Injuries to the spinal cord can drastically change your life in an instant. The consequences can include partial mobility loss or even complete paralysis, and these injuries completely alter how you live and work.
If you have suffered this kind of harm due to another person’s negligence, the recovery process is overwhelming. State law allows injured parties to pursue damages, but cases involving spinal cord injuries are both medically and legally complex. With the help of a Fresno spinal cord injury lawyer, you can take the right steps to get the benefits and compensation you need to move forward. Speak with a catastrophic injury attorney from Dunnion Law, with over 50 years of experience and record-breaking results, today.
Our spinal cords are a pathway of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury interrupts that communication and can lead to long-term neurological changes. The more serious the injury, the more severe the consequences. This can include losing sensation in the lower body (paraplegia) or in both the arms and the legs (quadriplegia).
Beyond mobility concerns, damage to the spinal cord can affect your breathing and other bodily functions, as well as secondary conditions, including depression and chronic pain. These can often require lifelong medical treatment, which can create a financial burden when you are already facing an immense physical toll. Our Fresno lawyers work with you to understand the complexities of your spinal cord injuries to better prepare when helping you seek comprehensive compensation.
The state recognizes the life-changing effects of spinal cord injuries and allows you to pursue a wide range of damages, including:
Unlike some states, California generally has no cap on damages in personal injury cases, other than those involving medical malpractice. That allows you to pursue the full amount owed to you for the damages listed above. Ultimately, either a jury or a Fresno attorney involved in settlement negotiations will determine this amount for spinal injury claims.
The state follows the law of pure comparative negligence (California Civil Code § 1714). This means that the state reduces the amount of compensation awarded to someone based on the amount of fault they bear for the circumstances that caused their injury. For example, if a court awards someone $2 million in damages but also finds the person to be 25 percent at fault, that person would receive $1.5 million.
The state also does not bar seeking or obtaining recovery even if the injured party is mostly responsible. Unlike in many other states, someone found to be 99 percent at fault could still recover compensation for the other one percent. This can make a significant difference in spinal cord injury cases, where medical care can cost in the millions. Our Fresno spinal cord damage lawyers can sort through the evidence to determine the best argument for maximum benefits.
Between medical appointments and mounting emotional and financial burdens, the effects of a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. When facing this new reality, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to move forward. You probably have more questions than answers, and having the right support during this time can make a substantial difference. With the help of a Fresno spinal cord injury lawyer, you can have a better understanding of your rights and your chances of pursuing the appropriate compensation. We stand up to insurance companies for a fair recovery so that you can focus on rebuilding your life. Get in touch with us today.
