Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries - HHJ Trial Attorneys
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Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are a possibility for anyone and can occur at any time, often resulting from motor vehicle accidents. These injuries can lead to permanent disabilities and paralysis, depending on their severity. Moreover, spinal cord damage can disrupt the transmission of signals between your brain and different body parts. If your spinal cord injury was due to someone else’s fault, you may have the right to seek compensation. A skilled personal injury lawyer can assist you in recovering damages and receiving the compensation you are entitled to

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We are San Diego’s Award-winning personal injury law firm. In the last three years, our San Diego personal injury lawyers have won tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. HHJ Trial Attorneys have been featured in the San Diego local news (ABC 10News San Diego) for recovering some of most challenging personal injury cases in southern California.

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Our team of experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers at HHJ Trial Attorneys proudly serve victims who have suffered from serious injuries. HHJ is one of San Diego’s premiere personal injury law firms.  We’ve obtained over ten million dollars for our clients within the last 4 years alone and have been voted the Best Litigation Firm for the last 3 years through the San Diego Union Tribune. All three partners have been voted as Super Lawyers and have received coverage from local and national news outlets.

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What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord resulting in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. The spinal cord is a delicate bundle of nerves that runs down the center of the back and carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. SCI can occur when the spinal cord is either bruised or cut, which can result in partial or complete loss of sensation and movement below the level of the injury. Spinal cord injuries can be traumatic, life-altering, and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, sports injuries, and violence. These injuries can have severe and long-lasting consequences, which is why it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention and legal representation.

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries.
  • Slip and fall accidents: Falls from a height, on a slippery surface, or down stairs can cause spinal cord injuries.
  • Medical malpractice: Errors during medical procedures or surgery can result in spinal cord injuries.
  • Sports injuries: High-impact sports such as football, rugby, and wrestling can result in spinal cord injuries.
  • Violence: Acts of violence such as gunshot wounds or physical assault can also cause spinal cord injuries.

Regardless of the cause, spinal cord injuries can have severe and long-lasting consequences, including loss of mobility, sensation, and function. Seeking immediate medical attention and legal representation is critical in these cases.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are different types of spinal cord injuries, such as complete and incomplete, tetraplegia/quadriplegia, and paraplegia. Complete spinal cord injuries involve a total loss of sensation and function below the injury level, while incomplete spinal cord injuries involve some level of function and sensation. Tetraplegia/quadriplegia refers to a spinal cord injury affecting all four limbs, while paraplegia refers to an injury affecting the lower limbs.

Complete vs. Incomplete

Complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries are determined by the amount of damage to the spinal cord. In complete injuries, there is a total loss of function and sensation below the injury level, while in incomplete injuries, there is some level of function and sensation. Incomplete injuries can vary in severity, and recovery can vary as well. An individual with an incomplete injury may have some ability to move or feel sensation below the injury level, and with rehabilitation, they may regain some function.

Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia

Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is a type of spinal cord injury that affects all four limbs, resulting in paralysis of the arms, legs, and torso. Tetraplegia typically occurs when the injury is in the upper cervical region of the spinal cord, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis and loss of sensation. Individuals with tetraplegia may require assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing and feeding, and may need a wheelchair for mobility.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is a type of spinal cord injury that affects the lower half of the body, resulting in paralysis of the legs and lower body. Paraplegia typically occurs when the injury is in the thoracic or lumbar region of the spinal cord, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis and loss of sensation. Individuals with paraplegia may require a wheelchair or other mobility aids, and may also require assistance with daily living activities. With rehabilitation, individuals with paraplegia may be able to regain some function and independence.

Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can have a variety of effects, including loss of sensation, loss of motor function, loss of bladder and bowel control, and chronic pain. The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on the severity and location of the injury. Spinal cord injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. It’s important to seek medical attention and legal representation if you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord injury.

  • Loss of sensation: Spinal cord injuries can cause a loss of sensation, such as the ability to feel heat, cold, or touch, below the level of the injury. This can make it difficult for individuals to detect injuries or pressure sores, which can lead to complications. Loss of sensation can also make it challenging to perform daily tasks, leading to a loss of independence.

 

  • Loss of motor function: Spinal cord injuries can result in a loss of motor function, which can affect an individual’s ability to move and control their muscles. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, this can result in paralysis, weakness, or loss of coordination. Loss of motor function can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and participate in activities they enjoy.

 

  • Loss of bladder and bowel control: Spinal cord injuries can also affect an individual’s ability to control their bladder and bowel movements, resulting in incontinence. This can be both physically and emotionally challenging, affecting an individual’s quality of life and independence. Treatment and management options are available to help individuals with bladder and bowel control issues.

