Did you or someone you love suffer from a spinal cord injury? These types of injuries are severe, and an experience like this can leave you grappling with long-term or permanent disabilities that likely changed your life in an instant.
In the wake of an injury like this, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the legal system and unsure about what comes next. But you are not alone—a Long Beach spinal cord injury lawyer can work to hold the responsible party accountable on your behalf and help you move forward.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our lawyers have decades of experience handling cases just like yours. Ever since 2016, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we’re here to help you as your Long Beach personal injury lawyer.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can vary significantly depending on the location and severity of the trauma. Medical professionals generally classify these injuries as either complete or incomplete.
Complete spinal cord injuries involve total loss of function below the point of injury. Victims with complete injuries often experience full paralysis, such as paraplegia—which is paralysis of the lower limbs—or quadriplegia and tetraplegia, which is paralysis of all four limbs.
Incomplete spinal cord injuries allow for some sensory or motor function below the injury site. The degree of impairment can vary widely, and some individuals may regain limited movement or sensation over time. More specifically, here are common types of incomplete SCIs:
- Anterior cord syndrome or damage to the front of the spinal cord
- Central cord syndrome or damage to the center of the spinal cord
- Brown-Séquard syndrome or damage to one side of the spinal cord
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often occur as a result of trauma. In Long Beach, these injuries are typically associated with the following incidents:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or pedestrians are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Collisions on busy roadways—such as the 405, 710, or Pacific Coast Highway—can result in violent impacts that damage the spine.
- Falls: Falls from ladders, stairs, scaffolding, or uneven surfaces are a major cause of SCIs, particularly among older adults and construction workers.
- Acts of violence: Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and physical assaults can penetrate or fracture the vertebrae, leading to spinal cord trauma.
- Sports and recreational activities: Accidents that arise from diving into shallow water, engaging in contact sports, or participating in other extreme sports—like skateboarding or surfing—can result in spinal injuries.
- Workplace accidents: Industrial jobs, construction sites, and warehouse environments pose risks for falls, heavy machinery accidents, and falling objects that can injure the spine.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors or undiagnosed spinal infections can lead to permanent spinal cord damage.
When looking into the details of your case, your Long Beach spinal cord injury lawyers will strive to determine what caused the incident that hurt your back.
(310) 526-8383Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
The symptoms of a spinal cord injury depend on the location and severity of the damage. Immediate symptoms may include intense pain or pressure in the neck or back, weakness or paralysis in parts of the body, numbness, and difficulty breathing.
These are examples of the long-term effects of SCIs:
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Loss of sexual function
- Respiratory complications
- Pressure sores from limited mobility
- Increased risk of infections
- Depression and anxiety
Recovery is often slow and uncertain. Some people regain partial function while others face permanent disability and require mobility aids such as wheelchairs, home modifications, and in-home care.
Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in California
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California is usually two years from the date you sustained your injuries. If the injury was not immediately discovered, the deadline may be extended to one year from the date it was discovered or otherwise should have been.
There are shorter deadlines for cases involving government agencies. For example, if a city-owned bus or a state-employed driver was involved in an accident that caused your injuries, you must file your claim with the government entity within six months of the incident.
If you miss the deadline and the statute of limitations expires before you take legal action, you might lose your right to seek compensation altogether. That’s why it’s important to reach out to Long Beach spinal cord injury attorneys as soon as possible.
(310) 526-8383Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm in Long Beach Today
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, the road ahead can feel uncertain—but you don’t have to face it all by yourself. These injuries are life-altering, but you have options, and you deserve access to legal support.
To start seeking justice in your case, reach out to Omega Law Group as soon as possible. Our Long Beach spinal cord injury attorneys are ready and willing to stand by your side as we fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
We know how much is at stake, and we’re here to advocate for you every step of the way. Call our Long Beach spinal cord injury law firm today. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can begin helping you seek justice for what you’ve endured.
