A spinal cord injury can change nearly every part of a person’s life. These injuries frequently require emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term or lifelong care. When another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct contributes to the injury, California law may provide a path to seek compensation.
Coopers LLP represents individuals and families in spinal cord injury and other catastrophic injury claims throughout California. Our attorneys work to investigate how the injury occurred, identify potentially responsible parties, and help clients understand their legal options.
What Do Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Do?
Spinal cord injury lawyers generally investigate how the injury happened and work to determine whether a driver, property owner, employer, product manufacturer, or another party may be legally responsible. This typically includes gathering evidence, assessing liability, communicating with insurance companies, and, when appropriate, pursuing compensation on behalf of the injured person through negotiation or trial.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can affect the body in different ways depending on where the spinal cord is damaged and the severity of the injury. Coopers LLP handles spinal cord injury claims caused by incidents like:
- Commercial truck and motor vehicle collisions: high-impact crashes that can damage the spine or spinal cord.
- Falls from height: falls at construction sites, on unsafe property conditions, or from ladders and scaffolding.
- Workplace and construction site incidents: including struck-by events and equipment-related injuries.
- Pedestrian accidents and bicycle collisions: impacts that place significant force on the neck and back.
- Defective products or equipment: failures that lead to serious spinal trauma.
When to Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
Every situation is different, but you may want to consider contacting a California spinal cord injury lawyer if:
- You or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury requiring surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing rehabilitation
- The injury has affected mobility, sensation, or the ability to work
- Another party’s actions or a dangerous condition contributed to the injury
- An insurance company requests a recorded statement or offers a settlement shortly after the incident
- A family member passed as a result of a spinal cord injury
- You are unsure who was responsible for the incident that caused the injury
Speaking with a spinal cord injury lawyer from Coopers LLP does not obligate you to pursue a claim. Instead, it lets you learn about your legal options, understand applicable deadlines, and decide what steps may be appropriate for your circumstances.
It is important to note that California law limits how long an injured person has to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit. The deadline is generally two years from the date of the injury, although exceptions can apply. Personal injury claims involving government entities, for example, may have much shorter notice requirements. Because missing these deadlines may affect your ability to make a claim, we recommend consulting an attorney early.
Damages and Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Because spinal cord injuries often carry lifelong effects, these claims can involve a broad range of damages. The specific damages available depend on the facts of each case, but may include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages address measurable financial losses, including medical expenses, future medical needs such as assistive devices or in-home care, lost income and reduced earning capacity, and costs related to home or vehicle modifications.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages relate to the personal effects of the injury, which may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of independence.
Punitive Damages
In certain situations, courts may consider punitive damages. These are not tied to specific financial losses but may be awarded when evidence shows particularly egregious or reckless conduct. Not all cases qualify for punitive damages.
Our Spinal Cord Injury Claims Process and Contingency Fees
Every spinal cord injury case is different, but most claims follow a similar process. Our spinal cord injury claims process at Coopers LLP typically includes:
- Free Case Evaluation: We begin with a 100% free consultation to learn about the injury and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our team gathers available evidence, which may include photographs, incident reports, witness statements, and other records relevant to the claim.
- Medical and Damages Review: We often review medical records, treatment information, projected future care needs, and lost income documentation to understand how the injury has affected the client’s life.
- Insurance Claim and Negotiations: We generally communicate with insurance companies, submit supporting evidence, and engage in settlement discussions when appropriate.
- Litigation if Necessary: If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiations, we may file a lawsuit and continue pursuing the claim through the court process.
Protecting Your Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can leave you facing significant medical needs, unexpected costs, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. If your injury happened because another party failed to act reasonably, you may have legal options.
Coopers LLP handles spinal cord injury cases throughout California and Oregon, including claims involving complex medical evidence and long-term losses. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances of the injury, gather relevant evidence, communicate with insurers, and help clients navigate the legal process.
We handle spinal cord injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is typically a percentage of the recovery. In some cases, clients may be responsible for prevailing-party costs as determined by law.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact Coopers LLP for a free consultation. We can discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options and potential next steps.