Huntington Beach Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Huntington Beach, CA
Spinal cord injuries are potentially life-threatening injuries that can leave victims contending with the loss of mobility and an uncertain recovery. These incidents can stem from car collisions, falls, assaults, and other causes. If you or someone you love experienced this type of catastrophic injury, you can rely on a Huntington Beach spinal cord injury lawyer to represent you. A fair settlement can provide important financial resources at a critical time.
Dedicated Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Serving Huntington Beach
The injury lawyers at Bentley & More LLP understand the devastation and stress that can follow a spinal cord injury. Our lawyers bring decades of combined experience to these matters and an uncompromising dedication to making sure that our clients receive the justice and accountability that they are owed. When you work with our law firm, you gain the steady support of seasoned litigators who routinely manage these very complex cases in the state.
We are proud of our numerous recognitions by legal groups like Super Lawyers, but what really drives our team is seeing the meaningful difference a fair settlement or favorable court verdict makes in the lives of our clients. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
If you are seeking a team of fearless litigators who are willing to stand by you through thick and thin, we welcome you to reach out to our office today so we can learn about your story and goals.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are more common than you may think. There are roughly 282,000 Americans who have been affected by a spinal cord injury, and the lifetime treatment cost associated with this catastrophic form of harm ranges from $1.5 million to $4.7 million.
In 2023, falls led to 114,427 hospitalizations and 317,582 ER visits, and spinal cord injuries contributed to those statistics. The violent crime rate in Huntington Beach is 4.372 per 1,000 residents in a typical year, and a violent assault can also lead to this catastrophic type of injury.
Given the high volume of traffic in Orange County and Huntington Beach, it comes as no surprise that car wrecks can result in a spinal cord injury. In 2023, 1,076 people were injured or killed in car crashes, and 172 of those accidents involved a drunk driver.
These injuries affect families in downtown Huntington Beach, Huntington Harbour, and Bolsa Chica, and elsewhere in the city. Following an injury, urgent treatment may be sought at Huntington Beach Hospital, located at 17772 Beach Boulevard, or MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, located at 18111 Brookhurst Street in nearby Fountain Valley.
Establishing Fault Following a Personal Injury
Before someone with a spinal cord injury can pursue compensation, they need to establish fault by working with an injury lawyer to clearly demonstrate that another party bears responsibility for causing the injury. Whether a settlement comes through negotiations with an insurer or a civil claim, it requires gathering evidence. Common forms of evidence for a spinal cord injury claim include:
- Medical records documenting the spinal cord injury, diagnosis, and treatment plan
- Imaging results, such as MRIs or CT scans, showing the extent of spinal damage
- Accident or incident reports detailing how the injury occurred
- Photographs or video of the scene, hazards, and visible injuries
- Witness statements supporting the sequence of events
- Employment and wage records showing lost income or lower earning capacity
- Testimony from medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists
- Rehabilitation records outlining ongoing care, therapy, and long-term limitations
The legal standard used in civil court is a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning that both the plaintiff and defendant are tasked with proving that their version of events is more likely to be true. Once sufficient evidence is gathered to establish liability and damages, the claim can move forward to direct negotiations or litigation.
What to Expect During the Injury Claims Process
The injury claims process often starts through negotiations with the insurance carrier of the party at fault. If the spinal cord injury resulted from a car collision, for example, the negligent driver’s insurance could cover the claimant’s medical bills and other expenses. An injury attorney can manage those talks when seeking fair and full compensation through a settlement.
If the liable party is underinsured or uninsured, that could lead to civil litigation. An injury claim filed in court also leads to negotiations between the plaintiff’s lawyer and defense counsel. Unlike an insurance claim, the courts allow either party to subpoena evidence. This can be a powerful tool that leads to additional evidence that further supports the plaintiff’s case.
