San Diego Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury can happen at any moment, leaving a person facing challenges they never imagined. Whether it’s the result of a car crash, a fall, or an accident at work, the effects can be devastating.

For some, this injury leads to paralysis, leaving them unable to move or feel parts of their body. For others, the pain can be relentless, even if they’re not paralyzed. But one thing is certain: a spinal cord injury affects more than just your body. It can change your relationships, your job, and your sense of independence.

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we understand how difficult this time can be. When a spinal cord injury happens because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, the pain can feel even more intense and unfair. For over 45 years, we’ve helped people wrongfully injured reclaim their lives, winning over $2 billion for our clients.

Reach out to our team online or by calling (619) 236-9363 to learn how our spinal cord injury law firm can handle the legal battles so that you can shift your focus from the frustration of what’s been lost to the possibilities of what’s ahead. 

“Working with the team at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire was a fantastic experience during a challenging time. I am so grateful for their professionalism, patience, persistence, and follow-through. While I hope I am never in need of a lawyer again for the rest of my life, I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone in need and would use them again, no questions asked. Thank you!!”

- Client | Alicia C.

The Troubling Statistics on Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are a leading cause of serious health problems around the world. They can drastically affect a person's quality of life and put a heavy strain on the healthcare system. Below are some statistics that shed light on spinal cord injuries: 

• Studies suggest that approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year.
• Roughly 255,000 and 390,000 people currently live with an SCI in the United States.
• The majority of SCIs occur in young to middle-aged adults.
• Males account for approximately 80% of new SCI cases.
• Vehicular crashes are the leading cause of SCI, followed by falls, violence, and sports/recreational activities.

What Causes a Spinal Cord Injury?

One moment you could be driving or performing your normal duties at work, and the next you could be suffering from a devastating spinal cord injury. There are several types of accidents that can result in a spinal cord injury, including: 

• Motor Vehicle Collisions: Vehicular crashes are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents. In 2022, there were 12,838 total crashes in San Diego, resulting in 17,386 reported injuries. About 39.9% of all spine injuries happen in car accidents.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Recent data from the California Department of Public Health shows that slip and fall accidents are common in San Diego County. In 2023, there were over 2,500 reported cases, which means about 170 out of every 100,000 residents were injured. 
• Sports-Related Injuries: Contact sports like football or hockey can lead to serious spinal cord injuries. A hard hit, fall, or collision can cause damage to the spine. These account for about 8% of SCIs.
• Violent Acts: About 12% of spinal cord injuries result from violent encounters, usually from gunshot wounds. Knife wounds also are common. The violent crime rate in San Diego as of 2023 is 4.4 per thousand residents.

A spinal cord injury doesn’t just affect your body; it forces you to completely reassess your life going forward. While no amount of money can undo the immense injustice you’ve faced, it can provide a cushion that makes it just a little easier to regain control of your future.

Let Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire help you hold those responsible accountable and walk you through the legal process step by step, so you can focus on what comes next for your health. Contact us online or call (619) 236-9363 today.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries 

Spinal cord injuries can manifest in many different ways. The spine is a complex component of the body that, along with the brain, comprises the central nervous system. 

Since the central nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, any damage to the spinal cord can disrupt these signals, leading to a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments, including problems with: 

• Bladder and bowel function
• Sexual health
• Movement control
• Breathing ability
• Sensory function
• Muscle mobility
• Muscle strength
• Reflex responses

Spinal cord injuries can be broken up into two different categories: complete and incomplete. A complete injury blocks all signals below the injury, causing paralysis and loss of sensation or movement. An incomplete injury only blocks some signals, leaving some sensation, movement, or muscle control below the injury.

There are four sections of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. How the body is affected depends on the location of the injury to one of these sections. If the injury occurs in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spine, it may result in paraplegia, which is the paralysis of the legs. However, it can also affect the arms and lower body.

The higher the injury, the more severe the effects. Damage to the cervical section of the spine can lead to quadriplegia, causing paralysis in all limbs.

Benefits of Working With a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney 

When trying to adjust to your new normal following a spinal cord injury, reaching out to a lawyer is probably the last thing on your mind. However, if your injury was the result of an accident, then you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation to make this transition easier. 

But the idea of filing a lawsuit alone may feel overwhelming, leaving you questioning whether it’s worth the fight and making it all too easy to turn away from taking legal action. That’s why a lawyer can provide clarity and support, breaking down the legal process into easy and manageable steps. 

