How Long Do Spinal Cord Injury Cases Take to Settle?
After a spinal cord injury, one of the first questions most people ask is: *How long will my case take to settle?*
The answer depends on many factors—medical recovery, insurer cooperation, and the complexity of the claim.
Because spinal-injury cases often involve catastrophic, lifelong losses, insurers rarely settle quickly. They need extensive medical documentation before negotiating, and some deliberately delay to pressure victims into accepting less.
As Alberta personal-injury lawyers who once defended insurance companies, we've seen both sides of this process. This article explains the stages of a spinal-injury claim, what affects timelines, and how to move your case forward without sacrificing fair compensation.
This guide covers:
What Counts as a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when trauma damages the spinal cord or surrounding nerves, interfering with signals between the brain and body. Severity ranges from mild nerve compression to complete paralysis.
Common Types of Spinal Injuries:
Common Insurance Challenges in Alberta
Spinal-injury cases are high-value and high-risk for insurers, which means they often delay, dispute, or underpay claims. Understanding these tactics helps explain why settlements take time.
Delaying Medical-Record Requests
Slowing down case progress by taking excessive time to request or review medical records.
Disputing the Cause of Injury
Questioning liability to reduce or deny responsibility for the injury.
Demanding Repeated Assessments
Challenging your doctor's opinion by requesting multiple independent medical examinations.
Low Initial Settlement Offers
Testing your patience with offers designed to pressure quick acceptance.
Dragging Out Negotiations
Delaying until victims are financially exhausted and more likely to accept less.
Each delay serves one purpose: to reduce the insurer's payout.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Spinal Injury
Your recovery timeline directly affects how quickly your case can settle. Taking the right steps early protects both your health and your legal claim.
Seek Emergency Medical Care
Never underestimate back or neck pain.
Follow Through with All Specialist Appointments
Consistent treatment builds evidence of injury severity.
Keep Detailed Records
Track every appointment, prescription, and out-of-pocket cost.
Avoid Giving Insurer Statements
Speak to a lawyer before signing or recording anything.
Consult an Alberta Spinal-Injury Lawyer Early
Legal guidance ensures the claim starts correctly and deadlines aren't missed.
How a Lawyer Helps Keep Your Case Moving
A spinal-injury case requires coordination between doctors, rehabilitation experts, and insurance adjusters. Without a lawyer, even simple steps can drag on for months.
Managing All Communication with Insurers
So you aren't caught in endless back-and-forths.
Coordinating Medical Evaluations
To ensure your injuries are fully documented.
Monitoring Rehabilitation Progress
Gathering reports as evidence of ongoing loss.
Negotiating at the Right Time
Once your long-term prognosis is known—to maximize your recovery.
Pushing Back on Unreasonable Delays
Filing legal action if necessary to force action and preserve your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Spinal-injury cases take time—but for good reason. Your lawyer must ensure your injuries are stable, your future care costs are documented, and insurers have nowhere to hide behind delay tactics.
Focus on recovery first
Keep consistent medical treatment
Avoid early lowball settlements
Get a lawyer involved early
Still have questions?
Call or text us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.