Injuries to the spinal cord can result from many different accidents and are typically severe. The consequences of a severe back injury can be devastating and life-changing.
If you suffered an injury to your spine due to someone else’s carelessness, reach out to a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney right away. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. A Stockton spinal cord injury lawyer could evaluate your case, determine the at-fault parties, and pursue a fair damages award on your behalf.
What are Spinal Cord Injuries?
The spinal cord is a large structure in the human body that runs from the base of your neck to your tailbone. The severity of an injury typically depends on where on the spinal cord it occurs.
An injury to the neck vertebrae, or cervical area, may lead to the loss of function in the upper and lower portions of an individual’s body. If an injury to this region is severe enough, it may also lead to the loss of involuntary functions such as breathing, potentially requiring a ventilator or pacemaker.
An injury to the middle area of the spine near the chest, or thoracic area, can result in loss of function in the arms and hands. An injury to the lower area of the spine, or lumbar or sacral regions, can result in the loss of function in the lower portion of an individual’s body.
Spinal cord injuries are typically either complete or incomplete, which means that they lead to either complete paralysis or partial paralysis. A knowledgeable Stockton attorney could help you better understand the nature of your spinal injury case.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine is typically a well-protected area within an individual’s body, so it can take a strong force to cause a severe injury. Common accidents and actions that may result in damage to the spine include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
You may be facing an uphill battle to recovery after a spine injury, not to mention the costs of medical care and missing time at work. It is important to consult an experienced spinal injury attorney as early as possible to begin the legal process of recovering damages.
Compensation for Severe Back Injuries
When you suffer a spine injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful behavior, the at-fault parties may be responsible for your economic and non-economic losses. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish could all be awarded as damages in a spinal injury case.
Under California Civil Code § 3294, an individual suffering a spinal cord injury may also be awarded punitive damages, which are awarded in certain cases to prevent similar behavior in the future. A dedicated attorney could help you calculate the value of your losses to determine the appropriate amount of compensation to demand from the at-fault party in a spinal cord damage case.
How Could a Stockton Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Help?
Accidents that affect an individual’s spinal cord can be especially dangerous and severe. Spine injuries have the potential to leave you paralyzed in part of or all of your body and limbs. When a severe spinal cord injury results from someone else’s negligence or wrongful acts, you deserve to be compensated for your severe damages.
A Stockton spinal cord injury lawyer could provide valuable legal assistance to help fight for a favorable outcome. Speak with an attorney today to help evaluate your potential legal options.