A rear-end collision at a stoplight. A crumbling staircase in an unlit hallway. A distracted driver who didn't brake in time. One moment of someone else's carelessness, and suddenly you're trying to navigate life with a spinal cord injury that affects every part of your day—how you move, work, and care for yourself.
When an accident that wasn't your fault forces you to deal with life-altering circumstances, you need more than medical care. You need a Greenville injury lawyer who understands what's at stake. Ryan P. Alderson helps people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) protect their future, secure the resources they need, and hold negligent parties accountable. Recovery isn't just about healing—it's about rebuilding your life with the support, equipment, and financial stability that make independence possible.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Happen in South Carolina?
According to 2026 statistics from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injury cases occur each year in the United States, with vehicle crashes accounting for nearly 40% of these injuries. Rear-end collisions are among the most common, especially when a driver is distracted, speeding, or following too closely.
Other typical causes of SCIS include:
- Large truck accidents. High-speed crashes or rollovers can compress or sever the spinal cord.
- Falls. Slip-and-fall accidents on unsafe property often cause serious spinal trauma.
- Acts of violence. Gunshot wounds and other assaults account for a significant number of spinal cord injuries.
- Workplace incidents. Construction sites, warehouses, and other hazardous environments present serious risks.
- Sports and recreation. Diving accidents, football injuries, and other high-impact activities can cause sudden spinal trauma.
An abrupt collision can devastate the neck or lower back, causing partial or complete spinal cord injuries that permanently affect movement, sensation, and essential bodily functions. When another person’s recklessness upends your way of life, you have the right to seek compensation that fully accounts for the depth and lasting consequences of your losses.
What Does Life Look Like After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a predictable recovery timeline. Some people regain partial function, while others face permanent changes to mobility and independence. Neck injuries—particularly cervical spinal cord injuries—affect the arms, hands, and breathing, while lower back injuries may impact leg movement, bladder control, and sexual function.
Daily life often requires significant adjustments:
- Mobility aids and modifications. Wheelchairs, vehicle adaptations, and home renovations become essential—and expensive.
- Ongoing medical care. Physical therapy, pain management, and regular monitoring help prevent health complications.
- Lost earning capacity. Many people with SCIs can’t return to their previous jobs, leading to long-term financial strain.
The South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association emphasizes that quality of life depends heavily on access to proper resources, adaptive equipment, and comprehensive rehabilitation services. These needs don't disappear after the initial hospitalization—they continue for years, often for a lifetime.
How Will Our Greenville Injury Lawyer Protect Your Future After a SCI?
As you're adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury, the last thing you should worry about is fighting an insurance company. Alderson Law handles the legal battles so you can focus on healing and adapting. Ryan evaluates the full extent of your damages—not just immediate medical bills, but future care costs, lost wages, and the emotional toll of living with a life-altering injury.
Here's what our no-nonsense legal representation provides:
- Accurate damage assessment. Medical professionals, life care planners, and economists help calculate the true cost of your injury over time.
- Negotiation with insurers. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for far less than you need. But as a former prosecutor, Ryan pushes back.
- Court representation if needed. If a fair settlement isn't offered, our team won’t hesitate to take your case to trial to fight for maximum compensation.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule: this means you can recover damages even if you bear some responsibility, as long as you're not more than 50% at fault. However, when you're not at fault for the accident, your right to full compensation is clear.
Spinal cord injuries change everything, but they don't have to define your future alone. With the right legal support, you can hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they caused, access quality medical care, and secure the resources needed to live as independently as possible. You didn't choose this—but you can choose what happens next. We can help.
