Spinal Cord Injuries

Legal Representation for Accident Victims in Los Angeles

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that run from the base of the brain down the center of the back. It controls the ability to move and, coupled with the brain, forms the central nervous system. Injuries to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal are often catastrophic, causing permanent alterations to the victim’s strength and sensation. The most commonly known spinal cord injury is paralysis. If an accident victim experiences this type of harm, his or her life may be changed forever. Spinal cord injuries can arise out of dangerous property conditions and motor vehicle collisions, among other types of accidents. At the Sharifi Firm, our experienced injury attorneys can help Los Angeles residents seek the compensation they deserve for spinal cord damage caused by someone else's negligence.

Seeking Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

If you experience trauma to your head, back, or neck, you should obtain medical care right away. Swelling around the spinal cord can cause paralysis to appear more gradually. However, any complications are less likely if you get treatment after an accident without delay. This is also crucial for purposes of bringing a personal injury lawsuit because it allows a better presentation of medical evidence. Moreover, in California, it is necessary for a victim to try to "mitigate" his or her damages.

Mitigation of damages means that the jury may find the defendant responsible for the original harm, but the plaintiff can recover damages only for any harm that he or she could not have avoided or "mitigated" with reasonable effort and without any undue risk to him or herself. Individuals who make reasonable efforts to avoid harm are entitled to recover reasonable amounts spent for that purpose.

Scientists are hopeful that research will eventually allow for the repair of spinal cord injuries. In the meantime, treatment and rehabilitation so that an accident victim suffering from this type of damage can lead an independent life can be very expensive. If you are able to prove an at-fault party's negligence, you can potentially recover both special damages and general damages for a spinal cord injury in California. Special damages are economic damages that are usually fairly objective. These may include lost wages, medical bills, household services, nursing care, and the cost of medical devices that may be necessary.

General damages are non-economic damages that the jury believes naturally flow from an accident. They can include pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of activities. These damages can vary considerably based on the individual traits of the victim.

For example, if you used to be a champion figure skater and one of your hobbies was long-distance running with your dogs, and then you get into a truck accident that leaves you paralyzed from the waist down, the jury may be more likely to assess substantial general damages. However, if someone lived a more sedentary life in which his or her hobbies were watching television and reading, and that person can still do almost everything he or she used to do, the general damages award may not be quite as substantial as it would be for an active person.

Discuss Your Injury Claim with a Riverside Attorney

If you are hurt in a car crash or another accident in the Riverside area, the lawyers at Sharifi Firm can help. It is important for us to start working on your case as soon as possible, since evidence, such as witness memories, tends to fade quickly. Contact us at 1-866-422-7222 or via our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. We also represent clients in Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, and San Bernardino, in addition to other areas of Southern California.

