Glendora Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Glendora offers a high quality of life and attracts residents and visitors alike. However, its growth and location along key transit corridors in Los Angeles County also bring an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and other incidents that can lead to devastating spinal cord injuries. When a spinal injury occurs, the path forward is complex, both medically and legally. Victims often need a knowledgeable Glendora spinal cord injury lawyer to fight for their rights and pursue fair compensation.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our legal team has used its over 25 years of experience to help spinal cord injury victims and others recover compensation for everything from medical bills and lost wages, to pain and suffering and more, totaling over $1.7 billion. Schedule your FREE consultation to begin your road to recovery. 

Call us at (213) 927-3700 or complete this easy online contact form. We are available 24/7 to review your case.

Defining Spinal Cord Injuries in Glendora

Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic injuries a person can suffer and sadly auto and motorcycle accidents are the leading causes, accounting for almost 50% of all new cases each year, which according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, consists of 18,000 new cases across the United States. 

They often result in permanent disability, chronic pain, emotional distress, and extensive medical expenses. In Glendora, emergency services and top-tier medical professionals provide crucial care following traumatic incidents, but even the best medical treatment cannot always reverse the damage.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

When a spinal cord’s nerve fibers are damaged, communication between the brain and body are disrupted, leading to long-term or permanent disability. While some victims face long-term chronic pain, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder and bowel control, others may experience paralysis. In such instances, these injuries are generally classified as either complete or incomplete. 

A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury, while an incomplete injury allows for some level of movement or feeling. This form includes cervical injuries, which can cause full or partial paralysis (quadriplegia), and thoracic or lumbar injuries, which may result in paraplegia affecting the lower body. 

In auto accidents, spinal trauma often occurs due to the forceful impact or sudden stop, while in workplace environments, injuries can stem from falls, being struck by heavy equipment, or improper lifting. Regardless of severity, spinal cord injuries require substantial medical care, ongoing therapy, and the help of an experienced lawyer to navigate the legal process of a personal injury claim.

Common Causes of a Spinal Cord Injury

According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 37% of spinal cord injuries stem from motor vehicle accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and even truck collisions on the busy 210 Freeway. In these cases, another driver’s reckless or distracted behavior may be considered negligence, triggering the need for a legal claim.

Other causes include workplace injuries, particularly in construction or labor-intensive jobs, and slip-and-fall accidents on unsafe properties. Sometimes, medical malpractice during surgeries or injections can also cause a spinal cord injury.

Regardless of the cause, if the injury occurred due to a negligent person or responsible party, victims may be entitled to seek justice through a personal injury lawsuit under California law.

Steps to Take Following a Spinal Cord Injury

After sustaining a spinal cord injury in Glendora, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Early medical treatment can reduce the risk of further damage and help doctors document the injury accurately. Detailed medical records are also essential when building a valid claim.

Next, contact a Glendora spinal cord injury lawyer for a free consultation. A seasoned injury lawyer will assess your case, determine liability, and guide you through your legal rights. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and you only pay if you win.

Preserve all evidence related to the accident, including photos, witness statements, insurance information, and incident reports. If your injury is tied to an auto accident, file an insurance claim promptly, but do not accept a settlement offer before speaking with a lawyer who understands personal injury law and the nuances of spinal cord injuries.

What Compensation Can Spinal Cord Injury Victims Recover?

Victims of spinal cord injuries often face overwhelming medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medical devices, and in-home care. These medical expenses can easily total hundreds of thousands of dollars, and significantly more, when lifelong treatment is necessary.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can help injury victims recover financial compensation for:

Medical Bills (Past and Future)

These costs begin accruing immediately after the injury occurs and can continue for months or even years. Victims frequently require ongoing medical care, physical therapy, mobility aids, and consultations with various medical professionals. A comprehensive personal injury claim must account not only for existing medical expenses, but also for the medical costs expected in the future, including rehabilitation and potential complications. An experienced Glendora spinal cord injury lawyer can help calculate these expenses and ensure your legal claim includes every necessary form of medical treatment.

