The consequences of a spinal cord injury can be extreme and extend into all areas of life. If someone else’s negligence led to your injury, you may have a case to pursue compensation. A California personal injury lawyer from Meissner Law Firm can help. Your physical and emotional suffering is already unfair. You should not have to carry the financial burden of the injury as well.
Why Choose Us at Meissner Law Firm?
The team at Meissner Law Firm wants to win cases, but clients are why we fight for those wins. We are committed to justice and want to make life better for injury victims. Our client testimonials show how much we care about what we do and the people we serve.
When you partner with us, you will get personal attention and strategic guidance. We want you to feel supported and protected, so you’ll have access to an attorney throughout your case, not just a case manager or call center.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The Cleveland Clinic explains spinal cord injuries occur when there is damage to the “spinal cord, a thick bundle of nerve fibers,” allowing the brain to communicate with nerves throughout the body. A spinal cord injury prevents messages from reaching their destination and causes a range of effects, depending on the location and severity of the damage.
A spinal cord injury can be “complete” or “incomplete,” per the Mayo Clinic. If victims lose all feeling and movement control below the spinal cord injury (SCI) the damage is complete. If they have some feeling and control, the damage is incomplete.
What Are the Potential Long-Term Consequences of an Injury to the Spinal Cord?
Victims can experience loss of movement and changes in sensory perception. They could have muscle spasms, chronic pain, weakness, or tingling or burning in affected parts of the body.
SCI victims could lose the ability to control their bladder and bowels, lose sexual function, or need artificial support just to breathe. Their bodies may not be able to regulate temperature, leaving victims unpredictably hot or cold. The injuries can also disrupt heart rate and blood pressure.
Victims often deal with psychological consequences. Losing mobility, control, and independence can cause depression and anxiety and greatly diminish quality of life.
Financial Consequences
The medical expenses related to SCIs can send families into financial ruin. Many victims need continuing, sometimes constant, care. They may not be able to work again. That loss of income adds to the financial fallout.
How Long Do I Have To File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in California?
When pursuing a spinal cord injury claim in California, time is of the essence due to deadlines known as the statute of limitations. While the law outlines general timeframes, such as the two-year period that often applies to personal injury claims against private parties (per California Civil Code Section 335.1), there are lots of nuances and exceptions to the rules. For instance, medical malpractice claims (governed by Civil Code Section 340.5) have different, often shorter, periods. Additionally, claims against government entities could have a statute of limitations of 6 months from the date of the incident. Because these deadlines can vary significantly based on the details of your situation, you should reach out as soon as possible to our attorneys for advice on your specific situation.
Call Our Experienced California Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today
Meissner Law Firm is here to help you get the compensation you need to secure your future and restore a sense of justice after an SCI. Call or send a message to connect with our California spinal cord injury attorneys and arrange your free case consultation.