Seek Compensation with our Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Are you seeking justice and rightful compensation for a spinal cord injury caused by someone else’s negligence? Look no further than Conlogue Law, LLP, where our experienced Los Angeles spinal cord injury attorney is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team at Conlogue Law, LLP has extensive experience in personal injury law and is prepared to vigorously advocate on your behalf if you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of others.
We understand the profound impact that spinal cord injuries can have on all aspects of your life, including physical, emotional, and financial hardships. With our compassionate approach and in-depth legal knowledge, we are able to offer comprehensive legal solutions tailored to your specific needs.
You can trust us to handle your case with the utmost dedication, ensuring that your rights are protected and your future is secure. We are here to be the guiding light in your pursuit of justice for spinal cord injuries in California.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage or trauma to the spinal cord, which is a crucial part of the central nervous system responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Such injuries can be caused by various factors, such as accidents, falls, sports-related incidents, or medical conditions.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries: incomplete and complete.
Incomplete injuries occur when there is still some feeling or movement below the injury site, while complete injuries result in a complete loss of function below the point of injury.
Incomplete injuries can vary in severity depending on where the injury is. The symptoms can be affected by the location of the injury. In cases of incomplete spinal cord injuries, the most common complications include:
- Anterior Cord Syndrome: This type of injury affects the front of the spinal cord and can lead to impaired movement, touch, pain, and temperature sensations below the injury site.
- Central Cord Syndrome: This syndrome occurs when the center of the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in a loss of function in the arms but retaining some leg movement.
- Posterior Cord Syndrome: This syndrome is characterized by damage to the back of the spinal cord, leading to poor coordination.
- Brown-Sequard Syndrome: This syndrome occurs when one side of the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in the loss of movement but preserved sensation on one side of the body, and the loss of sensation but preserved movement on the other side of the body.
Common Causes of Spinal Injury
Every spinal injury claim is unique because individuals’ bodies respond differently to external trauma. Some injuries may be caused by transport-related accidents, such as:
- Bicycle crashes
- Bus collisions
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rideshare mishaps (Uber and Lyft accidents)
- Truck collisions
Even workplace accidents can lead to injuries to the spine, including:
- Accidents on construction sites
- Incidents in industrial settings
- Violations of workplace safety standards
Other common causes of spinal injury include:
- Accidents from slipping and falling on unsafe premises
- Birth defects due to genetic factors
- Injuries caused by faulty or dangerous products
- Injuries caused by heavy objects crushing
- Injuries caused by undiagnosed infections
- Injuries during childbirth
- Injuries from diving into shallow water
- Injuries from physical labor
- Medical errors like wrong prescriptions or surgical mistakes
- Mistakes made by chiropractors
- Sports-related injuries
- Use of epidurals
- Violent incidents
No matter the cause of your injury, it is vital to enlist the help of our experienced Los Angeles spinal injury lawyer to make sure the responsible party is held fully responsible in your catastrophic injury claim.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury
Like the human brain, the spine cannot grow new cells. This means that it is important to understand that some symptoms of a spinal cord injury may be noticed right away, while others may appear slowly over time. Common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
- Numbness in the arms or legs
- Pain or weakness in the neck, head, or back
- Difficulty coordinating movements or losing the ability to move
- Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
- Partial or complete paralysis in any part of the body
Everyone’s experience with a spinal cord injury is different, and no two cases are alike. It can also be difficult to detect spinal cord injuries in some cases. If someone has any of these symptoms, it is very important to see a qualified medical expert for a thorough evaluation without delay.
Long-Term Effects of Injury to the Spinal Cord
After an accident, people with spinal cord injuries may experience lasting effects. Some of these long-term effects include:
- Paralysis (partial or complete loss of ability to move)
- Severe pain from the spinal cord or radiating outwards (caused by damaged nerves)
- Problems with sexual function and fertility
- Muscle spasms and increased reflex activity
- Difficulty breathing or coughing
- Loss of control over bowel and bladder functions
- Partial or complete loss of feeling (unable to sense hot or cold temperatures)
8 Things to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury in California
If you or someone you know has had a spinal cord injury in California, it’s important to take the following steps to ensure the best outcome:
- Get medical help right away. Spinal cord injuries can be life-threatening, and getting prompt medical attention can increase your chances of a better recovery.
- Gather any evidence related to the accident or incident that caused the injury if possible. This could include taking photos, getting witness information, or collecting relevant documents.
- Talk to our trusted spinal cord injury attorney in Los Angeles. We can help you navigate the legal process, protect your civil rights, and seek fair compensation for your injuries.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life. This documentation will be important for building your case.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s advice and attend all scheduled appointments for treatment and rehabilitation. Doing so can aid in your recovery and strengthen your case.
