Experienced Fresno Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Fresno Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Find out why we are some of the best Fresno spinal cord injury lawyers
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury refers to any damage caused to the bundle of nerves that runs down the back within the spinal column. This injury is often a result of trauma, such as a car accident or a fall, which causes the vertebrae to fracture or dislocate, thus putting pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, leading to loss of motor control and sensation below the site of the injury.
Spinal cord injuries can permanently harm bodily functions, such as bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and even respiratory function. The recovery process for such injuries can be lengthy and challenging, often requiring surgical intervention to address additional trauma and preserve nerve function.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences for individuals, causing permanent damage to bodily functions and greatly impacting their quality of life.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents have long been recognized as a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, often leading to severe injuries or even tragic deaths. The impact of these accidents on individuals and their families can be devastating, requiring extensive medical care, lifelong rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents in Fresno can result in devastating consequences for motorcyclists, often due to the negligence of motorists on the road.
Motorcyclists have the same rights as other motorists on the road, but they often face unique challenges. They are more vulnerable to accidents due to their smaller size and lack of protection. Moreover, many drivers fail to properly share the road with motorcycles, leading to dangerous situations.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, especially when it comes to spinal cord injuries. There are several common causes of truck accidents that can lead to these types of injuries, including reckless driving, driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving.
The impact from the collision and the size and weight of the truck can cause significant trauma to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis, loss of sensation, chronic pain, and other long-term effects. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Fall Accidents
Automobile crashes were the primary cause of SCI up to age 45, but fell to second place after that. Falls became the leading cause of SCI after the age of 45. In individuals 76 years and older, falls were responsible for about 75% of all SCIs. [1]
These unfortunate incidents can occur due falls from heights including staircase falls, ladders, scaffolding, rooftops, unsafe balconies, etc.
Fall accidents may result in the twisting of the spine, which can cause damage to the delicate nerves and tissues within the spinal cord. The compression of discs in the spine can result in significant pain and mobility issues. In some cases, fall accidents can even lead to traumatic brain injuries, further complicating the injury.
Types of Paralysis Related to Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis is a condition where the nerves in the spinal cord are injured and are unable to send signals to the muscles, resulting in a loss of sensation or movement below the level of the injury. There are different types of paralysis that can occur depending on the location and extent of the spinal cord injury.
- Paraplegia - Paraplegia refers to the paralysis of the lower part of the body, including the legs and sometimes the lower trunk. An individual with paraplegia may require the use of a wheelchair to move around.
- Quadriplegia - Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, involves the paralysis of both the arms and legs. This type of paralysis typically occurs when the spinal cord injury is high in the cervical spine.
Damages Involved in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Spinal cord injuries can have a lasting impact on a person’s life, both physically and financially. These injuries often require extensive medical care and result in lifelong disabilities, chronic pain, and loss of sensation.
Medical Expenses
Hospital stays are always necessary after a spinal cord injury and can lead to substantial bills. The cost of room and board, surgical procedures, medication, and diagnostic tests can quickly add up. The long-term nature of spinal cord injuries may require ongoing physical therapy to prevent contracture of muscles due to disuse.
Assistive care is another expense that must be considered. Spinal cord injury victims may require round-the-clock assistance, resulting in the need for caregivers or in-home nurses. Personal care attendants can help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, but these services can be costly.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
A spinal cord injury can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to work and earn a living. The severity of the injury may result in lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
When a spinal cord injury occurs, it often requires time away from work for hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
The financial losses caused by lost wages can have a major impact on spinal cord injury victims and their ability to support themselves and their families. Without a regular income, they may struggle to meet their basic needs and pay for necessary medical expenses and ongoing care. This can lead to heightened financial stress and uncertainty about the future.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress experienced by the spinal cord injury victim. Not only do these injuries cause immense physical pain, but they can also lead to long-lasting emotional trauma. The constant pain and discomfort can significantly limit the victim’s ability to engage in daily activities and enjoy life.
Similarly, a spinal cord injury can have a profound impact on the victim’s mental well-being. Feelings of sadness, frustration, and anger are common as one adjusts to the new circumstances. This emotional distress can affect relationships, lead to social isolation, and impact one’s overall quality of life.
Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Cases
The Statute of Limitations in spinal cord injury cases refers to the legal time limit within which a person must file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries.
In the specific jurisdiction of Fresno, California, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, including spinal cord injury cases, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that the injured party must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident or incident that caused the spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Fresno
Goldberg & Loren is a trusted law firm specializing in spinal cord injury cases in Fresno. With our expertise and dedication, we can help you navigate the complex legal process and achieve the justice you seek.
Our goal is not only to secure financial compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages but also to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
George Goldberg & James Loren provide a team of experienced lawyers who have been winning cases for over 30 years. At Goldberg & Loren we work on a contingency fee which means there will be no cost to you unless we win your case.
If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced personal injury lawyers in Fresno today to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and provide you with the support you need during this difficult time.
Source:
[1] What causes spinal cord injury (SCI) and how does it affect your body? (2022, January 25). https://www.nichd.nih.gov/. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/spinalinjury/conditioninfo/causes
If you or someone you care about experienced a spinal cord injury in Fresno, you might be eligible for compensation for your pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Reach out to us to determine if you have a potential case worth pursuing.
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