Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Riverside, CA

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A spinal cord injury can affect every area of your life and create innumerable challenges. These injuries require extensive care and assistive support to adapt to the long-term effects caused by the condition. When yor injury was caused by someone else, it is essential that you consult a spinal cord injury lawyer in Riverside, CA who can help you determine how to move forward and get the resources you need. 

The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas will guide you through the legal process and fight for you. Our award-winning team negotiates on your behalf and makes sure you are treated fairly throughout your case. When you hire a Riverside personal injury lawyer, you have an ally, so you do not have to deal with your injury on your own.

How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

To collect damages for your spinal cord injury, you must resolve your claim within the two-year statute of limitations that California allows. This countdown begins from the time you sustained or discovered your spinal cord injury.

To increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome, your claim should be started as soon as possible by contacting our spinal cord injury lawyers in Riverside. Attempts to take legal action after this period of time expires will be prohibited and leave you without options to recover compensation. 

The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas Never Stops Fighting for Clients in Riverside County

For more than 35 years, the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas has been fighting for clients and helping them get the compensation and resources they need. We have experience on both sides of the justice system, and this knowledge helps us better serve and fight for you. We are able to anticipate what opposing counsel and insurance companies will do and can plan accordingly. 

We know that suffering a spinal cord injury puts you in a vulnerable position, and we stand guard and advocate for you so you do not fall victim to underhanded tactics by other parties. Our team is very thorough in our approach, and we work diligently to investigate and gather evidence to build strong cases that get results and prevent the opposition from getting a foothold. 

Our Clients Can Secure Representation Without Risk

Our team understands the staggering costs associated with a spinal cord injury, and we make sure that the cost of legal services does not keep you from getting the help you need. With a contingency fee model, we do not get paid unless we win your case and secure a settlement or verdict for you. We take our fees from your compensation rather than you, so you do not have to pay us directly. You also never have to wonder if we are prioritizing your needs since we share a common goal. 

We Offer Our Spanish Services to Serve Our Community

The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas has several bilingual members on our team who can serve our Spanish-speaking community. We are committed to providing exceptional service that makes legal representation accessible for all residents living within Riverside County. 

Understanding Spinal Injuries and Their Impact

A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal column or surrounding nerves are damaged by a blow or a penetrating wound. This type of injury can disrupt several key functions within the body, as the spine is responsible for sending messages from the brain to the body. This can result in a loss of certain functions and/or mobility.  The location of the injury makes a significant impact on the outcome of the injury and its severity. 

Complete and Incomplete Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are often classified as incomplete or complete.

  • An incomplete spinal injury leaves an individual with some sensation, movement, and control, although it may be reduced.
  • A complete spinal injury will leave the individual without any feeling, control, or movement at all.

These injuries may disrupt sections or whole regions of the body, depending on what part of the spine was affected. Below is a look at the most common regions of the body affected by spinal cord injuries. 

Paraplegia

Spinal injuries that result in paraplegia consist of paralysis of the legs and can also affect the lower body and arms, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

This condition is often the consequence of injury to the bones or nerves within the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral portions of the spine. These areas impact how your injury manifests itself and what additional complications you may suffer from. Car accidents, slips and falls, and violence are the most common causes of paraplegia. 

Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia

Spinal injuries that result in quadriplegia/tetraplegia result in paralysis from the neck down. This condition is generally caused when the neck is severely injured and usually affects the cervical portion of the spine. Injuries that are higher up the spine are likely to be more severe.

Quadriplegia/tetraplegia can partially or completely sever all messages between the brain and body, and muscles may become limp or spasm uncontrollably. Car crashes, falls, violence, and sports injuries contribute to this condition. 

How Spinal Injuries are Assessed and Treated

Spinal cord injuries require medical tests to determine the location and extent of the injury. Doctors are likely to order X-rays, CT scans, and/or MRIs in their efforts to diagnose and treat your injury. Time is of the essence right after a spinal injury. While it cannot be undone, swift action can help minimize additional damage and the risk of complications. Doctors may perform surgery, administer medication, use traction, or try other treatments to manage your initial condition.

These types of injuries shock the body and may cause considerable swelling. Spinal injuries must be closely monitored, and steps must be taken to prevent respiratory or cardiovascular conditions that can arise as a result. As your condition stabilizes and you no longer require emergency care, you will likely require ongoing care and help managing residual effects. Rehabilitation, equipment, and technology will also likely be needed to maintain and develop new skills and compensate for limited mobility. 