Civil court actions can extend the timeline of an injury claim, possibly to well beyond a year. Factors that can influence the timeline of a claim include:
- The serious nature of the injury
- Disputes over liability or shared fault between parties
- The amount and complexity of medical treatment required
- Whether multiple parties or defendants are involved
- Delays in gathering medical records or expert opinions
- Insurance company cooperation and willingness to negotiate
- Court scheduling, backlog, and availability of trial dates
Most civil claims are resolved through a settlement. If the plaintiff agrees to accept the offer, the case is dismissed. The injury attorney would be paid according to an agreed-upon contingency fee, and after other obligations are paid, the remaining compensation is distributed to the plaintiff.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills During the Claims Process?
Spinal cord treatments are incredibly costly and require continual care. During a personal injury claim, medical bills are typically paid through a combination of sources. If the injured party has health insurance, that may be the first line of coverage, helping to pay for treatment as it happens. Following a car accident, the injured party’s personal policy may cover immediate expenses regardless of fault.
If neither option is available, some providers may treat on a lien. That means they agree to delay payment until the case resolves and the hospital is paid through a settlement or verdict. Although it may be a stressful position to be in, you are not the first patient to seek care during an ongoing injury claim. Your attorney can handle communications with the hospital so there is a clear understanding of the status of the claim.
Ultimately, the liable party or their insurance is responsible for reimbursing these costs. Although the claims process may take months or longer to resolve, a focused approach can make sure that the party at fault is ultimately held financially liable for the harm they cause.
Compensation You May Be Owed
A spinal cord injury can lead to unexpected financial hardships. The purpose of an injury claim is to help the victim of a spinal cord injury reclaim what they lost from medical bills, missed time from work, and other financial losses and setbacks. The claims process typically focuses on economic damages as well as the non-economic ones.
Monetary losses from lost wages, a lower earning capacity, and treatment costs are considered economic damages, while non-economic losses account for physical pain and emotional suffering. When both are carefully calculated and combined, they can fully reflect the harm someone endured. A favorable trial verdict can add punitive damages to the final recovery amount.
Why You Should Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
There are no guaranteed outcomes in court, and the decision to hire a spinal cord injury lawyer can position you for a favorable outcome that leaves you fairly compensated. A Huntington Beach spinal cord injury lawyer brings years or decades of experience managing cases similar to your spinal cord injury claim.
Their knowledge of California’s spinal cord injury laws can play an important role in shaping the outcome of your case. If challenges arise, such as contested liability, your lawyer can address those matters before they lead to serious setbacks.
FAQs
What Is the Average Settlement for a Spinal Cord Injury?
No two spinal cord injury cases are the same, so there is no readily available “average” settlement. What shapes the size of a settlement is the strength of the claim and the effectiveness of the claimant’s attorney. A strong claim should be backed by evidence and based on sound legal arguments. Legal representation can play a key role in making sure that any settlement fully reflects the harm the victim suffered.
Should You Accept the First Settlement Offer?
The decision to accept a first settlement offer is up to you, but there are important considerations you should make before signing a final deal. The offer should fully compensate you for the harm and setbacks you suffered, including the costs of future treatments. Once you sign a settlement, you effectively forfeit the right to pursue compensation in the future from that party.
Does an MRI Affect the Value of a Spinal Cord Injury Case?
An MRI can affect the value of a spinal cord injury in several ways. One, it can offer insight into the specifics of your injuries and potentially increase the value of your settlement. Two, images can be used to refute future accusations that your injury is not severe. Three, the cost of imaging can be added to the final settlement figure.
What Factors Influence the Value of a Spinal Cord Injury Case?
Factors that influence a spinal cord injury case’s value depend on how serious the injury is and what its long-term impact will be. Factors include medical costs, future care costs, lost income, and lower earning capacity. Pain, loss of mobility, and overall quality of life also play a role, along with clear evidence of negligence and liability.
Contact an Experienced Injury Law Firm Today
You do not have to live with the financial consequences of someone else’s negligence or misconduct. Contact Bentley & More LLP today to schedule your initial consultation so you can gain the results-driven legal representation that your spinal cord injury claim deserves.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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