Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. They often occur suddenly, without warning, and can permanently alter every aspect of a victim’s life. In many cases, these injuries are caused by preventable accidents involving negligence, unsafe conditions, or reckless behavior. Motor vehicle collisions, construction site accidents, and slip and fall incidents are some of the most common causes of serious spinal cord trauma in California.
At Kosnett Law Firm, our catastrophic injury lawyers represent individuals and families throughout Los Angeles who are coping with the life-changing consequences of spinal cord injuries. These cases are medically complex, emotionally overwhelming, and legally challenging. Understanding how spinal cord injuries occur, the long-term impact they can have, and the legal options available are critical for victims seeking justice and financial security.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, those signals may be partially or completely disrupted. This can result in loss of movement, sensation, or bodily functions below the level of injury.
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete injury results in total loss of function below the injury site, while an incomplete injury allows for some retained sensation or movement. Even incomplete injuries, however, can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and significant impairment.
Common types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Cervical spine injuries affecting the neck, often leading to quadriplegia
- Thoracic spine injuries involving the upper and mid-back
- Lumbar spine injuries affecting the lower back and legs
- Sacral spine injuries impacting bowel, bladder, and sexual function
The severity of these injuries depends on the location of the damage, the force involved, and how quickly medical treatment is provided.
Motor Vehicle Accidents and Spinal Cord Trauma
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries in Los Angeles and nationwide. High-speed collisions, rollovers, rear-end crashes, and side-impact collisions can all generate enough force to fracture vertebrae or compress the spinal cord. Even accidents that appear relatively minor can result in serious spinal damage, particularly when occupants are violently jolted or twisted.
Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents all present a risk of spinal cord injury. In collisions involving commercial trucks or buses, the extreme size and weight disparity can dramatically increase the severity of injuries. Defective vehicle components, such as seatbelts or airbags, may also contribute by failing to properly restrain occupants during impact.
Victims often face immediate paralysis, loss of sensation, or severe pain. In many cases, spinal cord injuries from vehicle accidents require emergency surgery, followed by months or years of rehabilitation.
Construction Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries
Construction sites in Los Angeles are inherently dangerous environments, and spinal cord injuries are tragically common when safety standards are ignored. Falls from heights, collapsing scaffolds, falling objects, and heavy equipment accidents can all cause catastrophic spinal trauma.
Workers may suffer spinal cord injuries after falling from ladders, roofs, unfinished floors, or elevated platforms. A sudden fall can compress the spine or cause violent impact with hard surfaces, leading to fractures and nerve damage. In other cases, workers are struck by falling materials or pinned beneath heavy machinery, crushing the spine.
Although workers’ compensation benefits may provide limited medical coverage and wage replacement, they do not fully compensate injured workers for pain, suffering, or long-term disability. When a third party, such as a subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident, additional legal claims may be available.
Slip and Fall Accidents and Spinal Cord Damage
Slip and fall accidents are often underestimated, yet they are a significant cause of serious spinal injuries, particularly among older adults. Wet floors, uneven sidewalks, broken stairways, poor lighting, and unsafe premises can all lead to dangerous falls.
A fall down stairs or onto a hard surface can result in vertebral fractures, herniated discs, or direct trauma to the spinal cord. In some cases, the injury may not be immediately apparent, with symptoms worsening over time. Delayed diagnosis can complicate treatment and reduce the chances of recovery.
Property owners in Los Angeles have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions and address known hazards. When they fail to do so, and a spinal cord injury results, they may be held liable for the harm caused.
The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical care and assistance. Victims may face paralysis, chronic pain, respiratory complications, and loss of independence. Many are unable to return to work, particularly in physically demanding jobs, resulting in substantial financial strain.
Beyond the physical effects, spinal cord injuries take a profound emotional toll. Depression, anxiety, and loss of quality of life are common, both for victims and their families. The cost of long-term care, home modifications, assistive devices, and ongoing therapy can be overwhelming without adequate compensation.
Legal Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Spinal cord injury claims are among the most complex personal injury cases. They require extensive medical documentation, expert testimony, and careful calculation of future damages. Insurance companies often dispute the severity of injuries or attempt to minimize long-term costs.
Establishing liability may involve proving negligent driving, unsafe worksite practices, defective equipment, or dangerous property conditions. In construction cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, making a thorough investigation essential.
An experienced personal injury attorney can coordinate medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to present a complete picture of how the injury has affected and will continue to affect the victim’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injury Claims
How soon should I contact a lawyer after a spinal cord injury?
It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Early involvement allows evidence to be preserved, witnesses to be identified, and insurance companies to be dealt with appropriately from the start.
Can I recover compensation even if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows a comparative negligence system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident, although your recovery may be reduced proportionally.
What if my spinal cord injury worsens over time?
Spinal injuries often evolve, and complications may arise months or years later. A properly handled claim accounts for future medical needs and long-term care, not just current symptoms.
Are spinal cord injuries always permanent?
Not always, but many result in lasting impairment. Even when some recovery is possible, victims may still experience chronic pain, reduced mobility, or functional limitations that affect their daily lives.
Contact Kosnett Law Firm After a Spinal Cord Injury in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident, construction accident, or slip and fall in Los Angeles, you need and deserve skilled legal representation. Kosnett Law Firm has extensive experience handling serious injury cases and understands what it takes to pursue full and fair compensation.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact Kosnett Law Firm today to learn how we can help you protect your rights and plan for the future after a life-altering spinal cord injury.
