Fountain Valley Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Fountain Valley, CA
When someone suffers a spinal cord injury, the results are often life-altering and permanent. Spinal cord injuries can affect mobility, independence, and a person’s ability to work and enjoy everyday activities. If you are looking for a Fountain Valley spinal cord injury lawyer, you might have questions about how spinal cord injuries occur, the legal issues people face after an accident, and what options injured victims have under California law.
The Bentley & More LLP Way
At Bentley & More LLP, we recognize that there is more to every injury claim than medical records and insurance documents. Every case we take on affects a real person who experienced a life-changing event unexpectedly.
Our team partners with clients across California to learn how an injury affected their families, jobs, and future goals. We believe that every client has a story worth telling, and our Fountain Valley personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured victims seek improvements to their quality of life.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Fountain Valley
There are an estimated 299,000 individuals in the United States with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, there are roughly 18,000 new cases of traumatic spinal cord injury annually in the US, or 54 cases per million people.
Due to their sensitive nature, spinal cord injuries typically occur as a result of traumatic forces being placed on a person’s spine. Road accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Accidents are unfortunately common on Fountain Valley’s main roads like Brookhurst Street, Magnolia Street, Warner Avenue, Euclid Street, and Interstate 405. Rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, and high-speed collisions can cause enough force to injure a spinal cord.
Falling is another common way that people experience spinal cord trauma. Slip and fall accidents at shopping centers, apartment buildings, office complexes, and government-owned properties can cause serious injury to victims. Spinal cord injuries can also be caused by sports accidents, defective products, workplace injuries, violence, and certain medical mistakes that impact the back or neck.
California Spinal Cord Injury Laws
Many different California laws can impact a spinal cord injury claim. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 sets forth the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. In general, injured people have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Failing to file a claim in time can severely limit an injured victim’s ability to recover compensation.
The law also provides that everyone in California has a duty to use reasonable care and not cause harm to others. This legal principle becomes relevant when demonstrating fault, a common factor in car crashes, slip-and-fall incidents, and other accidents causing spinal cord damage.
The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
In contrast to other injuries that can heal over time, injuries to the spinal cord can create permanent problems for victims. Recovery can take months of inpatient treatment at hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Survivors often need physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management, and regular doctor visits. Some effects of spinal cord injuries include:
- Paralysis
- Losing sensations
- Longstanding pain
- Breathing problems
- Emotional trauma
- Inability to control bladder
Wheelchairs, other mobility devices, home care, and modified vehicles are common needs for someone with a spinal cord injury. Recovering can be expensive for victims, and many people need assistance for the rest of their lives.
Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
You are not alone if you find yourself wondering if you need to hire a spinal cord injury lawyer after a serious accident. Spinal cord injury claims are common questions we hear because these cases typically involve extensive medical testimony, high future costs, and lifelong disabilities.
A serious injury to your spinal cord can change your ability to work, live on your own, and even do many of the activities you love to do. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, knowing your legal rights can allow you to make educated decisions about your spinal cord injury claim.
FAQs
What Is the Average Settlement for a Spinal Cord Injury in California?
There is really no average settlement for a spinal cord injury in California, as each one depends on many unique factors. While no two spinal cord injury cases are alike, with varying injuries sustained, medical expenses, and permanent effects brought on by a catastrophic injury, there is no true average settlement amount. Spinal injuries that are considered minor and heal may settle for a fraction of an injury resulting in paralysis or permanent disability.
What Is Considered a Severe Spinal Cord Injury?
Severe spinal cord injuries are typically classified as those that cause permanent loss of movement, feeling, or bodily function. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis of the arms, legs, or body, chronic pain, loss of ability to breathe freely, loss of bowel and bladder control, among others.
Severe spinal cord injuries often require significant rehabilitation and can cause lifelong challenges when it comes to working, living on your own, or just completing daily tasks.
Which Spinal Cord Injury Is the Most Fatal?
Typically speaking, spinal cord injuries that are most fatal are those to the top of the cervical spine that can be life-threatening and result in someone needing lifetime care and assistance. Someone who suffers these types of severe spinal cord injuries usually requires a ventilator to breathe and faces lifelong medical treatment as a result of their injuries. Serious complications and shortened life expectancy are typically associated with these types of injuries.
Do Spinal Cord Injuries Get Worse Over Time?
No, the initial injury usually does not continue to cause more damage to the spinal cord; however, individuals with spinal cord injuries tend to experience secondary conditions that can occur as time passes. These conditions include things like chronic pain, muscle weakness, pressure sores, infections, and decreased mobility. Some patients struggle with depression and other emotional issues as they come to terms with their long-term injuries.
Know Your Rights
The effects of a spinal cord injury can persist long after the accident occurs. Medical care, therapy, adaptive equipment, and lifestyle alterations may become part of your daily life. Recovery can be shocking and financially devastating for your entire family.
While nothing can undo the damage to your body and life, knowing your California spinal cord injury laws can help you move forward with your claim. At Bentley & More LLP, we can help you in this process. Contact a Fountain Valley spinal cord injury attorney today to get the guidance you need.
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
ES