San Bernardino Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Helping You Fight for Justice & Compensation

A spinal cord injury can change the victim’s life forever. From intense pain, emotional suffering, and a difficult recovery to permanent disabilities and tremendous financial strain, spinal injuries can profoundly affect survivors and their families, creating immense and long lasting challenges.

Fortunately, spinal cord injury victims don’t have to face these burdens alone. In addition to many available resources, survivors may have the right to pursue justice and financial compensation from those who caused them harm – particularly when injuries result from another’s negligence or wrongful act.

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, our award-winning trial lawyers have built a reputation fighting for victims who’ve been catastrophically injured. With a proven record of success that includes millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, we’ve demonstrated an ability to take on the toughest claims, help clients level the playing field with powerful insurers, and secure the recoveries our clients deserve.

If you or someone you love suffered a preventable spine injury, our San Bernardino spinal cord injury lawyers can discuss your rights, options, and what we can do to help. Call (866) 634-4525 or contact us online to request a FREE consultation.

Common Spinal Cord Injury Causes

Spinal cord or back injuries are among the most serious types of injuries that can result from an accident. The spinal cord is vital to transporting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to spinal nerves or structures can have devastating consequences, including permanent changes in strength, sensation, and bodily functions.

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we understand the gravity and impact of spinal injuries. We have honed our investigative skills to thoroughly research the circumstances surrounding various types of accidents and identify what caused our clients’ injuries. In addition to identifying an underlying cause, our investigations are designed to help us gather essential evidence to establish the negligence and liability of an at-fault party.

Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

•         Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents are some of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Reckless driving, drunk driving, or failure to adhere to traffic rules can cause violent accidents that change lives forever.
•        Slip and fall accidents: Property owners have a duty of care to keep their premises safe. If a slip and fall accident occurs due to poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, or other hazardous conditions, it may constitute negligence.
•        Workplace accidents: Worksites in a variety of professions are filled with potential hazards. While workers’ compensation is typically the sole legal remedy for workers injured on the job, those who’ve suffered spinal cord injuries in the course of their employment may have grounds to pursue civil claims, particularly if their injuries were caused by the negligence of third parties.
•         Product defects: Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are required to produce and sell safe products. If a product is defective and causes a spinal cord injury, these parties could be held liable under product liability law.

Lasting Spinal Cord Injury Complications

Even the slightest damage to the spinal cord can lead to severe and permanent complications. The spinal cord is the central bundle of nerves that transmits signals from the brain to various parts of the body. It has a limited capacity to heal when injured and any spinal cord injury can result in long-term or even lifelong repercussions. Immediate medical care is critical, but unfortunately may not prevent the onset of permanent complications.

Common permanent complications associated with spinal cord injuries are:

•          Paralysis: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis, which can greatly limit their mobility and independence and create a lifetime of specialized needs.
•         Loss of organ function: Spinal cord injuries can disrupt the signals between the brain and certain organs, affecting their function and potentially leading to conditions like incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
•          Speech impediments: Spinal cord injury survivors may struggle with verbal communication if the injury affects the nerves that control the vocal cords.
•      Trouble with eating: Difficulty in swallowing or controlling mouth movements can make eating and drinking a challenge. Some spinal cord injury victims require long term assistance from a caregiver.
•      Respiratory difficulties: An injury that impacts the nerves controlling the lungs and diaphragm may result in breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the support of a ventilator may be necessary.
•        Increased risk of blood clots: Reduced mobility can increase the risk of developing blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis.
•         Bone density loss: Extended periods of inactivity or immobility can lead to loss of bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

Quadriplegia & Paraplegia

The loss of feeling or movement is known generally as paralysis. Paralysis resulting from a spinal cord injury can be further classified using the terms “quadriplegia” and “paraplegia.”

• Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is characterized by the impairment or loss of motor function in both the upper and lower body, including the arms, hands, torso, legs, and pelvic organs. The condition is typically caused by damage to the spinal cord at the neck level, disrupting the transmission of signals from the brain to the entire body below the point of injury. As a result, individuals with quadriplegia may require assistance with daily activities such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
• Paraplegia refers to the impairment or loss of motor function in the lower half of the body, including the legs and pelvic organs. This condition is usually the result of injuries to the spinal cord in the thoracic or lumbar region, which is below the neck. Unlike quadriplegia, paraplegia does not affect the use of the arms and hands. People with paraplegia may regain some independence through the use of wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

Can Spinal Cord Injuries Be Treated?

