Spinal Cord Injury

This is common. Inflammation and “spinal shock” can mask the full extent of an injury for days or weeks. This is why we advise clients never to settle until their condition has stabilized and a long-term prognosis is established.

Yes. In California, the spouse of a spinal cord injury victim can file a separate claim for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy resulting from the partner’s injury.

We manage all negotiations with health insurance providers and hospitals to reduce their recovery claims, ensuring the bulk of the settlement goes toward the victim’s future needs.

Beyond the other driver, we investigate all potential defendants to ensure there is  enough insurance coverage for a multi-million dollar claim:

• Vehicle Manufacturers: If a seatbelt failed or a roof crushed too easily (Product Liability).
• Government Entities: If a poorly maintained road or lack of signage caused a rollover.
• Employers: If the at-fault driver was “on the clock” or driving a company vehicle (Vicarious Liability).
• Property Owners: In cases of falls or diving accidents due to unsafe premises.

We don’t guess. We utilize a Life Care Planner to create a detailed medical-economic roadmap.

• Inflation Adjustment: Medical costs rise faster than general inflation. We use economists to ensure the money you get in 2026 still covers your needs in 2056.
• Replacement Cycles: We factor in that power wheelchairs need replacing every 5 years and modified vans every 7–10 years.
• Home Health Care: We calculate the cost of skilled nursing or a home health aide based on your specific level of impairment (Paraplegia vs. Quadriplegia).

California follows a Pure Comparative Negligence system.

• The Rule: You can still recover compensation even if you were 99% at fault. However, your total award is reduced by your percentage of blame.
• Example: If your total damages are $5,000,000 but a jury finds you 20% at fault for the crash, you will still receive $4,000,000. We fight to keep your fault percentage as low as possible.

A spinal cord injury is rarely just about paralysis. We aggressively pursue damages for the “hidden” complications that insurers often ignore:

• Autonomic Dysreflexia: Life-threatening spikes in blood pressure.
• Chronic Nerve Pain: Persistent stinging or burning sensations.
• Respiratory Issues: The need for ventilators or cough-assist devices.
• Spasticity: Involuntary muscle spasms that require expensive medication or pumps.

Yes, but the rules are different.

• Tolled Statute of Limitations: In California, the 2-year deadline usually doesn’t start until the minor turns 18. However, claims against the government still require a 6-month notice.
• Court Approval: Any settlement for a minor must be approved by a judge (Minor’s Compromise) to ensure the money is protected in a blocked account or a structured annuity for the child’s future.