Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help You

The City of Los Angeles is the most populous in the U.S. state of California. With roughly 3.9 million residents within the city limits as of 2020, Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States, behind only New York City; it is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of the Southern California region. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Los Angeles, our experienced Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation.

A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage to the spinal cord resulting in a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. These injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, often leading to long-term disability and significant changes in daily living. Understanding the causes, effects, and management of spinal cord injuries is crucial in providing proper care and support for those affected.

 

Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

The Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury

The impact of a spinal cord injury (SCI) on an individual’s life can be profound and far-reaching, affecting various aspects of their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Some of the key impacts include:

  • Physical Impairment: SCI can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired motor function below the level of the injury, leading to challenges in mobility and activities of daily living.
  • Medical Complications: Individuals with SCI are at risk of various medical complications, including respiratory issues, pressure ulcers, muscle spasticity, and neuropathic pain, which can significantly impact their overall health and quality of life.
  • Emotional and Psychological Effects: SCI often leads to emotional and psychological challenges, such as depression, anxiety, grief, and adjustment issues, stemming from the drastic changes in lifestyle and loss of independence.
  • Social and Vocational Impact: SCI can affect an individual’s social relationships, recreational activities, and employment opportunities, leading to social isolation and challenges in reintegration into the community and workforce.

Understanding the multifaceted impact of SCI is crucial in providing comprehensive care, support, and rehabilitation to individuals with spinal cord injuries, enabling them to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives despite their challenges.

Liability for Your Spinal Cord Injury

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, liability for the injury may rest with different parties depending on the circumstances. Here are some common scenarios:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: If your spinal cord injury occurred in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, liability could rest with the at-fault driver, their employer (if driving for work), or even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or its parts.
  • Slip and Fall Accidents: In cases where a slip and fall leads to a spinal cord injury, liability may rest with the property owner or manager if it can be proven that their negligence led to unsafe conditions.
  • Medical Malpractice: Spinal cord injuries sustained during medical procedures or due to misdiagnosis or improper treatment could lead to liability for the medical professionals or healthcare facility involved.
  • Product Liability: If a defective product, such as faulty safety equipment or a malfunctioning vehicle, directly contributed to the spinal cord injury, the manufacturer or distributor of the product may be held liable.

It’s important to consult with legal experts to assess the specific circumstances of your spinal cord injury and determine the potential liability of the parties involved. This can help in pursuing the appropriate legal recourse to seek compensation for your injury.

Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury (SCI) can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some common symptoms include:

  • Loss of Movement: Paralysis or loss of voluntary muscle movement in the affected parts of the body.
  • Loss of Sensation: Numbness or loss of sensation in the extremities or other parts of the body below the site of the injury.
  • Breathing Problems: Difficulty breathing or coughing, which can occur if the injury is high in the neck or affects the nerves that control the diaphragm.
  • Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control: Inability to control bowel or bladder function, leading to incontinence.
  • Spasms or exaggerated reflex activities: Muscle spasms, exaggerated reflex activities, or exaggerated movements of the affected limbs.
  • Changes in Sexual Function: Loss of sexual function, sensitivity, and fertility, which can result from the injury’s impact on the nerves controlling sexual response.
  • Intense Pain: Neuropathic pain, which can be intense and difficult to manage.

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if a spinal cord injury is suspected, as early intervention can significantly impact the long-term outcome for the individual.

Emotional Challenges Faced by Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) commonly face a range of emotional challenges, including:

  • Depression and Anxiety: Dealing with the loss of mobility and independence can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety.
  • Grief and Loss: Coping with the loss of physical abilities and the impact on one’s previous lifestyle can lead to a sense of grief and mourning for the life one had before the injury.
  • Adjustment Issues: Adapting to the changes in daily living, relationships, and societal perceptions can create significant adjustment challenges for individuals with SCIs.
  • Self-Esteem and Body Image: Changes in physical appearance and abilities can lead to issues related to self-esteem, body image, and self-acceptance.

Addressing these emotional challenges through counseling, support groups, and interventions is crucial in promoting mental well-being and overall quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Compensation For A Spinal Cord Injury Claim

When seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury claim, it’s important to consider various avenues and resources available to cover the significant costs associated with the injury. Here are some key points to consider based on the provided web search results:

  • Legal Assistance and Compensation Rights: Seeking legal assistance is crucial to understanding the specific value of the case and the compensation rights entitled to the individual with a spinal cord injury. A lawyer can advise on the potential monetary award for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as the possibility of punitive damages if the other party’s actions were particularly egregious. Additionally, statutes of limitations should be considered to avoid foreclosure of a lawsuit due to delays.
  • Financial Assistance Programs: Various organizations offer financial assistance to spinal cord injury survivors, including the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation, which provides quality-of-life grants and maintains a list of government, nonprofit, and private organizations offering grants. Other options for financial assistance include employee assistance programs and financial assistance programs offered by medical providers.
  • Costs of Spinal Cord Injury: According to The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the costs of high tetraplegia can exceed one million dollars in the first year, with substantial expenses in subsequent years. Lifetime expenses for a 25-year-old injury survivor can range between $2 million and $4.5 million. However, individuals do not have to cover these costs alone and can explore various forms of compensation and support to address the financial burden.
  • Economic and Non-Economic Damages: Spinal cord injury claims involve economic damages such as ongoing medical care, home and vehicle modifications, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Non-economic damages cover non-financial losses, including lifestyle changes, in-home assistance, and renovations necessary for a hospitable environment. These damages aim to compensate for the permanent impairment and loss of quality of life resulting from the injury.

