Spinal Cord Injuries

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A spinal cord injury can cause lasting loss of sensation, movement, or function and may require lifelong care and mobility support. When negligence caused it, you can pursue compensation that accounts for that long-term impact. Protection Law Group represents spinal cord injury victims across California on contingency: no upfront fees, and you pay only if we win.

Key Points

  • SCIs are complete (total loss of function below the injury) or incomplete (some feeling or movement remains).
  • Damages can include medical devices, home and vehicle modifications, and ongoing rehabilitation.
  • The injury’s location on the spine affects the type of paralysis and the care required.


Living with a spinal cord injury in El Segundo? Book your free consultation today.

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are severe injuries damaging various sections of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or coccygeal areas. Symptoms may include numbness of extremities, pain or weakness in the neck, head, or back, loss of coordination or motor functions, tingling or loss of sensation in extremities, and partial or complete paralysis. The leading causes include vehicle accidents, falls, workplace accidents, acts of violence, sports injuries, and medical errors. 

There are two main types of SCIs: complete and incomplete. Complete SCIs result in total loss of function below the injury point, while incomplete SCIs allow for some feeling or movement below the injury. Incomplete SCIs can lead to various syndromes, such as Anterior Cord Syndrome, Central Cord Syndrome, Posterior Cord Syndrome, and Brown-Sequard Syndrome. The location of the injury on the spine can result in different types of paralysis. Quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) occurs with cervical section injuries, while paraplegia results from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral sections. For victims suffering paralysis, available damages may also include costs of medical devices, home or vehicle modifications, and ongoing rehabilitation.

A spinal cord injury can mean a lifetime of care, equipment, and home changes. Protection Law Group can build a claim that accounts for all of it.

If you or someone you know suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI), contact us immediately.

We protect your rights!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a complete and incomplete spinal cord injury?

A complete SCI causes total loss of function below the injury point; an incomplete SCI leaves some feeling or movement. Incomplete injuries can involve specific syndromes with different effects.

What is the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia?

Quadriplegia (tetraplegia) results from cervical, upper-spine injuries and affects all four limbs; paraplegia results from lower-spine injuries and affects the lower body.

What damages can I recover for a spinal cord injury?

Medical care, assistive devices, home and vehicle modifications, ongoing rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Can a spinal cord injury claim cover lifelong care?

Yes. These claims are built around future and lifetime costs, often with input from medical and financial experts.

How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury claim in California?

Generally two years from the date of injury (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1).

Sources

  1. California Courts Self-Help Guide, Personal Injury, https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/civil-lawsuit/personal-injury
  2. California Legislative Information, Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=335.1&lawCode=CCP
  3. California Legislative Information, Civil Code § 1714 (duty of care), https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714&lawCode=CIV
  4. Judicial Council of California, California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI), https://courts.ca.gov/


Disclaimer:
This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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