A spinal cord injury can alter a person’s mobility, independence, ability to work, and day-to-day life. The effects of an injury vary based on its location, severity, medical treatment, and individual prognosis, but some people require substantial medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident that may have been caused by another party, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. can review the circumstances and explain the legal options that may be available.
Call (619) 864-7101 to discuss your case with our team.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Lasting Impact
Spinal cord injuries vary widely in severity, and the specific nature of the injury often determines the long-term impact on a person's life.
Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury, while an incomplete injury allows for some remaining function or sensation. The distinction between these two types of injuries can significantly affect a person's prognosis, treatment plan, and long-term needs.
Paraplegia and Tetraplegia
Depending on where along the spinal cord the injury occurs, a person may experience paraplegia, affecting the lower body, or tetraplegia, affecting all four limbs. Both conditions typically require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in California
Spinal cord injuries can happen in a range of accidents, and identifying the cause is often the first step toward understanding who may be responsible.
Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Accidents
Car and motorcycle accidents remain among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries across California, often resulting from high-speed collisions, rollovers, or crashes involving commercial vehicles.
Falls and Workplace Incidents
Falls, whether on a dangerous property or at a job site, are another common cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly falls from height or incidents involving heavy equipment.
Where Serious Spinal Cord Injuries Commonly Occur Across California
Spinal cord injuries happen throughout the state, and our firm represents clients in communities including Santa Ana, Sacramento, Fresno, San Clemente, Los Angeles, and across both Northern and Southern California. No matter where in California your injury occurred, our team has experience handling spinal cord injury claims specific to the area.
Steps to Take After Suffering a Spinal Cord Injury in California
- Prioritize emergency medical care and follow through with all recommended treatment and rehabilitation.
- Document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible, including photographs of the location and any visible hazards or vehicle damage.
- Gather contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Obtain a copy of any official police or incident report connected to the accident.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
- Keep records of every medical expense connected to your injury, including bills, prescriptions, and equipment costs.
- Track every workday you miss and any reduction in your ability to work.
- Call Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at (619) 864-7101 to discuss your case before providing any statement to an insurance company.
Establishing Liability in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim
Liability in a spinal cord injury claim depends on the facts of the accident. Potentially responsible parties may include a negligent driver, property owner, contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another third party. If the injury occurred at work, workers’ compensation benefits may be available, and a separate claim against a negligent third party may be possible in some situations. Determining the appropriate claim often requires a careful review of the accident, the employment relationship, and the available evidence.
Compensation Available to Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Spinal cord injury victims may be entitled to compensation covering medical expenses, both past and future, lost income and reduced earning capacity, the cost of long-term care and rehabilitation, home and vehicle modifications, pain and suffering, and permanent disability. Given the lifelong nature of many spinal cord injuries, a claim should account for the full scope of care a person will need going forward, not just their immediate medical bills.
California Deadlines and Legal Rules That Affect Your Claim
California law includes deadlines and fault rules that can affect whether you can bring a spinal cord injury claim and how much compensation may be available. Because the applicable rules can vary based on the circumstances, it is important to have the facts of your case reviewed as soon as possible.
The Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Cases
In many California negligence cases, a lawsuit for personal injuries must be filed within two years after the injury. California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 provides this general two-year deadline for an action based on injury caused by another person’s wrongful act or neglect.
Important exceptions may apply. For example, before filing a lawsuit against a public entity, an injured person generally must present a written government claim within six months after the claim accrues. Other facts, including the injured person’s age, the date an injury was discovered, or the type of claim involved, may affect the applicable deadline.
How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Recovery
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If an injured person is found partly responsible for an accident, the damages awarded may be reduced by that person’s percentage of fault. For example, if total damages are $100,000 and the injured person is found 20% responsible, the recovery may be reduced by $20,000.
Fault determinations depend on the available evidence, including collision reports, photographs, witness accounts, vehicle data, medical records, and expert analysis where appropriate. Sharing some responsibility does not necessarily prevent an injured person from seeking compensation. California’s standard comparative-fault jury instruction directs that damages be reduced by the percentage of responsibility assigned to the plaintiff when that negligence contributed to the harm.
Why Choose Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Back Injury
A spinal cord injury claim can involve insurance communications, medical documentation, accident investigation, and complex questions about future losses. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. can investigate the circumstances of the accident, communicate with insurers, gather available evidence, and evaluate the damages supported by the facts of the case.
Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. generally works on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront attorney’s fees. The written fee agreement will explain how fees and case costs are handled. Contact Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at (619) 864-7101 to discuss the circumstances of your potential claim.
Proven Results in California Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. has obtained results in a range of California personal injury matters. Review our case results for examples of prior recoveries. Each case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
We Represent Spinal Cord Injury Victims Across California
Our attorneys represent spinal cord injury victims throughout California, including in Santa Ana, Sacramento, Fresno, San Clemente, Los Angeles, and communities across both Northern and Southern California. Wherever your accident occurred, our team is ready to help.
Speak With a California Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today
A spinal cord injury may create immediate medical, financial, and practical concerns. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. can review the accident, discuss the evidence that may be available, and explain whether you may have a claim involving a catastrophic injury, slip and fall, auto accident, or truck accident.
Contact Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at (619) 864-7101 for a free consultation.
California Spinal Cord Injury FAQs
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord that can result in a partial or complete loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury. The severity and long-term effects vary significantly depending on the location and extent of the damage.
What if my symptoms did not appear until weeks after the accident?
Some spinal cord injuries don't produce immediately obvious symptoms, and pain, numbness, or weakness can develop or worsen over time. If you notice new or worsening symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention right away and let your attorney know, since delayed symptoms can still be connected to the original incident.
What if there was no police report or official documentation of the accident?
A missing police report doesn't necessarily prevent you from pursuing a claim. Other evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, photographs, and surveillance footage, can help establish what happened. An attorney can help identify what evidence is available in your specific situation.
What is my spinal cord injury case worth?
The value of a spinal cord injury case depends on factors including the severity of the injury, your medical expenses and future care needs, lost income, and the impact on your daily life. Because every case is different, an accurate valuation requires a full review of your specific circumstances.