Spinal cord injuries can result in significant disability and health complications for survivors in Stockton. Outcomes vary widely depending on the severity of the spine injury, but many people experience lasting paralysis and neurological symptoms that bring profound changes to their daily life and finances. The latest data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reports that the lifetime cost of living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) ranges from $1.4 million to $6.2 million, depending on the type of injury and the victim’s age at the time it occurred.
California law allows SCI victims to pursue compensation if someone else’s negligence caused their injury. Obtaining compensation can be essential to cover a victim’s ongoing medical needs and provide financial security moving forward. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney in Stockton, CA, can explain your legal rights and options if you’ve been hurt.
How Demas Law Group Helps Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Families across San Joaquin County turn to Demas Law Group for clear answers and steadfast support. Our top-rated spinal cord injury lawyers understand the stakes are high in catastrophic injury cases and fight for maximum compensation that reflects the full impact of their clients’ injuries. You can expect the same relentless advocacy when you work with our law firm.
Spinal cord injuries affect everyone differently, and our attorneys are here to hear your unique story. We then tell that story by building a dynamic, evidence-based claim that shows the toll the SCI has taken on your life.
Our firm has secured record-breaking verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury trials. Here’s what one of our past spinal injury victims has to say about our legal representation:
“I had the privilege of being represented by Mr. Demas. He was straightforward from the moment I spoke with him over the phone. [His] authority [and] professionalism won me over to choose him to back me up when I most needed guidance. After over going a major spinal fusion surgery due to a dramatic car and truck collision that left me near paralyzed, thank God for such professional, honest, caring people like John and Ariana. Ariana was very helpful throughout the case. She handled everything in a responsible and professional way taking her time to explain to me everything in detail… If anyone out there find them self’s in need for representation in a court of law don’t make the mistake of overlooking Demas law group. It will be the biggest mistake you will ever do please trust me.”
–Jose Gonzales
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Doctors categorize spinal cord injuries by level and severity, and that classification often drives how a Stockton spinal cord injury lawyer prepares a case.
- Complete spinal cord injury – Brain signals cannot pass below the damaged area of the spinal cord.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury – Some movement or feeling remains after the injury.
Physicians further classify a spinal cord injury by location:
- Cervical spine injury – Impacts the neck, back of head, shoulders, arms, hands, and diaphragm
- Thoracic SCI – Affects the upper and middle back, chest muscles, and many organs
- Lumbar spinal cord injury – Causes damage to the lower back, abdomen, buttocks, parts of the legs, and genitals
- Sacral spinal injury – Impacts thighs, lower legs, external genitals, and anus
Many times, spinal cord injuries result in paralysis below the site of the injury. Survivors of cervical injuries may end up with tetraplegia, limiting movement and sensation in all four limbs and the torso. Injuries lower in the back can lead to paraplegia, where leg movement is lost, but arm function remains. Each pattern of paralysis carries different care needs and costs over time.
Complications and Health Issues Related to Spinal Cord Injuries
Long after initial medical treatment ends, people with spinal cord damage face serious health risks that a Stockton catastrophic injury lawyer must consider when valuing a claim. Common complications that often appear after spinal trauma include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Circulatory damage
- Changing bladder or bowel function
- Challenges regulating body temperature
- Altered sexual function
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasms
- Nerve pain
- Pressure sores
- Blood clots
- Mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety
- Frequent infections
During a spinal injury case, our Stockton personal injury attorneys will gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a clear picture of how the injury happened and how it changed your life. These findings will help us demonstrate fault, place a fair value on your spinal cord injury case, and advocate for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Stockton
Spinal cord injuries can result from a wide range of preventable accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip-and-fall incidents
- Construction accidents
- Assaults and gun violence
Careful investigation helps identify all at-fault parties so the claim can access all available insurance coverage.
Financial Impact and Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Many injury victims and families depend on fair compensation for spinal cord injuries to keep from draining their savings or selling assets. An experienced attorney can seek spinal cord injury compensation that covers both current losses and future needs, including:
- Past and future medical bills, in-home care, and rehabilitation
- Home and vehicle modifications, such as steering controls, wheelchair accessibility, ramps, and roll-in showers
- Lost income
- Reduced earning ability
- Job retraining costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Severe injuries also create hidden costs, such as the value of unpaid care from relatives. Your spinal cord injury attorney can work with financial experts and life-care planners to demonstrate how these expenses will accumulate over the years.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury in Stockton
After the first round of emergency care, many victims are left with uncertainty about their prognosis and what the future holds. It’s a vulnerable time, yet insurance companies may reach out and offer a quick settlement that seems helpful. Be careful — an early offer may not fully account for the full extent of your losses because the long-term impact of the SCI is still up in the air. Consult a lawyer instead. Your attorney can coordinate with your medical providers, gather records, and provide guidance throughout the spinal cord injury claims process.
California places a statute of limitations on spinal cord injury claims. You generally have two years from the date of the incident to file your claim, but it’s a good idea to act quickly before evidence disappears or witness memories fade.
Contact the Stockton Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers at Demas Law Group Today
You deserve dedicated and relentless legal support after a spinal cord injury in Stockton, CA. Let Demas Law Group fight for justice and accountability on your behalf. Call or contact our experienced team today for a free consultation.
