Spinal cord injuries are one of the most catastrophic consequences of an accident. Those who live with conditions affecting the spine and neck often require extensive treatments, including surgeries and long-term care, and experience the life-altering impacts of their injuries alongside their loved ones and families.
When these injuries are caused by the unconscientious negligence of another, our Stockton spinal cord injury lawyers are here to step in and help you prepare for the future.
At Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our dedicated team has a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding spinal cord injuries. Through years of experience and a track record of success, we have honed our skills to help you navigate even the most challenging aspects of these cases with confidence.
Our unwavering commitment ensures that victims of spinal cord injuries receive the justice and compensation they deserve, giving them the support they need in their journey toward financial recovery.
Why Choose Our Team as Your Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Stockton, California
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial when dealing with spinal cord injuries. At Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we pride ourselves on our unwavering commitment to our clients.
Over the years, we’ve forged a reputation built on trust, integrity, and outstanding legal outcomes. Our seasoned team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll such injuries can impose on victims and their families.
By meticulously analyzing every detail of your case, we ensure your voice is heard, and your rights are protected. Our comprehensive approach, coupled with our dedication, has led to millions of dollars in recovery and justice for our clients. With us by your side, you can find solace in knowing you’re represented by a team that truly cares and is relentless in pursuing the best outcome for your case.
How Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Handles Spinal Cord Injury Cases
At Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we ground our approach to spinal cord injury cases in a deep commitment to our clients and a thorough understanding of the intricacies these cases entail.
From the outset, we provide a supportive environment for you and your family. We listen attentively, ensuring we fully grasp the particulars of your situation and offering guidance based on your unique circumstances.
Conducting a Thorough Investigation and Analysis
Upon taking on a case, our dedicated team immediately begins gathering essential evidence, consulting medical professionals to understand the full extent and future implications of the injury. This rigorous process not only builds a robust case but also ensures we advocate for compensation that truly reflects the lifelong costs and challenges associated with a spinal cord injury.
Using Our Resources to Your Benefit
Collaboration is at the heart of our strategy. We work closely with healthcare providers, financial planners, life care planners, and other specialists, harnessing their insights to present a comprehensive representation of the damages and support required.
Putting Your Interests at the Forefront
Throughout the legal journey, we maintain transparent communication, keeping you informed of the progress and advising on any decisions you need to make.
While we strive to secure favorable settlements out of court, we are fully prepared to advocate fiercely on your behalf in the courtroom if necessary. To our spinal cord injury attorneys, you’re not just a case number—you’re a valued individual deserving of the best legal representation.
Spinal Cord Injuries at a Glance
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) have long-term, often devastating impacts on individuals and their families. In the United States, motor vehicle collisions stand as the leading cause, accounting for 38 percent of new SCIs annually, while falls contribute to 30 percent of these injuries.
Each year, approximately 17,000 Americans face a new spinal cord injury, swelling the estimated number of individuals living with SCIs to around 282,000.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
The severity of these injuries becomes even more apparent when considering recovery statistics: less than 1 percent of SCI patients regain complete function by the time the hospital discharges them.
The degree of disability hinges significantly on the injury’s location and severity.
- Complete spinal cord injuries: These injuries result in the total loss of sensory and motor functions below the injury.
- Incomplete injuries: The patient will retain some functional capabilities below the injury.
- Tetraplegia: Also known as quadriplegia, this condition stems from injuries to the cervical spine and can affect both the upper and lower parts of the body, leading to potential paralysis of all four limbs and the torso.
- Paraplegia: This condition is caused by damage to the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine and impacts only the lower half of the body, particularly the legs.
Lastly, some spinal cord injuries lead to partial motor function loss at various spinal cord levels, resulting in diverse degrees of impairment. Each type of SCI has its own set of challenges and necessitates specialized care and rehabilitation approaches.
Higher-level injuries often lead to more profound disabilities and complications.
The physical, emotional, and financial implications of an SCI include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, home modifications, assistive devices, and long-term care can be exorbitantly expensive. Coupled with potential loss of income, the financial burden can overwhelm you. This is where the role of legal representation becomes pivotal.
An adept legal team at your side can make a profound difference. They can hold the responsible parties accountable and, more importantly, ensure that victims secure the financial compensation required to address their needs.