A spinal cord injury attorney in San Diego will take the burden off your shoulders by doing the following: 

• Investigating the Accident: Whether it was an accident at work or a car crash, your lawyer will dig into the details of the event that led to your injury, gathering evidence and talking to witnesses to build a strong foundation for your claim.
• Consulting with Medical Experts: They'll speak with doctors, specialists, and rehabilitation professionals to connect the dots between the accident and your injury, demonstrating how it’s impacted your body, health, and future.
• Adding Up the Full Extent of Your Damages: They’ll thoroughly evaluate the unique ways your spinal cord injury has affected your life, ensuring all current and future damages are accounted for. 
• Handling All Legal Details: From filing complex paperwork to meeting tight deadlines, they’ll take care of the logistics, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
• Fighting for You in Court, if Needed: If the other side won’t agree to a fair settlement, then your attorney will go to bat for you in court.

Not only does having a San Diego spinal cord injury lawyer on your side remove these stressful legal obstacles from your plate, but studies have found that hiring a lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success in a legal claim. 

A 2016 Martindale-Nolo study discovered that people who hired an attorney typically received an average of $77,600 in compensation, compared to just $17,600 for those who attempted to handle their case without professional help.

Damages a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in San Diego Can Help You Recover

The long-term costs of a spinal cord injury can be astronomical. Furthermore, not only can it be expensive to live in San Diego, but the healthcare costs in San Diego are generally higher compared to the national average.

Living with a spinal cord injury can be incredibly expensive. Just the medical care and everyday living costs can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, depending on the severity of the injury. 

For someone with high quadriplegia, the first year alone could cost over $1 million, with annual costs of nearly $185,000 after that. Over a lifetime, these expenses can reach several million dollars, especially if the injury is more severe. 

A team of experienced San Diego spinal cord injury attorneys knows the intense financial burden a catastrophic injury like this brings. That’s why they’re committed to maximizing your compensation to cover: 

• Past and Future Medical Expenses: Ongoing hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and emergency care related to your injury.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized rehabilitation programs to help you regain as much independence as possible.
• Nursing Assistance: The cost of in-home care or long-term nursing services to assist with daily activities and personal care.
• Home Modifications: Expenses for adapting your home with ramps, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms to accommodate your new mobility needs.
• Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, mobility aids, specialized equipment, and prosthetics that are essential for your daily function and independence.
• Past and Future Surgeries: Compensation for any surgeries you’ve already had and those you may require in the future as part of your recovery or management of the injury.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to your inability to work, including potential future earnings if you are no longer able to return to your previous job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological toll the injury has taken on your life.
• Mental Health Care: Costs for therapy or counseling to help manage the mental strain of adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury.
• Travel Expenses: The costs associated with traveling to medical appointments, therapy sessions, or specialized care.

Just 18% of people with spinal cord injuries are employed within the first year after their injury. However, this number increases to 32% after 30 years.

This is crucial when considering the long-term impact of a spinal cord injury. A lawsuit can help you recover compensation for lost wages and future earning potential, easing the financial strain and allowing you to focus on your recovery and eventual return to work.

Financial Support Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire Has Won for Spinal Cord Injury Survivors

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we understand that spinal cord injury survivors have a long and hard road ahead of them. We want to do our part in helping survivors get the compensation they need so that they can direct all of their energy and focus toward recovery without the constant stress of mounting expenses. Here are a couple of successful cases led by our San Diego spinal cord injury law firm: 

• $20.3 Million Jury Verdict for Rollover Accident: Awarded to a client left quadriplegic after a Ford van rollover, caused by multiple design failures, including a faulty seat restraint system and inadequate roof crush standards.
• $2.59 Million Prelitigation Settlement for Car Accident: Secured for a client who suffered massive closed head trauma and permanent disability after a car accident caused by another driver's negligence, leaving him with lifelong impairments.

Partner With a San Diego Spinal Cord Injury Attorney at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire Today

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, our team takes our motto of “making lives better” to heart every day. When you're facing one of the toughest challenges of your life, we are the team you can count on. 

We are deeply committed to helping spinal cord injury survivors regain their independence and secure the financial support they need for a brighter future. 

When you’re ready to learn about your options in taking legal action and what a spinal cord injury attorney in San Diego can do for you, contact our team online or by calling (619) 236-9363 today.

Proudly Representing San Diego Residents