While it’s true that spinal cord injuries are often incurable, significant advancements in medical science have made it possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected. Treatment options aim to prevent further injury, reduce symptoms, and enable people to live as independently as possible. However, these treatments can be costly, which is why it’s crucial for victims to secure sufficient compensation in any personal injury claims they file.

Common treatment options for spinal cord injuries include:

• Surgery: Specialized surgery can be performed immediately after a spinal cord injury to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage. Additional surgeries may be required to address complications or to improve mobility and function.
• Physical therapy: A cornerstone of rehabilitation, physical therapy helps spinal cord injury survivors regain as much function as possible, improve fitness and strength, learn new ways of performing everyday tasks, and adapt to their new physical capabilities.
• Medication: Various medications may be used to manage symptoms and complications arising from spinal cord injuries. A doctor or team of doctors may prescribe pain relievers, muscle relaxants, medications to control bowel and bladder functions, and other drugs that help manage secondary conditions associated with spinal cord injuries.

Special Lifetime Care Planning

Many spinal cord injury patients require special lifetime care planning due to the severity and long-term nature of their injuries. A life care plan is an extensive assessment that evaluates an injured person’s future needs, including medical treatments, therapies, rehabilitative opportunities, and other adjustments necessary for their day-to-day living. This plan is crucial in providing them with the tools and skills needed to navigate life post-injury.

However, the comprehensive nature of a life care plan can make it very expensive. Costs include not only immediate medical treatments but also the extensive expenses associated with ongoing care and living with a spinal cord injury. Financial pressures are often compounded by loss of income and earning potential when the victim’s injury prevents them from working the job they once had. These lifetime expenses can be an extreme and persistent source of financial strain. When pursuing an injury claim, it is essential to consider the high cost of life care planning.

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we’re passionate about positioning clients to secure the compensation they deserve. In cases involving spinal cord injuries, we know the stakes are elevated and that clients rely on us to help calculate and illustrate the full scope of their losses – both now and in the future – as we seek a fair recovery on their behalf.

Working with a Spinal Cord Disability

Occupational and physical therapy can help people with spinal cord injuries return to work or maintain employment. Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily living skills, which can include job-related tasks, while physical therapy works to enhance mobility and overall physical function. Both therapies can help improve strength, flexibility, and endurance, all of which can be crucial for performing work tasks. They can also assist in adapting the workplace to accommodate physical limitations and provide strategies for managing fatigue and pain at work.

It’s important to note that even with occupational therapy a spinal cord injury can still result in a loss of income-earning capacity due to reduced work hours or the need to change careers. This potential financial impact must be weighed when building a spinal cord injury claim, as it can significantly affect the plaintiff’s quality of life and future financial security.

Spinal Cord Injury Compensation

Our San Bernardino spinal cord injury attorneys are dedicated to helping clients fight for the maximum compensation possible. In most cases, we’ll work to pursue fair recoveries through out-of-court negotiations, which can save time and avoid the added cost of litigating in court. However, when insurers refuse to make fair offers or when they raise disputes about material facts in a case, we’re prepared to take our clients’ claims to trial.

Whether resolved through settlements or trial verdicts, spinal cord injury claims can allow victims to recover essential financial support. This includes compensation for: 

• Economic damages: Special or economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future loss of earning capacity, as well as the cost of lifetime care planning and any modifications needed for the home or vehicle.
• Non-economic damages: General or non-economic damages are for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship.

Given the lifelong harm and complications typically caused by spinal cord injuries, future damages are an important factor considered in valuing a claim. Future damages will help ensure that you have the financial resources you need to manage your injuries and maintain the best possible quality of life over the long term.

Reach Out for a FREE Consultation: (866) 634-4525

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP , we understand the devastating impact a spinal cord injury can have on your life, and we’re here to fight for you. As San Bernardino’s trusted spinal cord injury attorneys, we have a reputation for standing up for people in tough situations and working tirelessly to secure the full compensation they deserve. Whether your case requires settlement negotiation or litigation, our team is ready to act on your behalf.

Don’t face this challenge alone – call us at  (866) 634-4525 as soon as possible for a free consultations.