In addition to medical treatment, spinal injury victims also need strong support systems to help them cope with their new injury. These types of injuries can take an emotional and psychological toll, and the right resources can help improve overall well-being and quality of life despite the injury. 

The Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury and the Importance of Medical Treatment

Spinal cord injuries often have long-term effects that can affect you for the rest of your life. It is not uncommon to need ongoing care, supportive equipment and technologies, medication, and more to both treat and manage your condition. Complications may also arise due to your spinal cord injury, such as circulatory and respiratory challenges, changes in muscle and bone, bladder and bowel control, as well as pain, changes in sexual health, and psychological distress. 

These injuries can impact your quality of life and mental health and make it difficult to get through each day. Support from medical professionals and family can make a positive difference and make it possible to retain as much independence as possible. That is one of the many reasons why proper treatment is important after a spinal cord injury. Getting the care you need can improve your overall well-being and comprehensively address your condition. 

More than getting the medical care you need, going to the doctor after a serious accident is essential for many aspects of your spinal cord injury claim. Insurance adjusters will need to review your medical records to assess the extent and severity of your spine injuries and determine the full scope of your medical needs. 

Medical attention also provides evidence of the harm you sustained and verifies the cost of your medical care. This streamlines the claim process and ensures that you can recover compensation in your claim. The more evidence you have of your injuries, the less the insurance will fight you.  

Negligence Must Be Established Before Resolving Your Case in Riverside County

When you have sustained a preventable spinal cord injury caused by a negligent party, holding them accountable is a vital step in securing the necessary compensation for your treatment. The burden of proof falls to you and your lawyer to show the other party’s negligence and role in causing your injury. This is accomplished by showing the following: 

  • Duty of Care: Individuals and businesses have a responsibility to be cautious and avoid causing harm to others. 
  • Breach of Duty: If an individual or business engages in unsafe or careless activities, they forsake their obligations. 
  • Causation: When these actions lead to an accident, an individual or business becomes the source of harm and is directly linked to causing spinal damage and other losses. 
  • Damages: The individual or entity at fault is liable for compensating you for the unexpected harm they caused. 

These steps are necessary to show the other party’s actions in detail. Each step builds on the other until there is a clear picture of what occurred and how the other party’s actions affected you. This is the focal point of your case and must be satisfied before your claim can move forward. Our spinal cord injury lawyers in Riverside, CA are adept at meeting these requirements and building strong cases that eliminate doubt about the other party’s role in your accident.

How Shared Fault Spine Injury Cases Are Handled

Accidents are not always caused by one individual but may be shared. If you are accused of partial fault, your lawyer can investigate the claim to make sure the insurance company is not acting in bad faith. However, if fault is shared, then they can work to reduce liability so maximum compensation can be recovered under the circumstances.

California’s pure comparative negligence law allows individuals to recover compensation in proportion to their level of fault and does not cap fault contributions. 

How Much Compensation Can I Receive After a Spinal Cord Injury?

Given the extensive treatment, daily support, and impact on daily life caused by spinal cord injury, the financial and psychological burden is often staggering. Many individuals who sustain spinal injuries may not be able to regain the same quality of life, either. To offset the immense weight of these losses, compensation is used to provide support and ensure you receive the resources to deal with the aftermath. You are likely able to recover: 

  • Medical expenses for treatment, therapy, surgeries, and medications
  • Equipment, home/vehicle accommodations, and assistive technology
  • Loss of income or earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Diminished quality of life and enjoyment
  • Loss of consortium

When determining how much your case is worth, your spinal cord injury attorney in Riverside will take into account the lifetime cost of your injury. With the help of medical experts and life care planners, they can create a comprehensive assessment of your injuries, medical needs, costs, and more. This will allow your lawyer to better negotiate for you since they will have an accurate understanding of the full scope of your circumstances. Every case is unique, so your case outcome will be specific to your needs. 

Additionally, your lawyer will also take into account any medical liens or claims healthcare providers have issued during the course of your settlement. Depending on your situation, you may have to pay medical bills out of your settlement. After these and any other relevant debts are settled, the remaining amount of your compensation can be used as you need it for your care. 

Contact an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in Riverside, CA

The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas is committed to getting justice and holding negligent parties accountable. Our award-winning team of trial lawyers fights for you and provides unwavering support even in the most difficult situations. When you have suffered a spinal cord injury, our Riverside County lawyers act swiftly to provide trusted counsel and representation that protects your rights and secures results. Learn more when you contact us today and schedule your free consultation.