More than 15 million people around the world are currently living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). The most common causes of these injuries are falls and vehicle crashes. In many cases, these injuries are not the fault of the injured person, but rather that of a property owner or negligent driver.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Modesto due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for the many SCI-related costs you face. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we help clients through the entire legal process to seek the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Our team of Modesto spinal cord injury lawyers will work relentlessly to ensure you receive the financial compensation necessary to cover your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other damages resulting from your spinal cord injury.
Contact us today to get started.
Working with Our Modesto Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact that spinal cord injuries can have on your life. When you choose to work with us, you can expect the following:
- Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: We offer a free initial consultation where you can discuss the details of your case with our knowledgeable lawyers. During this consultation, we will carefully evaluate your situation and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options.
- No Fees Unless We Win Your Case: At Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
- Collaborating with Medical Experts and Specialists: We understand the complex nature of spinal cord injuries and the need for expert medical opinions to confirm the cause of the injury and build a treatment plan. Our team works closely with trusted medical experts and specialists to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Building a Strong Legal Strategy for Maximum Compensation: With decades of experience in personal injury law, our Modesto spinal cord injury lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to develop a strategic legal plan tailored to your unique circumstances. When you work with our team, we will aggressively advocate for your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Modesto, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team is here to provide you with the support and representation you need during this difficult time.
Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have profound and lasting effects on individuals, impacting their physical, emotional, and economic well-being. Here’s an overview of the key consequences associated with SCIs.
Physical Impairments
SCIs often result in a complete or partial loss of sensory and motor functions below the injury site. This can affect the victim’s ability to walk, use their hands, perform daily activities like washing and dressing, and bowel/bladder control.
The severity of these impairments depends on the injury’s location and extent. Paraplegia involves loss of function in the lower body, while tetraplegia affects all four limbs.
Secondary Health Conditions
People with SCIs are at increased risk of developing secondary conditions that can significantly affect their quality of life and overall health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), secondary conditions include:
- Impaired Movement: Heightened muscle rigidity and spontaneous muscle contractions leading to joint stiffness and restricted mobility.
- Persistent Discomfort: Ongoing pain stemming from nerve damage or musculoskeletal complications.
- Recurrent Bladder Infections: Frequent urinary system infections resulting from compromised bladder function, necessitating continuous medical attention.
- Pressure Ulcers: Skin deterioration due to extended pressure on specific areas (such as when a SCI patient is confined to a bed or wheelchair), requiring vigilant care and preventative measures.
- Pulmonary Complications: Challenges with breathing caused by weakened chest and diaphragm muscles, potentially leading to recurrent infections and diminished lung capacity.
- Sudden Hypertensive Episodes: A potentially critical condition marked by abrupt elevations in blood pressure, often triggered by stimuli below the injury site.
- Thrombosis Risk: Formation of blood clots in deep veins, particularly in the lower extremities or pelvic region, posing a risk if they migrate to the pulmonary system.
Economic and Social Impact
SCIs significantly reduce individuals’ ability to participate in educational and economic activities. Employment rates for adults with SCIs are low, with unemployment often exceeding 60%.
The financial burden of SCIs is substantial, with high costs for medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. Indirect costs, such as lost earnings, often surpass direct medical expenses.
Furthermore, misconceptions, negative attitudes, and physical barriers further restrict independence and societal participation.
Mental Health Challenges
Individuals with SCIs frequently experience depression and other mental health issues, which can hinder functional improvements and overall health.
Reduced Life Expectancy
Life expectancy for people with SCIs is generally lower than that of the general population, particularly due to preventable secondary conditions and insufficient access to quality healthcare.
Seeking Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
When pursuing compensation for spinal cord injuries, it is important to understand the damages you may be entitled to claim. These damages can include:
Medical Expenses
- Costs of immediate medical care, including emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and consultations with specialists
- Future medical expenses related to long-term care and potential health complications
Lost Wages
- Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work temporarily during recovery.
- Loss of earning capacity if the injury results in a permanent disability that affects the ability to work in the future
Pain and Suffering
- Damages for physical pain and discomfort resulting from the injury.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the trauma of the injury and its impact on daily life
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Compensation for the diminished ability to enjoy life’s activities and hobbies that were possible before the injury but not now
Loss of Consortium
- Damages awarded to the spouse or family members for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy resulting from the injury
Permanent Disability
- Compensation for the long-term or permanent disability caused by the spinal cord injury
Home and Vehicle Modifications
- Costs associated with modifying a home or vehicle to accommodate the needs of the injured person, such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and special equipment
Future Care Costs
- Anticipated costs for ongoing and future care, including in-home nursing care, assisted living facilities, or long-term care facilities
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Reimbursement for miscellaneous expenses incurred as a result of the injury, such as travel costs for medical appointments and over-the-counter medications
One of the most important parts of putting together a spinal cord injury claim is accurately assessing the costs you have faced and will face in the years to come. This ensures that you know how much to demand from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Determining liability is another key part of seeking compensation for spinal cord injuries. This process involves thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the injury, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to establish who is responsible for your injury.
When negotiating with insurance companies and defendants, strong legal representation is essential. Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, and defendants may attempt to shift blame or avoid responsibility.
Our Modesto spinal cord injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who will advocate for your rights and ensure you are not taken advantage of. We will work to reach a fair settlement and if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights in front of a jury.
Contact Our Modesto Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today
If you are seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury in Modesto, reach out to Berg Injury Lawyers. We understand the challenges you are facing, and we will fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the complex process of seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.
