Spinal Cord Injury Legal Representation

Stage 1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

Attorney's Actions:

1. Conducting a free consultation with the client (in-person, online, or by phone).
2. Examining injury circumstances (location, cause, potentially liable parties).
3. Preliminary legal assessment of the case regarding grounds for a lawsuit.
4. Providing recommendations for next steps.

Stage 2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Attorney's Actions:

1. Collection of medical documentation (diagnoses, discharge summaries, prognoses).
2. Engagement of experts (neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, vocational specialists).
3. Gathering of photo/video evidence, witness statements, police reports, surveillance footage.
4. Analysis of insurance policies of all involved parties (victim, at-fault party, employer, etc.).

Stage 3. Legal Strategy Development and Claim Filing

Attorney's Actions:

• Determining legal grounds for lawsuit (negligence, workplace accident, car accident, etc.).
• Preparing a demand letter to the at-fault party or insurance company.
• Calculating compensation amount (medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress).

Stage 4. Settlement Negotiations

Attorney's Actions:

1. Negotiating with insurance companies or defendant's legal representatives.
2. Finalizing terms of pre-trial settlement (amount, payment schedule).
3. Protecting client's interests regarding confidentiality agreements or liability waivers.

Estimated Cost: 30-40% of compensation amount (success fee)

Stage 5. Filing a Lawsuit (If Settlement Is Not Reached)

Attorney's Actions:

1. Preparing and filing a lawsuit (in federal or state court).
2. Representation in preliminary hearings, mediations, and negotiations with the opposing party.
3. Organizing expert witnesses and testimonies.
4. Trial preparation (strategies, evidence, arguments).

Estimated Cost: Included in contingency fee (typically 33-40% of awarded compensation)

Stage 6. Trial Proceedings and Compensation Recovery

Attorney's Actions:

1. Full representation of the client in court.
2. Cross-examination of witnesses, arguments before jury or judge.
3. Obtaining court judgment.
4. Monitoring judgment enforcement (payment processing, client compensation disbursement).

Estimated Cost: No additional fees (covered by contingency fee agreement)

Stage 7. Appeal or Post-Judgment Support (If Needed)

Attorney's Actions:

1. Analysis of court decision and evaluation of appeal feasibility.
2. Filing appeal to higher court (if judgment is unfavorable).
3. Defending client's judgment if appealed by defendant.

Estimated Cost: $5,000-$25,000 or hourly rate ($300-$600/hour)