the emotional toll and loss of independence many people experience. Costs vary by accident, and pain and suffering is not paid in a workers’ compensation claim in North Carolina.
Are SCIs Covered by North Carolina Workers’ Compensation?
Yes. If your spinal cord injury occurred on the job or as a direct result of your work duties, you may be entitled to:
- Medical care (including surgery, rehab, assistive equipment, and long-term treatment)
- Wage replacement if you’re unable to return to work
- Compensation for permanent disability
- Vocational rehabilitation services if you need to be retrained for a different role
Workers’ comp benefits in North Carolina are designed to cover both short-term recovery and long-term needs. However, these cases are often medically and legally complex. Having a Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights.
What Should You Do If You’ve Suffered an SCI at Work?
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible—ideally the same day.
- Seek immediate medical care and follow all treatment instructions.
- Request documentation of your diagnosis and work restrictions.
- Talk to a workers’ comp attorney to make sure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
Why Choose Shankle Law Firm?
At Shankle Law Firm, we’ve helped countless North Carolinians after devastating injuries—especially in complex spinal cord injury cases. Our founder, Maggie Shankle, is a North Carolina Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist, and has been recognized by:
- Super Lawyers (2018–2024)
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms (US News & World Report)
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
We understand the urgency, the medical realities, and the long-term decisions that come with a spinal cord injury claim. When your health and livelihood are at stake, experience matters.
Get a Free Consultation Today
You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury on the job in North Carolina, contact the Shankle Law Firm at (704) 370-1212. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward the support you deserve.
*Please Note - The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site, using information from it, or communicating with Shankle Law Firm, PA through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us directly at (704) 370-1212.