OC Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

A spinal cord injury attorney can assist victims and their families in numerous ways, including:

• Investigating the accident that caused your injury.
• Identifying signs of negligence and responsible parties.
• Preserving and collecting evidence to support your claims.
• Handling complex claim documents and legal procedures.
• Filing injury claims within California's statute of limitations (2 years).
• Determining the potential value of your injury claim.
• Pursuing justice with proven and aggressive legal strategies.
• Employing top experts to strengthen your case.
• Litigating the case in court if necessary.

With an attorney handling your compensation claim, you can focus on rebuilding your life. Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to secure compensation for long-term or permanent injuries, including future medical expenses. Even if a case goes to trial, your attorney will not back down from challenging insurance companies or negligent parties.

Submitting a spinal cord injury compensation claim can help cover various economic and non-economic losses related to the injury. Economic losses are tangible or monetary expenses, while non-economic losses are intangible impacts on your life.

Compensable damages may include:

• Medical expenses: Costs for treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, mental health counseling, prescription medications, medical devices, disability adjustments, and home nursing assistance.
• Lost wages: Financial losses from the inability to work due to medical treatment or disability. In cases of permanent disability, there may be eligibility for loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional impacts, including chronic pain, emotional distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, etc.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Costs for recovery, including property damage repairs, travel expenses, legal costs, attorney fees, etc.
• Punitive damages: Additional compensation to punish the defendant for egregious acts like gross negligence, malice, fraud, or oppression.

The compensation varies based on the impact of the accident and resulting injuries. Your attorney will work with you to compile a comprehensive list of damages for your claim.

Spinal cord injuries can occur in various accidents. When a party fails to prevent injury, victims may seek financial compensation. Jimmie W. Kang, our spinal cord injury attorney, has experience with various types of accident cases.

Common causes include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Falls
• Diving and pool accidents
• Sports accidents
• Defective and hazardous products
• Workplace accidents
• Construction accidents
• Heavy equipment accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Birth injuries
• Acts of violence (gunshots, stabbings, etc.)

The spine, composed of 33 vertebrae, is complex and houses nerves that control body movements. Spinal cord injuries affect areas below the injury site, with higher injuries resulting in more severe effects. Damage to the cervical region can lead to full-body paralysis, while thoracic or lumbar injuries may cause lower body paralysis.

Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis are classified as complete or incomplete. Complete injuries result in total loss of function, while incomplete injuries retain some sensory function. Specific diagnoses include spinal fractures, cord severance, muscle contusions, nerve damage, disc herniations, and various syndromes.

Symptoms vary based on injury type, location, and severity. Acute symptoms manifest immediately or shortly after the injury, while chronic symptoms persist long-term.

Symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Pain in back, neck, or head
• Weakness or paralysis
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Breathing difficulties

The value of a personal injury claim varies based on the severity of the injury. Catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent paralysis may receive higher compensation. Personal injury claims can potentially cover lifetime costs due to the injury, sometimes amounting to millions of dollars.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the average lifetime cost for a spinal cord injury victim at age 25 ranges from approximately $2 million to $5.8 million. Consult with a spinal cord injury attorney before accepting settlements.