Spinal injuries can occur for various reasons, but many people suffer them due to another party’s negligence. Car accidents, falls, and sports are some of the most common causes of these injuries, which can have a long-lasting impact on your life. While you may feel frustrated and want justice for your losses, the legal process can be complicated. With the help of the experienced legal team at Callahan & Blaine, you do not have to face it alone.
In our 40 years as a law firm, we have proudly provided exceptional services to Orange County spinal cord injury victims, handling all types of complex claims. Our robust team of 29 lawyers all have at least eight years of experience, so you do not have to worry about an inexperienced attorney managing your claim. With a proven track record, including the largest jury verdict in Orange County history worth $934 million, you can rely on our Orange County personal injury lawyers to fight for your rights and the maximum compensation you deserve for your spinal cord injuries..
What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?
Damage, which runs through the center of the spine, can disrupt the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body. As the major pathway for communication between the brain, muscles, organs, and sensory systems, any injury to this critical pathway can result in a loss of function below the point of impact.
Spinal cord injuries are either complete or incomplete. Complete injuries result in total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site, while incomplete injuries may allow for some preserved function. The location of the injury along the spine determines which parts of the body are affected and the severity of the resulting paralysis.
Understanding Spinal Fractures
Spinal fractures involve breaks in the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spine and protect the spinal cord. While not all spinal fractures result in spinal cord damage, they can be extremely serious, particularly when they occur in the cervical (neck) region. These fractures can range from minor compression fractures to severe burst fractures that can damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.
Common causes of spinal fractures include high-impact accidents such as car crashes, falls from significant heights, sports injuries, and workplace accidents. The force required to fracture the spine is substantial, which is why these injuries are often accompanied by other serious trauma.
Types of Paralysis From Spinal Injuries
Paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries can take several forms, each with distinct characteristics and impacts on daily life. Understanding these different types helps families and victims comprehend the full scope of their injury and the care they may need.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
Quadriplegia occurs when spinal cord damage affects all four limbs and the trunk. This type of paralysis typically results from injuries to the cervical spine, particularly at the C1-C7 levels. Individuals with quadriplegia may experience varying degrees of arm and hand function depending on the exact level of injury, with higher-level injuries generally resulting in more severe limitations.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia, a condition characterized by the paralysis of the legs and lower trunk, commonly arises from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral areas of the spine. Although arm and hand function are preserved, those affected by paraplegia often encounter substantial mobility issues, frequently necessitating the use of wheelchairs for daily tasks.
Incomplete Paralysis
Incomplete paralysis occurs when some function remains below the level of injury. This can manifest as preserved sensation without movement, retained movement without sensation, or varying combinations of both. The extent of incomplete paralysis can change over time as swelling reduces and the full extent of the injury becomes apparent.
The Long-Term Impact of Catastrophic Spinal Injuries
The effects of injuries extend far beyond the immediate physical limitations. Victims require extensive medical care, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapeutic interventions. The cost of this care can be overwhelming, with lifetime medical expenses for spinal cord injury patients often reaching millions of dollars.
Beyond medical costs, spinal cord injuries impact every aspect of life. Victims may need to modify their homes, purchase specialized equipment, and require ongoing personal care assistance. Many cannot return to their previous employment, resulting in significant lost income and reduced earning capacity. The emotional toll on victims and their families can be equally devastating, as they adjust to new limitations and challenges.
Seeking Justice for Spinal Cord Injuries
Insurance companies often fight aggressively against catastrophic injury claims, knowing that the potential settlements or verdicts can be substantial. They may attempt to minimize the severity of injuries, dispute the need for ongoing care, or challenge the circumstances that led to the accident. Having experienced legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Why Contact Callahan & Blaine After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injury claims are often of high value due to the long-term impact involved. Therefore, it is crucial to have a trusted lawyer by your side who will provide aggressive representation and fiercely advocate for your rights. At Callahan & Blaine, we do just that. Our lawyers offer comprehensive support, taking your legal burdens off your shoulders and giving you the best chance of a fair settlement in the following ways:
TRIAL EXPERIENCE
While we try our hardest to settle your claim out of court, we understand this is not always possible. At our core, we are trial lawyers who are fully prepared to present your case to a judge and jury if necessary, negotiating and litigating on your behalf.
INSURANCE EXPERTISE
Edward Susolik, our managing partner, has handled over 1500 mediations in the last 33 years and is one of the country’s leading insurance experts. With this extensive knowledge, we can develop personalized, nuanced strategies to navigate the legal process and stand up to adjusters.
RECORD-BREAKING RESULTS
With our vast experience, skills, knowledge, and resources, we have achieved multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, including record-breaking results like the largest personal injury settlement in U.S. history worth $50 million. This demonstrates our ability to handle complex, high-value claims, including spinal injury cases.
Elements of an Orange County Spinal Cord Injury Claim
The claim process can be challenging to navigate, with several elements involved in achieving the compensation you deserve. Our talented lawyers understand these intricacies and help you build a strong claim, which includes the following elements:
PROVING FAULT
As a spinal cord injury victim filing a claim, you must fulfill the burden of proof. This means your claim must clearly demonstrate the following:
- The liable party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached this duty of care by acting negligently.
- This negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Your injuries resulted in damages.
We may help you prove these points by conducting a thorough investigation and gathering evidence, such as medical records, police reports, witness testimony, and traffic camera video footage.
POTENTIALLY RECOVERABLE DAMAGES
If another party causes your spinal injury, you should not have to worry about paying your medical bills, so our passionate lawyers fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve, which may include the following costs:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medical equipment
- Counseling
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Reduced quality of life
When calculating your claim’s value, we consider every detail to ensure we include all applicable losses and negotiate a fair settlement. Insurance adjusters often use tactics to undermine claims, such as blaming your injuries on a pre-existing condition, saying you are responsible for the accident, and denying your claim. We understand these tactics and work hard to secure a successful outcome.
Contact the Reputable Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine to Discuss Your Orange County Spinal Cord Injury Claim
After suffering spinal cord injuries through no fault of your own, your recovery should be your top priority. However, this can be challenging without the help of an experienced lawyer. At Callahan & Blaine, we are here to guide you every step of the way, taking the time to listen to your story and develop a personalized plan for maximum compensation. Moreover, we work efficiently to file your claim within California law’s two-year statute of limitations so you can take full advantage of your opportunity to fight for your rights.
With our 40-year legacy, robust team, and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to take on your spinal cord injury claim, no matter how complex. To learn more about our services and your legal options, fill out our contact form or call us at 714-241-4444.
