GJEL Accident Attorneys has been helping victims with spinal cord injuries since 1972. Since this time we have recovered over $10 Million Dollars for clients with spinal cord injuries with a 99% success rate. If you or a loved one has been injured you should talk to an experienced attorney today.

We love fighting for the little guy. A quote from Attorney Andy Gillin

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine, also known as the “backbone,” is a crucial component of our bodies. It’s made up of vertebrae that are connected yet separated by disks, running from the neck to the tailbone. The spinal cord, a dense bundle of nerves branching out into a spider web, controls the movement of muscles, sensations, and other vital bodily functions.

A spinal cord injury is often caused by an impact that damages the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots, with the location and severity of the injury determining the impact on the victim. Victims with severe injuries in the neck may experience quadriplegia, while injuries lower on the cord may result in paraplegia. Even less severe injuries can leave victims with some degree of muscle control or sensation.

Victims of spinal cord injuries usually spend around 11 days in a hospital’s acute care unit, followed by an additional 31 days in a rehabilitation unit. Living with paralysis resulting from a spinal cord injury is not only emotionally and physically challenging but also financially devastating, with expenses ranging from $550,000 to over $1.1 million during the year following the injury’s onset. Lifetime expenses can reach up to $5 million, depending on the extent of the paralysis. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the tremendous challenges that spinal cord injury victims face and are here to help provide the guidance and support you need.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the brain down through the vertebrae in the back. A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function or sensation below the level of the injury.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means that there is no sensation or movement below the level of the injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is some sensation or movement below the level of the injury.

The Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are usually caused by a quick and sudden impact to the spine or back. The injury can arise from a number of situations, including:

Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for 39.3% of spinal cord injuries, with motorcycle riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians at the highest risk of experiencing such injuries in a collision. Car occupants may also suffer spinal cord injuries in rollovers or ejection from the vehicle, while extensive vehicle damage can cause metal shards to pierce the spine.

Falls are another common cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 31.8% of cases. Whether it’s tripping, slipping on a wet surface, falling from a height, or falling on stairs, spinal cord damage can occur in a split second. Negligent property owners who fail to address hazardous conditions that contribute to falls may be held accountable for resulting spinal injuries.

Other causes of spinal cord injuries, such as gunshot wounds, recreational injuries, and medical malpractice, may also be attributable to negligence. A personal injury attorney can help assess the facts and determine whether a careless party can be held accountable in court for causing a spinal injury.

At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the devastating impact of spinal cord injuries on our clients and their families. Our team is here to provide compassionate and knowledgeable guidance to help you through this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Diagnosing Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury may be hard to detect initially, making thorough medical attention after any accident an important key to full recovery.

Spinal cord damage often creates a displacement of spinal disc elements or causes serious bruising of the spinal cord tissue. Injuries to the region often cause serious nerve damage that can be difficult to detect.

At their worst, spinal cord injuries can result in complete paralysis of their victims.

Monetary Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

GJEL specializes in spinal cord injuries and can help victims of accidents recover significant financial awards to cover their medical and related damages.

Since most spinal cord injuries in the United States are the result of motor vehicle accidents, violence, and falls, it is important to retain legal representation in order to pursue any claim for damages.

We have recovered over $10 Million Dollars for clients who have gotten a spinal cord injury due to someone elses negligience.

Know Your Rights

After an accident, many people are taken advantage of because they are unaware of their rights. Insurance companies will often claim to be responsible only for a portion of their legally entitled payments.

Other parties try to convince spinal cord injury victims to settle. The Northern California spinal cord injury attorneys at our firm pursue only our clients’ best interests, not those of the insurance company or other third parties.

How Long Do Spinal Cord Injury Cases Take?

Spinal cord injury cases generally take months or years to settle and involve multiple investigations, so it is important to contact an Oakland spinal cord injury lawyer as soon after the accident as possible.

This ensures that we can review your case in a timely manner and that any claim is filed within the California statute of limitations.

Contact GJEL Today

If you or a loved one has been injured and may have suffered a spinal cord injury, contact an experienced Northern California spinal cord injury lawyer at our firm for a free consultation. The lawyers at Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis,  Larsen & Lucey have over thirty years of experience successfully handling lawsuits related to spinal cord injuries, aggressively pursuing significant damages as a result of injuries to our clients.

Our Northern California and Oakland spinal cord injury attorneys handle every case without payment from our clients until we win. If we are unsuccessful in settling our clients’ cases, they pay us nothing at all. Our payments come from preset amounts of our clients’ awards only.

Contact an Oakland spinal cord injury lawyer at our firm for a free and confidential consultation on your potential case. You will speak with an attorney at our firm about your rights and we will advise you as to your most effective course of action.

Please visit the Contact Us page to find our local office nearest you.

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FAQs

  1. What is the statute of limitations for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit in California?
    Answer: In California, the statute of limitations for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury.
  1. How much does it cost to hire a California spinal cord injury lawyer?
    Answer: Many spinal cord injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or award.
  2. Can I still file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault for my spinal cord injury?
    Answer: Yes, California follows a comparative fault system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for your injury, you may still be able to recover damages. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
  3. What types of damages can I recover in a spinal cord injury lawsuit?
    Answer: You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.
  4. How long will it take to settle my spinal cord injury lawsuit?
    Answer: The length of time it takes to settle a spinal cord injury lawsuit can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether or not it goes to trial. In general, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle a spinal cord injury lawsuit. Your lawyer can provide a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your case.

In summary, a spinal cord injury can be a life-altering event that requires the help of a skilled California spinal cord injury lawyer. With their expertise, you can protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. By understanding the causes of spinal cord injuries, the types of damages you can recover, and how a lawyer can help, you can take the first step towards rebuilding your life after a devastating injury.

Article written by Andy Gillin. Last Updated 03/14/2023