Torrance Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Torrance, CA

Injuries involving the spinal cord are serious and often complex, leading to permanent disability such as paralysis in many cases. If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another party in California, hire a Torrance spinal cord injury lawyer today to get the compensation you deserve.

Shaffer Law – Get Justice Today and Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

For over 30 years, founding attorney Douglas D. Shaffer has been committed to getting Californians justice for their personal injuries. With many successful cases and over $100 million awarded in compensation, he has been honored as a “Super Lawyer” from 2011 to 2023. Whether your spinal cord injury was caused by a drunk driver or a wet floor, the office of Shaffer Law is prepared to handle your case.

Receiving Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries require highly complex and expensive medical procedures. Currently, only experimental treatment is available to relieve the chronic pain associated with spinal cord damage. Damages caused by personal injuries can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Spinal cord injuries come with their own expenses.

The severity of damage to the spinal cord can cause permanent injuries and disability. Paralysis affects around 5.4 million Americans, with spinal cord injury as the second leading cause. In these situations, those injured need long-term hospital stays, in-home care, accessible vehicles, rehabilitation, and home modifications, which are all eligible for compensation in a spinal cord injury claim.

Who Is at Fault in Spinal Cord Injury Claims?

Damage to the spinal cord is often caused by car accidents or slips and falls. Car accidents and falls resulting in a spinal cord injury are not always the fault of the injured party, and unfortunately, these incidents can be common. In 2023 alone, around 647 people were involved in serious or fatal car crashes in Torrance.

California is an “at-fault” state, meaning the party responsible for your injuries is also liable for the damages they incur. However, even if you were partially at fault for your accident, receiving compensation is still possible. California abides by a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which allows injured parties to pursue damages when they are up to 99% at fault for the accident. However, the amount will be reduced according to the percentage of fault found.

Negligence in Spinal Cord Injury Claims

Many spinal cord injuries are caused by negligence, such as:

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Spinal Cord Injury Claims?

It is imperative to your case that the claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires. The statute of limitations on personal injury cases in California is two years from the day of the incident. Your attorney will be able to verify the date on which your case’s statute of limitations expires and assist you in filing your claim. In Torrance, personal injury claims can be filed at the Torrance Courthouse (825 Maple Ave).

Am I Required to Hire a Lawyer for a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in CA?

Hiring an attorney for a personal injury claim is not required in California. However, due to the nature of spinal cord injuries, it is highly advisable to hire representation. Spinal cord injuries specifically are associated with extremely high medical bills, extensive treatment, and other expenses that can financially devastate the injured person.

FAQs

How Long Does a Spinal Cord Injury Case Take?

Spinal cord injury cases take longer than most typical personal injury claims, as they are considered catastrophic injuries. The timeline in these cases can vary, depending on the injuries and how long it takes the victim to recover. Cases are not permitted to proceed until Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is achieved. Spinal cord injury severity often causes MMI to take longer than other forms of personal injury.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Spinal Injury?

The average settlements awarded for spinal cord injury claims are often large due to the cost of treating such injuries. Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disabilities that require lifelong care and treatment. Settlements in these cases may be outlined to cover all future expenses accrued by the injury, making compensation amounts very high. To see what compensation you should be seeking in your spinal cord injury claim, contact an attorney.

What Is Considered a Severe Spinal Cord Injury?

A severe spinal cord injury is a “complete” spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries are split into two categories: complete and incomplete. Complete spinal cord injuries are considered the more ‘severe’ of the two, as they completely sever the brain and spinal cord. Incomplete spinal cords do not completely sever this connection, allowing for possible rehabilitation and future movement. However, incomplete spinal injuries can still cause paralysis.

What Is Evidence Used in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

In a spinal cord injury claim, there are several forms of evidence reviewed during the case. These may include your medical records, medical bills, treatment plans, and accident reports that establish your position and claim. If you need assistance gathering relevant documentation for your claim, contact a personal injury lawyer for peace of mind throughout your case.

Contact Shaffer Law Today for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case

If you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord injury in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, a local Torrance personal injury lawyer can be the representation you need. Contact the team at Shaffer Law today to discuss your case and hire a spinal cord injury lawyer.