In conclusion, seeking fair compensation for a spinal cord injury claim requires a comprehensive understanding of the available resources, legal rights, and potential avenues for financial assistance. Consulting with legal and financial professionals is essential to navigate the complexities of securing the compensation needed to address the extensive impact of a spinal cord injury.

Statute of Limitations in Spinal Cord Injury Cases in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the statute of limitations for filing a spinal cord injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. It’s crucial to take prompt legal action within this time frame, as failing to file a claim before the expiration of the statute of limitations can bar you from seeking compensation through the civil court system. However, there are certain circumstances in which the statute of limitations can be extended, such as if the injured party is a minor, the at-fault party is unavailable, or there is a reasonable delay in discovering the spinal cord injury.

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to another party’s wrongful conduct or negligence in Los Angeles, potentially liable parties can include motor vehicle drivers, negligent third parties, employers, business owners, landlords, the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and product manufacturers. It’s essential to seek legal counsel promptly to understand your rights and the potential for recovering damages.

Spinal Cord Injury Damages

When seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury, various types of damages can be pursued, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatment, including surgeries, therapy, medication, and assistive devices.
  • Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Compensation for the income lost due to the injury and potential future earnings that may be affected by the long-term impact of the spinal cord injury.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on the quality of life resulting from the injury.
  • Rehabilitation and Adaptive Equipment: Funding for rehabilitation programs, home modifications, and assistive technology to improve the injured individual’s quality of life.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on the relationship between the injured party and their spouse or family.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.

It’s important to consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure that all applicable damages are considered when pursuing a spinal cord injury claim, as the long-term costs and impact of such injuries can be significant.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from various causes, with trauma being a primary factor. The leading causes include:

  • Vehicle Accidents: Automobile, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes of spinal cord injuries, often resulting from sudden impact or trauma during collisions.
  • Falls: Falls from heights, such as slips, trips, and falls from ladders or elevated surfaces, are a common cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly among the elderly population.
  • Acts of Violence: Incidents of assault, gunshot wounds, and other violent encounters can lead to severe spinal cord injuries.
  • Sports and Recreational Activities: High-impact sports and recreational activities like diving, football, or extreme sports can result in spinal cord injuries due to collisions, falls, or heavy impacts.
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, and inflammation of the spinal cord can also contribute to spinal cord injuries.

Understanding these common causes is essential in implementing preventive measures and safety protocols to reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries in various environments and activities. It’s important to note that motor vehicle accidents and falls are the most common traumatic causes, while diseases and medical conditions can contribute to non-traumatic spinal cord injuries. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and better management of spinal cord injuries.

Truck Accident Injury Lawyer Serving Los Angeles

If you or someone you know sustained spinal cord injury in a Los Angeles truck accident, our law firm may be able to help. A person who suffers injury in any type of accident caused by another person’s negligent or wrongful conduct may be able to bring a lawsuit against the responsible party in order to seek financial damages for medical bills, lost earnings and possibly more.

Spinal cord injury may occur in a truck accident if the victim’s body is forcefully impacted in the collision, or if the back is twisted or stretched. Depending on the situation, a victim who suffers spine or back injury in a truck accident may experience partial or total paralysis as well as numerous other medical complications. These may be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of damage to the vertebrae and the spinal cord itself. Immediate treatment will be necessary and may include surgery and/or physical therapy in order to offer the victim the best opportunity at regaining full feeling and control.

Did You Suffer Spinal Cord Injury in an LA Truck Accident?

Contacting a Los Angeles truck accident attorney is of the utmost importance in the wake of any type of back injury or spinal cord damage from an accident with a big rig, tractor trailer or semi truck. You may have the right to seek and recover financial compensation, but it will take proving the other party’s liability and the worth of your claim in order to have the best chance of recovering the full value of your case. An attorney will have the legal experience and knowledge to handle these issues for you while you focus on recovering.

Contact Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Attorney For a Free Consultation Today!

Pacific Attorney Group offers complimentary consultations with Los Angeles spinal cord injury attorneys and other parts of Southern California. We are ready to assess your legal alternatives, hear your account, and assist you in holding the accountable party liable for the significant impact on your spinal cord. To schedule a confidential case review with a Los Angeles spinal cord injury attorney, please contact us at (800) 358-9617 or complete our online intake form.

Contact a Los Angeles spinal cord injury lawyer at our firm for a free truck accident case evaluation.