- Let your insurance company know about the incident, but don’t discuss fault or accept any settlements without consulting your attorney first.
- Focus on your rehabilitation and follow the recommended physical therapy and other treatments. Your health and well-being are crucial during this difficult time.
- Stay informed about your rights and the legal process. Your attorney will provide guidance, but understanding your situation will help you make informed decisions.
Remember, recovering from a spinal cord injury can be complicated and emotionally draining. Having the support of our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney can make a big difference in your journey toward recovery and seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Filing a Spinal Injury Claim in California
Who can I hold liable for my spinal cord injury?
If your spinal cord injury occurred due to others’ actions or carelessness, you can file a claim to seek compensation. The people or entities you can hold responsible for these injuries may include drivers, careless people, employers, business owners, landlords, the state of California, and product makers.
Until when can I file a personal injury claim for my spine injury?
After a spinal cord injury, there is a limited time frame, known as the statute of limitations, in which you can file a personal claim for damages. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, but there are exceptions.
If you are under 18 at the time of the injury, if the responsible party cannot be found, or if there is a valid reason for a delay in discovering the injury, you may have the opportunity to file a claim outside the standard two-year period.
If the government is responsible for your spinal cord injury, there are specific procedures to follow. You must submit an administrative claim within six months of the injury to seek compensation from the government. The government will review your claim and either approve or deny it. If your claim is denied, you have an additional six months to file a civil claim for damages.
How can I prove liability for my spinal cord injury claim?
To obtain compensation for your injuries, it is important to establish liability. This involves proving the occurrence of the accident, demonstrating the negligent party’s actions, providing evidence that your injury resulted from their negligence, and showing that the accident caused physical injuries and damages to your spinal cord.
Filing California personal injury claims can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to deny your rightful settlement. Our team of Los Angeles spinal cord injury attorneys can help you secure your compensation so you can focus on getting the support and care you need during this difficult time.
How much is my spine injury claim worth?
The value of your spine injury case is not fixed and can vary. It depends on factors that are unique to your particular situation.
- What is the extent of your spinal cord injury?
- Did you experience a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury?
- How has the injury affected your mobility? To what degree?
- Can you manage daily tasks independently, or do you need assistance with activities like eating and bathing?
- How has the spinal cord injury impacted your ability to work and earn a living?
- Do you anticipate being able to return to work in the future?
- Have you taken measures to minimize the impact of your injury?
- Did your actions contribute to the accident and subsequent trauma?
The value of your case is often influenced by the location of your spine injury and the severity of its long-term effects. However, other factors like your age, pre-existing conditions, and life expectancy also need to be considered.
What if I’m partially liable for my spinal cord injury?
If you are partially responsible for your spinal cord injury, you can still receive compensation. However, the amount you can get will be limited.
In California, the damages you can recover are determined by how much you are responsible for the injury. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, you can only recover 70% of the damages.
What damages can I recover from my spinal cord injury claim?
Spinal cord injuries bring about severe and distressing consequences for both victims and their families. When your mobility and freedom are affected, performing your job, taking care of your family, and even managing your daily needs can become challenging.
By filing a personal injury claim for damages, you can seek compensation for financial losses and the life-altering adjustments you need to make.
- Medical expenses can be astronomical for individuals with paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries. Economic damages in California can cover hospitalization, surgeries, medical devices, and prescription medications.
- Traveling to see medical specialists during recovery can also incur costs. Economic damages can compensate for these expenses.
- Rehabilitation and ongoing care costs are often necessary for individuals with severe spinal cord injuries. Economic damages can cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, in-home nursing care, home modifications, and expenses related to assisted living facilities.
- Severe spinal injuries can prevent individuals from working or hinder job performance. Economic damages can compensate for lost income, both current and projected future losses.
- Spinal cord injuries can also cause emotional trauma and chronic pain. Non-economic damages can be awarded to compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, embarrassment, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Do I need a lawyer to file a spinal cord injury claim?
You can file an injury claim on your own, but it’s in your best interest to hire an attorney if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. A Los Angeles spinal cord injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Experienced lawyers are knowledgeable in local ordinances, state laws, and federal laws.
- A good attorney can negotiate with insurance companies when they try to settle for less than what your injury claim is worth.
- Your lawyer will protect your rights and interests throughout your injury claims process.
Ready to File Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury in California, hiring a spinal cord injury attorney is crucial. Our Los Angeles spinal cord injury attorney has the legal experience and knowledge to build a strong legal strategy tailored to your specific situation.
We will fight for your rights and work to secure the maximum compensation you deserve, ensuring that no aspect of your damages is overlooked. We will guide you through the complex legal procedures, handle all communication with insurance companies, and establish liability in your case. We will provide compassionate support and assurance throughout the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Call Conlogue Law, LLP today to get started with your injury claim in California.