Lost Income and Lost Wages

Following a spinal injury, many victims are unable to return to work for an extended period—if ever. This can lead to immediate lost income and lost wages, severely impacting a family’s financial stability. Whether the injured party is out of work temporarily or permanently, a skilled personal injury lawyer will ensure that every hour of missed work is documented and included in the financial compensation demand. This component of your claim helps to cover the financial gaps caused by the injury and supports your household as you recover.

Emotional Distress and Pain and Suffering

Beyond the physical trauma, spinal cord injuries take an enormous emotional toll. Victims often suffer from emotional distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and the loss of enjoyment of life. The chronic pain associated with spinal damage can make daily living unbearable. These noneconomic damages are just as real and impactful as financial losses, and an effective injury lawyer will make sure your personal injury claim includes pain and suffering, especially in cases involving long-term medical treatment and permanent lifestyle changes.

Necessary Modifications to Home or Vehicle

Spinal cord injuries frequently require changing your living environment. Adding wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, modifying bathrooms, installing stair lifts, and even purchasing accessible vehicles may become necessary to regain a measure of independence. These upfront costs are essential to restoring quality of life, but they can be prohibitively expensive. 

Your personal injury attorney will ensure these expenses are factored into your injury claims as part of your financial recovery strategy. These modifications are not luxuries—they are necessities that deserve full coverage through your legal representation.

Determining how much compensation you can recover depends on the extent of the suffered injuries, who the responsible party is, and how well your legal team can argue your case. A strong legal strategy from a Glendora personal injury attorney can make the difference between partial and full financial recovery.

Who is Liable in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim? 

Determining liability in a spinal cord injury claim depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. In car accidents, the at-fault driver is typically liable, especially if negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or DUI (which accounts for a third of all traffic-related deaths in California) contributed to the crash.  In workplace accidents, liability may fall on an employer, a third-party contractor, or equipment manufacturer, depending on who failed to maintain a safe environment or provided defective machinery. 

In some cases, more than one party may share fault. This is where gathering evidence like accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony comes in. Proving negligence is key to recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care costs associated with a spinal cord injury, which is why you need an experienced attorney by your side.

The Process for Filing a Spinal Cord Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim in Glendora follows a specific claims process. It begins with gathering evidence that proves the injury occurred due to someone else’s negligence. This includes medical records, police reports, surveillance footage, and statements from medical professionals.

Your personal injury lawyer will then submit a demand letter to the insurance companies involved, outlining your injuries, damages, and financial needs. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit in court.

Under California law, spinal cord injury victims typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, certain exceptions apply, especially in cases involving medical malpractice or government entities, where tighter deadlines and special procedures may apply.

Throughout the legal process, your attorney will handle negotiations, court filings, and all interactions with insurance companies.

Schedule Your FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, seeking compensation is vital to lessening the burden and achieving some peace of mind. With 20 in-house lawyers and over 200 staff members, West Coast Trial Lawyers and its spinal cord injury attorneys are more than ready to assist you here in Glendora.

Schedule your FREE consultation today. Call us at (213) 927-3700 or complete this easy online contact form. We are available 24/7 to help you with your claim!

Frequently Asked Questions About Glendora Spinal Cord Injury Claims

What if I Can’t Afford a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?

Many personal injury attorneys in Glendora work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless your case is successful. This allows you to access legal help without worrying about upfront costs.

How Long Do Spinal Cord Injury Claims Take?

Every case is different, but complex injuries and uncooperative insurance companies can delay settlements. Some cases resolve in months, while others can take over a year, especially if litigation is involved.

What if the Spinal Injury Happened at Work?

You may be eligible for workers’ compensation and a separate personal injury claim if a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury.

Do Spinal Cord Injuries Qualify as Permanent Disabilities?

Often, yes. Many spinal injuries result in lifelong limitations, even with extensive medical treatment and therapy. This permanence increases potential financial compensation.