Serious spinal cord injuries deserve serious representation. At The Crown Law Group, PC, our Los Angeles spinal cord injury lawyers help victims and families pursue full compensation and the medical support they need.
As leading Los Angeles spinal cord injury lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that such injury can have on victims and their families. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the brain, body signal pathways, leading to loss of movement, sensation, and sometimes organ function below the injury level. Even “incomplete” injuries can cause lifelong challenges. Our team helps you document the injury, prove fault, and recover compensation for care and long-term needs.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries encompass a range of conditions, each with its unique impact on the body. Understanding the specific type of injuries is crucial in determining the prognosis and potential recovery options. Here are the main categories:
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: If the spinal cord is completely severed, it causes a loss of feeling and ability to move below the area of injury. This frequently leads to paralysis, which means being unable to move or feel anything in the parts of the body affected by the injury.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: In incomplete spinal cord injuries, only part of the spinal cord is harmed, causing different levels of problems with feeling and movement. How serious the injury is can vary based on where and how badly the damage happened.
- Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Tetraplegia affects the arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, typically resulting from damage to the cervical spinal cord in the neck region. Individuals with tetraplegia may experience partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia is affected on the lower half of the body, involving the legs and pelvic organs. It is often caused by injury to the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord in the mid to lower back region. Paraplegics may retain some upper body function but typically experience paralysis or impaired movement in the lower body.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, often resulting from traumatic events. Understanding the common causes of these catastrophic injuries is important in preventing future accidents. Here are some prevalent causes:
- Car Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions are a main cause of spinal cord injury, particularly those involving high speeds or severe impacts. The force generated in a car accident can cause fractures, dislocations, or compressions of the spine, leading to spinal cord damage.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls from heights, slippery surfaces, or uneven terrain can result in traumatic spinal cord injuries. Whether in a public place, workplace, or residential setting, slip and fall accidents can cause serious harm, especially to the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions.
- Sports Injuries: Participation in high-impact sports such as football, rugby, or gymnastics can increase the risk of spinal cord injuries. Collisions, falls, or improper technique during athletic activities can cause damage to the spine, resulting in paralysis or neurological deficits.
- Violence: Acts of violence, including assaults, shootings, or stabbings, can lead to severe spinal cord trauma. Intentional acts of harm can cause irreversible damage to the spinal cord, resulting in lifelong disabilities and significant physical and emotional repercussions.
What to do after a suspected SCI
- Call 911 and avoid moving the person unless necessary for safety.
- Document photos/video of the scene, hazards, and vehicles.
- Get ER care and follow all specialist referrals.
- Preserve evidence: keep bills, discharge notes, imaging, work notes.
- Do not give a recorded statement to insurers before legal advice.
- Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer early for a free consultation.
Proving negligence & liability
We build cases using:
- Police reports, scene reconstruction, black box/telemetry, surveillance
- Medical records, treating physicians, neurologists, life-care planners
- Employer/wage records to prove lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Premises maintenance logs, incident histories, and safety standards
If insurers refuse fair value, we litigate.
Common questions about spinal cord injury claims
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury claim in California?
Generally two years from the injury date (shorter against government entities). Ask us about your specific deadline.
Do I have a case if I was partly at fault?
Yes, California’s comparative negligence may still allow recovery.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases settle; if the insurer won’t be fair, we’re trial-ready.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee, no fee unless we win.
How Can a Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Help
Seeking legal representation from a skilled Los Angeles spinal cord injuries attorney is essential in navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim. Here’s how our legal team can assist you:
- Case Evaluation: We will thoroughly review your case, gathering evidence and assessing the extent of your injuries to determine liability and potential damages.
- Legal Representation: Our skilled lawyers will speak up for you, talking with insurance companies or going to court if needed, to ensure you get the compensation you should for what you’ve lost.
- Resource Referral: We have established relationships with medical experts, rehabilitation specialists, and support services to help you access the care and resources you need for recovery.
- Negotiation and Settlement: We will work hard to negotiate a settlement that includes your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take your case to trial to fight for your rights in court.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal help if you have suffered a spinal cord injury in Los Angeles. Contact Crown Law Group, PC today for a free consultation with a compassionate and dedicated spinal cord injuries attorney. Call 310-734-0504 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation and start moving forward to receive the fairness and compensation you deserve.