Whether the SCI stemmed from a motor vehicle collision, a fall, or another incident, a knowledgeable attorney can simplify the complex legal intricacies. A spinal cord lawyer can give victims and their families the support they need to cope with the repercussions of an SCI.
It’s not just about seeking compensation, it’s about ensuring that those affected by such traumatic injuries can face their altered futures with confidence and security.
How Much is My Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can bring forth a multitude of costs, both immediate and ongoing. The financial implications of such injuries, compounded with the emotional and physical toll, can overwhelm you.
Understanding the financial compensation you deserve for your SCI case will ensure your legal settlement will cover you during the long road ahead.
Hospital and Medical Expenses
An SCI requires intensive medical care, including surgeries, medications, and various diagnostic tests. The costs can mount rapidly.
Based on the type of injury, staggering average expenses for the first year alone can reach:
- Tetrapelegia: $1,315,554
- Paraplegia: $641,153
- Motor function loss at any level: $429,348
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation is a fundamental part of recovery and adapting to life post-injury. It can involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and other specialized treatments.
The costs associated with this critical phase also vary based on the severity of the injury:
- Tetraplegia: $228,450 (each subsequent year after the first)
- Paraplegia: $84,934 (each subsequent year)
- Motor function loss at any level: $52,150 (each subsequent year)
These figures provide an average estimate, but each case is unique. An experienced attorney can give insights tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that you recover compensation for all of the life-altering repercussions of an SCI.
Long-term Care and Support
Depending on the nature of the SCI, some individuals may need long-term care, possibly involving home health aides or institutional care facilities. The ongoing costs can accumulate significantly over time.
Adaptive Equipment and Home Modifications
Living with an SCI might require changes to one’s living environment, like ramps, widened doorways, or specialized bathroom facilities. Additionally, equipment such as wheelchairs, ventilators, or communication devices may become necessary. These changes and adaptations come with their own set of costs.
Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
Employment, a critical aspect of individual autonomy and self-worth, becomes elusive, with only 12 percent of SCI patients managing to secure a job post-injury. Therefore, the value of an SCI case must include compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
Given the extensive costs associated with spinal cord injuries, consult a legal professional who can guide you through the process. They can recover compensation that genuinely reflects not only your immediate needs but also the long-term challenges such injuries pose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
In California, the statute of limitations, which is the legal time limit within which you must file a lawsuit, varies based on the nature of the claim. For personal injury cases, including those involving spinal cord injuries, you generally have two years after the injury to initiate legal action.
However, if you did not discover the injury right away, which happens with certain medical conditions or complications, you have one year from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
The statute of limitations might differ depending on the exact nature of your claim and how your injury occurred. Given these complexities and potential exceptions, consult a legal professional as soon as possible after the injury.
At Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the intricacies of California’s legal system and can preserve your rights and take timely action.
Can I Afford a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney?
Absolutely! We understand that spinal cord injuries can lead to significant medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. The last thing you need is the added stress of attorney fees. That’s why at Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we operate on a contingency fee basis.
This means you don’t owe us anything upfront. Instead, we only collect a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you. If we don’t secure compensation on your behalf, you owe us nothing. We want to provide everyone with access to high-quality legal representation without the financial burden.
Can I Still File a Claim if My Loved One Died Due to a Spinal Cord Injury?
Certainly. In California, if your loved one succumbed to a spinal cord injury caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, you may file a wrongful death claim.
Under California law, specific close relatives, including spouses, domestic partners, children, and in some cases, grandchildren or dependent minors living within the deceased’s household, can seek compensation.
You can recover compensation for medical expenses related to the injury before death, funeral and burial costs, lost future earnings, and even the loss of love, community, attention, and guidance.
Since the specifics of each situation can vary, engage an attorney familiar with California’s statutes and the unique aspects of spinal cord injuries to navigate your case and secure your family’s rightful compensation.
Let Us Help You Pursue Justice After Your Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can change lives in an instant, leading to an overwhelming aftermath.
At Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we’re more than just legal professionals — we’re compassionate advocates committed to restoring hope and ensuring justice. Let us stand by your side and make this journey a little easier.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in California, don’t wait another moment. Contact our Stockton personal injury attorney today at (209) 488-5327 for your free consultation, and let us guide you toward the compensation and resolution you deserve.
Our Office in Stockton, California
Roberts Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers
11 S San Joaquin St, Ste 610,
Stockton, CA, 95202
(209) 488-5327
