Every year in the U.S., around 18,000 people suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). These injuries can have profound impacts on sufferers, including millions of dollars in lifetime costs, lowered life expectancy rates, diminished quality of life, and employment difficulties
When a spinal cord injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, victims have the right to pursue damages for the injury-related costs they’re facing. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California spinal cord injury attorneys have decades of experience fighting for the injured, and we can help you too.
Since 1981, we’ve worked hard to create a culture where clients come first. If you can’t come to our office for appointments, we will come to you. Our staff helps our clients beyond simply providing legal representation—we often take our clients to doctor’s appointments and use our connections to find them the best care possible.
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain down the back. It plays a vital role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It allows us to move, feel sensations, and control bodily functions.
Spinal cord injuries can be classified into different types, depending on the location and severity of the damage. The two primary categories are “complete” and “incomplete” spinal cord injuries. A complete spinal cord injury refers to a total loss of function and sensation below the level of the injury, while an incomplete injury means that some degree of function and/or sensation remains.
The effects of spinal cord injuries vary, depending on the location and extent of the damage. Injuries higher up in the spinal cord, such as in the neck area, often result in more severe consequences, such as paralysis of both the arms and legs (quadriplegia). Injuries lower down in the spinal cord may lead to paralysis of the legs (paraplegia).
The Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury on Your Life
A spinal cord injury can significantly affect every aspect of your life. From physical challenges to emotional and financial burdens, navigating life with this type of injury can be incredibly difficult.
The Physical Impact
Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals may experience partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or impaired motor function. These physical limitations can greatly affect a person’s independence, ability to work, and overall quality of life.
The Emotional Toll
The sudden change in abilities and lifestyle can lead to intense feelings of grief, anger, and frustration. It’s important to seek emotional support and counseling to help navigate through these challenging emotions following a disabling spinal cord injury.
The Financial Consequences
Medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing rehabilitation, can quickly add up. Spinal cord injury victims may require assistive devices, home modifications, and long-term in-home care, which can place a significant financial strain on both the individual and their families.
When someone suffers a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s actions, they have the right to demand full compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company for all of these, from medical bills and lost wages to physical pain and emotional suffering. This is why it’s so important to speak to a personal injury lawyer to protect your future. If your settlement does not account for everything you’ve suffered, you aren’t being fully compensated.
COMPENSATION FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY VICTIMS
Compensation in spinal cord injury cases aims to address both the immediate and future needs that arise from such life-altering injuries.
Below is an overview of the types of compensation that may be available to victims:
MEDICAL EXPENSES
Victims of spinal cord injuries often face extensive and ongoing medical costs. Compensation can cover:
- Emergency Care, Surgeries, Rehabilitation, and Long-Term Care: From the initial emergency response and surgeries to long-term rehabilitation and therapy, victims can receive compensation for all necessary medical treatments. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any specialized care required to manage their injuries over time.
- Assistive Devices and Home Modifications: Many spinal cord injury victims require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and adaptive technology to regain some level of independence. Additionally, their homes may need to be modified to accommodate their new needs, such as by installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding stairlifts. These expenses can be significant, but they are essential for improving quality of life for the injured individual.
LOST WAGES AND LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
Spinal cord injuries often prevent victims from returning to work for extended periods, if at all. Compensation in this area includes:
- Wages for Time Away From Work and Lost Future Income: Victims can receive compensation for the wages they lost during their recovery period and for any future income they may lose due to their inability to work at the same capacity, or to work at all.
- Impact on Career Prospects and Retraining Costs: In some cases, victims may need to retrain for a new career if they are unable to return to their previous line of work. Compensation can cover the costs associated with retraining and the impact on the victim’s career trajectory.
PAIN AND SUFFERING
Beyond the financial toll, spinal cord injuries inflict significant physical and emotional pain. Victims may be entitled to:
- Non-Economic Damages for Physical Pain and Emotional Distress: Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the non-economic impacts of the injury, including chronic pain, mental anguish, depression, anxiety, and the overall reduction in the victim’s quality of life.
LOSS OF QUALITY OF LIFE
Spinal cord injuries often result in a permanent loss of certain abilities and a drastic change in lifestyle. Compensation may address:
- Reduction in Life Enjoyment and Independence: This type of compensation recognizes the profound impact that the injury has on the victim’s ability to enjoy life and participate in activities they once loved. It also accounts for the loss of independence and the need for ongoing assistance with daily activities.
CAUSES OF SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Spinal cord injuries can occur from many traumatic events, each with potentially life-altering consequences. Understanding the common causes of SCIs is crucial for both prevention and for building a strong legal case if the injury was due to someone else’s negligence.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
One of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes. The force of a collision can cause severe damage to the spine, especially in high-speed or rollover accidents. Victims may suffer from partial or complete paralysis depending on the location and severity of the injury.
SLIP-AND-FALL ACCIDENTS
Slip-and-fall accidents are another common cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly among older adults. These injuries often occur due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways. When a person falls and lands on their back or neck, the impact can result in significant damage to the spinal cord, leading to long-term disability.
ACTS OF VIOLENCE
Violent acts, including assaults, gunshot wounds, and stabbings, can cause severe damage to the spinal cord. These injuries are often the result of criminal activity, and they can leave victims with permanent disabilities. Legal cases involving spinal cord injuries caused by violence may also involve criminal proceedings in addition to civil claims for compensation.
THE ROLE OF A SPINAL CORD INJURY LAWYER
Here’s how our legal team can help you navigate this challenging time and secure the compensation you deserve.
BUILDING A STRONG CASE
Building a robust case helps secure the compensation you need for your recovery and future needs. Our approach involves:
Gathering and Preserving Evidence: We gather and preserve all relevant evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This comprehensive evidence collection helps us demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the circumstances that led to the accident.
Working With Medical Experts and Life Care Planners: To accurately assess your long-term needs, we collaborate with medical experts and life care planners who can provide detailed evaluations of your condition. These experts help us understand the full impact of your injury and project future medical care, rehabilitation, and other necessary accommodations, ensuring that your claim accounts for all your needs.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when they try to minimize your claim. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who employ strategic approaches to secure a fair settlement.
Working to Secure a Fair Settlement: We approach negotiations with a deep understanding of insurance tactics and fight to ensure that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. Our goal is to achieve a settlement that covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages without the need for a prolonged legal battle.
Preparing for Litigation: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our team has extensive experience in litigation, and we will advocate fiercely on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
SUPPORTING CLIENTS THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS
Navigating the legal process after a spinal cord injury can be daunting. We’re here to provide the support and guidance you need every step of the way.
Providing Compassionate Guidance and Support: We understand the emotional and physical toll that a spinal cord injury can take on you and your family. Our team is committed to providing compassionate support, helping you cope with the challenges you face and ensuring that you feel empowered throughout the legal process.
Ensuring Clients Understand Their Rights and Options: It’s essential that you understand your rights and the options available to you. We take the time to explain every aspect of your case, so you can make informed decisions about your future. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or going to trial, we ensure that you’re fully aware of the potential outcomes and what they mean for you.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact that a spinal cord injury can have on your life. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in California, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. One way we are able to help our clients is with our No Fee Guarantee®—a promise that if you don’t win, you pay nothing.
Contact our California spinal cord injury lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We provide compassionate and effective legal representation to individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries.
