Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating outcomes that can occur when people are hurt in accidents. There are nearly 17,730 new SCIs per year in the U.S., which can leave victims with expensive medical bills and long roads to recovery.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the life-changing impact that an SCI can have on you and your family. Our dedicated team of Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyers can provide compassionate and effective legal representation to help you win fair compensation and get your life back on track.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, resulting in the loss of sensation, movement, or function below the affected area. SCIs can be diagnosed as complete or incomplete based on the extent of the damage.
A complete spinal cord injury means there is no sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury allows for some function or sensation below the injury point.
Spinal cord injuries can also be classified according to their location on the spine. This classification determines the nature of the impairment, such as quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia or paraplegia.
| Location | Vertebrae | Potential SCIs |
| Cervical (neck) | C1-C7 | Affects neck movement, upper body, including arms and hands. Can lead to quadriplegia/tetraplegia, impacting all limbs and torso, requiring full-time assistance. |
| Thoracic (mid-back) | T1-T12 | Impacts chest and lower body parts. Can cause paraplegia, affecting the body below the chest, with the potential use of a wheelchair for mobility. |
| Lumbar (lower back) | L1-L5 | Affects hips, legs, and feet. May lead to lower paraplegia, with varying degrees of leg movement. |
| Sacral (bottom of the spine) | S1-S5 | Influences hips, back of the thighs, buttocks, and pelvic organs. Might result in some loss of function in hips and legs but allows for more mobility. |
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
SCIs can result from various personal injury accidents, often caused by another party’s negligence, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: SCIs often result from the violent impact of crashes where drivers may be intoxicated, speeding, or not following road rules.
- Slip and Fall: These accidents can happen anywhere unsafe conditions are left unaddressed, such as slippery floors or uneven stairs.
- Sports-Related: Injuries to the spinal cord in sports settings usually stem from inadequate safety practices, like missing protective gear or poorly enforced game rules.
- Boating Accidents: SCIs from boating can be caused by reckless behavior on the water, including operating watercraft while impaired or driving them at dangerous speeds.
- Pedestrian or Bicycle: Pedestrians and bicyclists can suffer SCIs when they’re struck by vehicles, and these accidents are often caused by drivers who are distracted or disobeying traffic laws.
Recovering from Spinal Cord Injuries
The road to recovery after an SCI can be long and complex. You may need the following support, which can be costly:
- Medical Treatments and Rehabilitation: You may need extensive medical care, including emergency treatment, surgeries, and prolonged physical and occupational therapy sessions to regain as much function as possible. Medical care may also include medications, diagnostic testing, and routine primary care to manage secondary health concerns due to the SCI.
- Assistive Devices and Technologies: Your SCI may require specialized equipment such as a wheelchair, voice-activated computer, and home modifications to enhance your mobility and independence in your daily life.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: You may benefit from consistent counseling and therapy to address mental health challenges like depression and anxiety after an SCI. These can help you build resilience and maintain emotional well-being.
Our attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers have been helping SCI victims for nearly 40 years. We are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation to cover all expenses necessary for your injury recovery.
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
When a spinal cord injury changes your life, seeking compensation is a crucial step toward rebuilding your future. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we can help secure you the compensation needed to maintain your quality of life.
First, we can carefully review your case to determine what compensation you’re eligible to receive. This means assessing losses such as:
- Medical expenses like emergency room visits, surgery costs, and hospital stays
- Rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care expenses for in-home services and specialized medical equipment
- Future medical treatments like surgeries, medication costs, and appointments
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Property damage or loss
- Loss of enjoyment of life and companionship
After calculating your damages, our lawyers can help you recover an insurance settlement or damage award from the responsible party. Spinal cord injury cases require specialized legal knowledge and experience.
With our team of experienced personal injury attorneys, you can trust that your case will be handled effectively. We collaborate with medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, and other professionals to accurately assess your claim and determine the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be overwhelming, leaving you with many questions and uncertainties. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand your concerns, and our compassionate team is here to provide answers and clarity every step of the way.
What are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?
The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can vary widely but often include physical challenges such as paralysis or reduced mobility, loss of sensation, and issues with bladder and bowel control.
You may also experience chronic pain, increased risk of infections, and psychological issues like depression and anxiety. This can affect your quality of life and require ongoing medical and emotional support.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Spinal Cord Injury?
Recovery timelines can differ from person to person, with most of the recovery occurring within the first six months. Many people may need up to two years to fully recover or receive a permanent disability diagnosis.
Our team will work with you to understand your situation and help you get compensated for future expenses.
What Steps Should I Take After a Spinal Cord Injury?
After a spinal cord injury, seek immediate medical attention to stabilize and document your condition. Follow all medical guidance, including follow-up testing or specialist visits to treat the injury.
Consult an attorney as soon as possible to explore your legal options. Our team at Berg Injury Lawyers can walk you through what steps to take, investigate the accident, and handle all aspects of your claim while you focus on healing.
Contact Our Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
With Berg Injury Lawyers by your side, you can get fair compensation after a spinal cord injury. We have won millions in damage awards for our clients, including one for five times what insurers initially offered. And with our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing.
Get the legal representation you deserve. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help with your spinal cord injury case.
