Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury happens when intense damage to the spine interferes with signals sent between the brain and the rest of the body. This can drastically alter a victim’s life as it can cause mobility and sensation issues depending on what specific part of the vertebrae has been affected. In such cases, it is encouraged to seek immediate medical treatment soon after the accident to get a diagnosis and treatment that are critical to the healing process.

With long-term care comes financial expenses that can pile up over time. But, if the spinal cord injury was caused by another person or entity due to their negligence or recklessness, it is possible to seek compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we can guide you through the legal process to ensure you submit a strong claim and get a fair settlement.

We are a law firm that specializes in personal injury law and with over 20 years of experience, our team of spinal cord injury attorneys have handle a variety of cases from the simple to the complex. With over $1.6 billion in financial compensation recovered for our clients, our team of attorneys are confident that they can get you the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.

To schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Common Causes of a Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury can occur due to several reasons. Some of the most common causes can be found in the list below.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can trigger a spinal cord injury if the driver is met with strong force. Sudden impact can provoke your body to jolt forward or backward, which can lead to fractures or dislocation to the spine. Whiplash can also damage the spinal cord, more specifically in the neck area. In serious cases, broken bones can press against the spinal cord and may result in nerve damage or potential paralysis.

Falls

A spinal cord injury from a fall can occur when the body collides to the ground awkwardly or from a high altitude. If you land on your back, you will increase the risks of spine damage. This type of scenario can happen from various instances, like:

• Climbing a ladder
• Walking up or down the stairs
• Stepping foot onto slippery surfaces

The seriousness of the injury will vary depending on how far you fall or the way you land, but it currently stands as one of the leading causes of back related injuries. 

Sports Injuries

In sports, spinal cord injuries are possible, especially if you are participating in high-impact activities, like football or gymnastics. These injuries happen during:

• Intense contact
• Falls
• Awkward movement

If the vertebrae shifts or presses onto the spinal cord, nerve damage or paralysis are likely to occur and as a result, can severely impact your ability to participate in these activities. 

What Are the Four Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Spinal cord injuries can be triggered by trauma or accidents, affecting your bodily functions based on what vertebrae were damaged and its severity. They are categorized into four types, each located on different regions of the spine.

Cervical

The cervical spine is located on the neck and consists of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7). It supports the head and performs certain bodily functions, like bending and twisting. Direct contact to the cervical spine can lead to:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Paralysis

Thoracic

The thoracic spine is found in the upper and mid-back (T1 to T12). Its role is to provide support and stability to the upper body. Injuries in this location can trigger some of the following symptoms:

• Loss of sensation in your arms or legs
• Difficulty breathing
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction

Lumbar

The lumbar spine is located on the lower back, and has five vertebrae (L1 to L5). It helps support the upper body and allows flexible movement. If it is met with brute force, you may experience:

• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Lack of mobility
• Bowel and bladder issues

Sacral

The sacral spine, also known as the sacrum, is a triangular-shaped bone that has five vertebrae (S1 to S5) connected to the lumbar region (above) and the coccyx (below). It helps:

• Maintain the body’s weight
• Ensure stability to the pelvis
• Guard the lower back

Signs of damage to the sacral spine include:

• Sensory changes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Muscle issues
• Numbness
• Paralysis

What to Do After Receiving A Spinal Cord Injury

After a spinal cord injury, you should contact local authorities as soon as possible or get to the nearest hospital to receive prompt medical treatment. The physician will assess your condition and determine a diagnosis. This may involve conducting imaging tests, like:

• X-rays
• CT scans
• MRIs

Once the problem has been identified, a care plan will be constructed to help with your recovery. Although spinal cord injuries are not curable, you can apply specific treatments to improve your quality of life, like undergoing surgical procedures or doing physical therapy.

If your spinal cord injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should consider doing the following:

• Gather evidence, like photos of your injury and damages
• Write what you experienced before, during, and after the incident
• Acquire witness information
• Request a copy of the police report and your medical records

Spinal cord injury lawsuits can be tricky. But, if you have a legal representative on your side, you can better your chances at receiving fair compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyers understand local rules and regulations and can advocate on your behalf to ensure you are granted the compensation you deserve for your losses.

Incomplete vs Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between an incomplete and complete spinal cord injury is its severity and ability to transmit and receive signals between the brain and the body. An incomplete spinal cord injury has some degree of feeling or movement below the injury site, meaning that the spine can still communicate some messages to and from the brain.

On the other hand, a complete spinal cord injury involves no movement or sensation below the affected area since there is no nerve communication. This can contribute to paraplegia or tetraplegia. Understanding what distinguishes the two from one another can give you a better idea of what treatment options are available for your particular condition and the long-term plans you will need to commit to in order to live a greater life quality.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury in Sacramento?

Liability for a spinal cord injury will vary depending on what unique factors are involved. You will be required to obtain enough evidence to prove negligence. The following are the elements you would need to incorporate into your claim:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• You endured injuries and damages as a result of their reckless behavior

Once you have acquired these necessary details, you can present it to a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers. A Sacramento spinal cord injury attorney can evaluate the documentation provided and identify the liable party. Possible defendants may include:

• Another individual
• Property owner
• Manufacturer
• Government agency

Under California’s comparative negligence law, you and the defendant will be assessed to understand what degree of fault was contributed by each side. Even if you are found partially liable, you can still recover compensation. However, it will be adjusted according to the amount of negligence you committed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

In Sacramento, spinal cord injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of when the incident occurred. Although you are given enough time to pursue legal action against the responsible party, you should act promptly to ensure you file your lawsuit before the deadline. Failing to fulfill your obligations in a timely manner will result in the court rejecting your submission.

Recoverable Damages in a Spinal Cord Injury Case

Recoverable damages in a spinal cord injury case will differ for each plaintiff. Common factors that will be considered when calculating and distributing compensation include the following:

• The severity of your spinal cord injury
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Percentage of fault

To get an idea of what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator to estimate potential compensation by entering the expenses you sustained as a result of the incident.

However, generally speaking, economic damages and non-economic damages are awarded in a spinal cord injury settlement.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible costs you incurred, such as hospital bills and lost wages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are subjective, non-monetary losses, like:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Our Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help

Spinal cord injury victims are encouraged to sue the responsible party to seek compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we understand that adjusting to such a drastic, life-altering change can be a lot to take in. Our Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyers are dedicated to support you through this difficult time and ensure you are given the justice you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our convenient online contact form.