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495+Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury? Our Riverside Catastrophic Injury Attorney Can Help
Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be draining and cause life-altering changes. It is essential to understand your legal rights if you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Riverside. Navigating the legal process can be tricky and time-consuming. From gathering the evidence to filling out the paperwork, the process can be overwhelming and stressful. Thankfully, you do not have to endure it alone. It is in your best interests to seek representation from an experienced Riverside spinal cord injury lawyer who understands how to build a case for maximum compensation.
At The JLF Firm, we have decades of combined experience handling catastrophic injury cases in Riverside. We are passionate about helping individuals and families affected by spine injuries get the justice they deserve for their suffering. We prioritize our client’s best interests, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Do not suffer silently; contact us now to schedule a free case review.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur?
Spinal cord injuries often cause direct damage to the spinal cord or its protective covering, leading to permanent physical and mental impairment. Here is a breakdown of a few accidents that can cause these traumatic injuries:
- Auto accidents: When two vehicles collide, the force of the impact can cause severe damage to the spine.
- Slip and falls: Falls from significant heights or due to hazardous conditions can lead to spinal cord injuries.
- Medical malpractice and birth injury negligence: A medical professional failing to adhere to the standard of care can lead to spinal cord injuries.
- Workplace Accidents: A spinal cord injury could happen on the job for many different reasons, from falls to vehicle collisions to heavy equipment accidents.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries?
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. All spinal cord injuries are medical emergencies, so immediate attention is an absolute must. Some common signs include:
- Loss of sensation or movement in affected limbs
- Chronic pain, especially in the back, neck, and head
- Difficulty with balance or coordination
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Difficulty breathing
Do Spinal Cord Injuries Ever Heal? (Treatment Options)
So far, research for the cure of spinal cord injuries has proven to be extremely promising. Unfortunately, there is still no proven way to restore the functionality of the spinal cord after an accident.
However, several treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for those affected. Physical therapy, medications, assistive devices, and other strategies can help individuals with spinal cord injuries live as independently as possible.
The Ongoing Costs of SCIs
The costs associated with spinal cord injuries are often excessive and can take years to pay off. But some are never-ending, and you may have to incur them for a lifetime. These include:
- Future medical expenses: You need to pay for regular doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and other treatments.
- Ongoing care costs: If you require help with everyday activities, you must factor in the costs of a paid caretaker or assisted living facility.
- Lost earning capacity: In most cases, spinal cord injuries prevent people from returning to their jobs—meaning less earning potential for years to come.
- Assistive technology: Assistive devices like wheelchairs, lifts, and ramps are prone to wear and tear over time and may need ongoing replacements.
- Life changes: You may need to modify your home or purchase a special vehicle equipped with hand controls—both of which come at a price.
- Pain and Suffering: A spinal cord injury can be painful, both physically and emotionally. In California, pain and suffering is a non-economic damage that can be recovered in a claim.
- Long-Term Disability: As part of your claim for non-economic damages, you also have the right to seek compensation for disability, impairment, and loss of life enjoyment.
How Do You Demonstrate Liability for a Spinal Cord Injury?
To be eligible for compensation for your damages, you must prove that someone else is liable for a spinal cord injury. A qualified spinal cord injury attorney can help you gather evidence to prove fault. This evidence may include witness statements, medical records, police reports, and other relevant evidence.
We can also help you demonstrate liability by proving the following facts:
- Duty of care: Naturally, the person or entity at fault owed you a duty of care. That is, they had an obligation to keep you safe from harm.
- Breach of duty/negligence: You must prove that the other party failed to adhere to that standard of care and, as a result, caused your spinal cord injury.
- Causation: Your injury must be directly linked to the breach of duty for you to recover damages.
- Injury and damages: Lastly, you must prove that your injury resulted in actual damages.
The Statute Of Limitations For A Spinal Cord Injury Claim In California
Spinal cord injury claims in California are time-sensitive. If you or your loved one suffered spinal cord damage in an accident in Riverside, you should take a proactive approach to the legal claims process. You do not want to lose out on your opportunity to get justice and financial compensation. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, a person who suffers a spinal cord injury caused by another’s negligence generally has two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are only very limited exceptions to the rule. If you wait too long to start your spinal cord injury claim, your case could be dismissed on a legal technicality. Do not wait: Consult with a Riverside, CA spinal cord injury attorney right away after a serious accident.
Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at The JLF Firm Can Help!
The spinal cord plays a central role in the functioning of both the mind and the body. Even a seemingly small amount of spinal cord damage can be a downright catastrophic injury. Victims must have strong, reliable legal representation after an accident. A qualified Riverside spinal cord injury lawyer can help you with all aspects of your case, including gathering and negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer. At The JLF Firm, we have the expertise that you can trust. Our case results and testimonials demonstrate what we can do in catastrophic injury claims.
We have a law office right here in Riverside, and we are proud to support the community. Riverside is one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant areas in California. Unfortunately, it sees serious accidents just like any other place. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact us at The JLF Firm today to discuss your legal options. Our experienced attorneys will use the intellectual and legal resources at our disposal to help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
FAQs About Spinal Cord Injury Cases
What Are the Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are classified as complete or incomplete. A complete injury causes total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site. On the other hand, an incomplete injury allows partial function or sensation. The level of damage (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral) is what determines the degree of paralysis or impairment.
What is the Outlook for Recovery After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Recovery varies widely based on the severity of the spinal cord injury, the extent and timing of treatment, and the victim’s overall health. Still, all spinal cord injuries are very challenging medical cases. While complete injuries often result in permanent paralysis, some victims regain partial movement or sensation with early and consistent therapy. Advances in regenerative medicine, nerve stimulation, and assistive technology continue to improve outcomes.
How Does California’s Comparative Negligence Rule Affect a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
California follows a pure comparative negligence standard. The key statute is Civil Code § 1714. The comparative negligence system could have big implications for your case. It means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages. With that being said, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 25 percent responsible for a crash that caused your spinal injury, your total recovery will be reduced by 25 percent as well. Even a single percentage point of fault that was improperly assigned to you could take thousands of dollars out of your pocket.
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Spinal Cord Injury?
If you can prove liability, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other damages. Our Riverside, CA personal injury lawyer is ready to help you fight for the maximum compensation for your spinal cord injury. A key point to remember is that insurance companies try to settle cases for less. Even when the victims have a terrible injury such as spinal cord damage, they can still face challenges.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
The length of the legal process depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the case, the availability of evidence, and the number of parties involved. It typically takes anywhere from several months to a year or more to settle.
Can I File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim Against a Government Entity in California?
Yes, you can hold that entity accountable if its negligence contributed to your accident. However, it is important to recognize that special procedures apply under the California Government Claims Act (Gov. Code §§ 810–996.6). If your injury involves a public employee or government property (such as a city bus or unsafe roadway), you must file an administrative claim within six months of the injury. The agency then has 45 days to respond before a civil lawsuit can proceed.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Riverside Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
At The JLF Law Firm, our Riverside catastrophic injury attorney has the skills and experience to take on even the most challenging of spinal cord damage claims. You need full and fair compensation after such a terrible accident. If you or your loved one is dealing with a serious spinal cord injury, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free case review. We handle spinal cord injury cases in Riverside and throughout the entire region, including in the zip codes of 92501, 92502, 92503, 92504, 92505, 92506, 92507, 92508, and 92509.
