Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in California
Spinal cord injuries are catastrophic injuries that can affect the survivor’s life as well as the survivor’s family due to medical expenses, physical discomfort, emotional distress, loss of wages and other damage. For these reasons, spinal cord injury victims and their families should seek experienced legal representation immediately.
Traumatic spinal cord injuries usually begin with a sudden, mechanical blow or rupture to the spine that fractures or dislocates the vertebrae.
The spinal cord is divided into five distinct categories: cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacral vertebrae, and coccygeal vertebrae. Spinal damage differs depending upon which area is damaged and whether the cord is bruised, fractured, partially severed or completely severed. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, at least 17,730 new spinal cord injury cases arise in the U.S. each year. An estimated 291,000 people are living with spinal cord injuries. Men are more likely to suffer spinal cord injuries than women, accounting for 78% of all new spinal cord injury cases.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms
Some may immediately notice symptoms of injury to the spinal cord, while other signs may appear later. A victim may experience a variety of symptoms depending on the type, severity, and other factors of spine injury.
Early spinal cord injury signs may include the inability to move the lower limbs or all limbs and the inability to feel hot, cold, pressure, or pain. Bowel and bladder function loss may also indicate an injury to the spinal cord.
Other possible symptoms may include:
- Altered sensations
- Burning sensations
- Changes in sexual function
- Difficulty breathing
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Inability to walk
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain or swelling
Spinal Cord Injury Compensation
Spinal cord injuries are often what the California courts refer to as “catastrophic,” which means they cause the victim long-lasting or permanent damage. Catastrophic injuries that result in great and often lifelong costs are generally more eligible than minor injuries for compensation. An attorney can help negotiate with insurance companies and bring a case to trial if necessary.
Our team of attorneys may help you recover for losses such as:
- Costs of live-in care or assistance
- Lifelong medical expenses, including rehabilitative therapies
- Loss of consortium, or the losses your loved ones suffer because of your spinal cord injury
- Lost wages and lost capacity to earn
- Medical equipment or devices, such as wheelchairs
- Past and future medical costs
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Psychological harms and mental anguish
- Punitive damages
- The cost of home or vehicle modifications
Contact Potter Handy, LLP About Your Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an auto accident or other incidents that was someone else’s fault, contact Potter Handy, LLP today. We can investigate and aggressively pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in California | Call (415) 534-1911 or email us to schedule a free, confidential consultation.