Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can result in significant changes to a person’s life. When these injuries occur due to the negligence or reckless actions of another party, the victim may be eligible to seek compensation for various related losses through a legal claim.
Securing the assistance of a qualified spinal cord injury attorney in Fresno can be a vital step during the claims process. We invite you to contact the Fresno personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers for a consultation with an experienced local attorney at no initial cost. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means legal fees are only required if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
$2B+ Recovered For Our Clients
Your Spinal Injury Case Is Important
Free Consultations – Contingency Fee Representation
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Fresno SCI Cases?
- We have extensive experience in personal injury law, including representation of spinal cord injury victims in significant cases.
- Our team of attorneys has experience handling spinal cord injury claims in California. We understand the nuances and complexities of these specific cases, particularly involving the legal and medical issues.
- You will receive consistent legal support throughout your SCI case. We have represented of various clients for over 50 years.
- We are right where you need us. Our law firm has deep roots in the Fresno community, with a local law office located at 516 W Shaw Ave #200, Fresno, CA 93704.
Understanding Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury refers to any harm or damage that affects the spine, or the column of vertebrae, disks, and nerves that are responsible for transferring messages between the brain and the body. The type of spinal cord injury diagnosed after an accident in Fresno can determine the likely symptoms and prognosis for recovery.
Complete vs. Incomplete Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified as complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of feeling and function below the point of injury (known as paralysis). Complete spinal cord injuries are often permanent. Incomplete injuries mean that the patient retains some sensory and motor function below the point of injury.
Levels of Spinal Cord Damage
SCIs are also diagnosed based on the level of injury or the location of the injury along the spinal cord. There are five regions of the spine. From top to bottom, they are:
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Sacral
- Coccyx
Since spinal cord injuries typically impact the victim from the level of injury down, upper spine injuries tend to be the most severe.
Paralysis Classifications
If an SCI results in paralysis, the victim could experience varying degrees and locations of lost motor function and the ability to feel sensations:
- Monoplegia: paralysis of one limb
- Hemiplegia: paralysis of an arm and leg on the same side of the body
- Paraplegia: paralysis below the waist
- Triplegia: paralysis of three limbs
- Quadriplegia: paralysis below the neck
Paralysis in any form can come with secondary complications and medical conditions, such as bedsores, bowel and bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Fresno
Many different types of accidents can cause spinal cord, neck and back injuries in Fresno. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the most common causes are:
- Traffic accidents
- Construction and industrial accidents
- Premises liability incidents
- Medical malpractice
- Sports and recreation injuries
- Acts of violence
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 37.3 percent in the U.S. since 2015. Falls are the second-most common cause at 32 percent.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Fresno Spinal Cord Injury
When spinal cord injuries in Fresno result from negligence—defined as a failure to exercise ordinary care—victims may be eligible to seek financial compensation. Filing a formal claim for your injury provides a legal avenue to pursue damages intended to address both the financial and personal impact of your loss.
Available damages may include:
- Medical expenses and future care costs
- Long-term or permanent paralysis or disability
- Home modifications and assistive equipment
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and quality of life damages
Determining the potential value of your claim involves a detailed assessment by an experienced Fresno spinal cord injury attorney. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may pursue recovery through structured insurance negotiations or, if necessary, through formal litigation in court.
How Our Fresno Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Fight for You
It can be important to work with a spinal cord injury lawyer during your Fresno injury case. Insurance companies evaluate claims carefully, and legal guidance can help ensure your rights are protected. The personal injury attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers develop case strategies based on the specific facts involved.
“We begin with a comprehensive case investigation and evidence-gathering process to identify potentially liable parties. Following this, we assess the details of your claim and manage all communications and negotiations with insurance providers. To ensure a thorough understanding of the long-term effects and future costs associated with spinal injuries, our firm frequently collaborates with medical experts and life care planners.
Our law firm provides individualized attention to every case, whether it is resolved through a settlement or proceeds to trial. We maintain a focus on trial preparedness and stand ready to represent your interests in a Fresno County courtroom should litigation be necessary to resolve your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in California?
According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, a personal injury action must be brought within two years of the incident or of injury discovery. This is known as the statute of limitations. With only a few exceptions, if a spinal cord injury claim is brought too late, the legal action will be “time-barred,” or not allowed to proceed.
Can Family Members File a Claim if the Victim Cannot?
Yes. In many spinal cord injury cases, family members or legal representatives may file on behalf of a victim who is unable to do so. Incapacitation due to a severe spinal cord injury may allow a family member to file a claim in the victim’s name. If an individual dies due to complications arising from a spinal cord injury, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim with our Fresno wrongful death attorneys for their own losses.
Your Path Forward After a Devastating Spinal Cord Injury | Contact Jacoby & Meyers in Fresno for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury in a recent accident in Fresno, you may contact the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers to discuss your situation. We can guide you through each phase of the legal process, including coordinating documentation, evaluating damages, and communicating with insurance carriers. Call (559) 545-0730 today or send us a message for a free case consultation in Fresno.
Our Fresno Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Fresno
516 W Shaw Ave #200,
Fresno, CA 93704