A groundbreaking clinical study is offering renewed optimism for people living with paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries, a development closely followed by our Seattle, WA spinal cord injury attorney team and the broader medical community. Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine reported that electrical stimulation applied to the injured area of the spine helped many participants regain meaningful arm and hand function—sometimes years after their original injuries.
The study focused on individuals with tetraplegia who had experienced limited recovery through traditional rehabilitation alone. One participant, Seattle resident Jon Schlueter, suffered an incomplete C5–C7 spinal cord injury in a 2005 diving accident. After years of intensive therapy, his progress plateaued, and he accepted that his arm and hand function might remain severely limited. That outlook changed when he joined the UW-led clinical trial.
Using a noninvasive device that delivers electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin, researchers found that the nervous system could be “primed” to respond more effectively during rehabilitation exercises. According to findings published in Nature Medicine, 72% of more than 60 participants showed significant improvement in strength and function after two months of treatment. Remarkably, many retained those gains even after stopping use of the device.
Participants practiced repetitive, fine-motor tasks such as picking up small objects and stacking blocks, with therapists closely monitoring progress. Schlueter regained use of his right hand and arm, improved blood pressure regulation, and even returned to playing guitar—something he once thought impossible. While results varied depending on the severity of injury, researchers emphasized that the outcomes challenge long-held beliefs about limited recovery windows following spinal cord trauma.
How Spinal Cord Injury Law Supports Long-Term Recovery
Medical breakthroughs like this highlight the long-term needs of individuals living with spinal injuries. Our Seattle spinal cord injury attorneys work often involves helping clients secure the resources necessary to pursue ongoing care, adaptive therapies, and emerging treatments that may not have been available at the time of injury.
Our paralysis lawyers understand that spinal cord injuries frequently require lifelong planning. Even when recovery improves, individuals may still face substantial medical expenses, therapy costs, and changes to employment or independence. Legal claims can help account for both current needs and future care as technology and treatment options evolve.
Our nerve injury lawyers also work to identify how an injury occurred and whether negligence played a role. Many spinal injuries stem from preventable incidents such as vehicle crashes, falls, or unsafe recreational activities. Holding responsible parties accountable can provide financial support that allows injured individuals to focus on rehabilitation rather than uncertainty.
In cases involving surgical intervention, our cord damage lawyers evaluate whether proper standards of care were followed and whether complications contributed to long-term impairment. These cases often require detailed medical review and coordination with specialists who understand spinal trauma.
If you or a loved one is living with the effects of a spinal cord injury, speaking with our Seattle spinal cord injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC is committed to supporting individuals as they pursue compensation that reflects both current challenges and future possibilities. We’re available 24/7 to discuss the details of your case with you. And because we offer free case evaluations, our clients can trust that they’ll receive the attention they deserve without having to pay a dime upfront. If you’ve been injured and are suffering from spinal cord damage, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you plan for the road ahead.