     

  • Chronic pain: Spinal cord injuries can cause chronic pain, which can be debilitating and impact an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks or participate in activities they enjoy. Chronic pain can be challenging to manage, and it often requires a combination of medication, therapy, and other pain management techniques. It’s important to seek medical attention and legal representation to ensure that individuals with chronic pain resulting from a spinal cord injury receive the care and compensation they deserve.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

The treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries require a multidisciplinary approach involving medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and support staff. The initial focus is on stabilizing the patient’s condition and preventing further damage. After the initial treatment, rehabilitation typically involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions to help individuals regain function and independence. Assistive devices and adaptive technologies can also be used to improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Rehabilitation is often a long and challenging process, but with the right care and support, individuals with spinal cord injuries can achieve significant improvements in function and quality of life.

Rehabilitation and treatment include:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Long-term rehabilitation
  • Assistive devices and adaptive technologies

Legal Issues in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Legal issues in spinal cord injury cases can be complex and multifaceted. One of the main legal issues is determining liability, which involves identifying the at-fault party responsible for the injury. Insurance issues can also arise, such as disputes over coverage or settlement amounts. Additionally, calculating damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, can be challenging, as the impact of a spinal cord injury can be significant and long-lasting. It’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney who can navigate these legal issues and fight for the compensation and justice that individuals with spinal cord injuries deserve.

 

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

A personal injury attorney can provide valuable assistance to individuals with spinal cord injuries by:

  • Investigating the accident and gathering evidence: An attorney can help gather and analyze evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness accounts, and accident reports, to build a strong case for the injured party.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies may offer low settlement amounts or deny claims altogether. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that their clients receive fair compensation for their injuries.
  • Representing the injured party in court: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an attorney can represent the injured party in court. A personal injury attorney can build a strong case, present evidence, and argue for the compensation and justice that their client deserves.

Overall, a personal injury attorney can provide guidance, support, and legal representation throughout the complex legal process of pursuing compensation for a spinal cord injury. This can help ensure that injured parties receive the care, compensation, and justice they need to move forward with their lives.

What are Some Defenses that Could Lower the Value of My Claim?

There are some defenses that could be used to lower the value of a personal injury claim. They include: 

Comparative Fault

An insurance adjuster may seek to pin the blame on you for the accident. Shifting some blame to the injured victim of the accident can be used to lower the value of compensation. If the insurance company is able to prove some fault to you, this can lower the amount of compensation. For example, if you ask for $10,000 in damages and are found 30% at fault, your compensation amount is reduced to $7,000.

Failure to Mitigate Damages

Another often-used defense to lower the compensation amount awarded to an injured party is that of a failure to mitigate damages. An injured individual has the duty to take steps to prevent damages from becoming worse. Delaying seeking medical treatment or failing to follow a doctor’s instructions is one common form of evidence used in the defense of failure to mitigate damages. 

In order to combat these defenses, there are a few things you should do. First, never admit fault after an accident. It is best to let your personal injury lawyer handle all communications between you and an insurance company. Working alongside an expert personal injury attorney will give you peace of mind, as they will be doing everything in their power to fight for your claim and compensation. 

What Can I Do To Help the Value of My Case?

As mentioned previously, keep all communications between you and the insurance company of the other party strictly to a minimum. Let the personal injury attorney you work with handle all communications as needed. Also, be sure to document evidence of the incident for future reference and to help prove negligence and recklessness on behalf of the other party. 

If you are looking to file a personal injury case, but are unsure of the value of the claim or how to go about possibly obtaining compensation, schedule a consultation with a San Diego personal injury lawyer. Oftentimes, first-time consultations are free, and you can discuss your case with a legal expert. After finding the personal injury attorney you’d like to represent you, it is crucial you are completely open with them, let them handle any communications regarding the case, and ask questions if you are confused about anything regarding the personal injury claim.

An expert San Diego personal injury attorney will be ready to answer your questions and fight for your deserved compensation!

Our San Diego Spinal Cord Injuries Law Firm Office

Located in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, our office at 1917 India Street #200 places HHJ Trial Attorneys in one of the city’s most dynamic and walkable districts. Just steps away from charming cafés, world-class Italian restaurants, and local boutiques, the area buzzes with both historic character and modern energy. Whether you’re grabbing an espresso at a nearby café or enjoying views of the San Diego Bay a few blocks west, this part of the city blends convenience with culture. Our building is easily accessible from the I-5 freeway and just minutes from downtown, the San Diego County Courthouse, and the Embarcadero. With its mix of professional atmosphere and neighborhood charm, our location reflects our commitment to being both approachable and accessible to our clients throughout San Diego.

Locations Served

From our offices across Southern California, HHJ Trial Attorneys represents clients throughout San Diego County and statewide in a wide range of personal injury cases. Whether you were injured in San Diego, Carlsbad, Escondido, Los Angeles, or Temecula, our award-winning trial lawyers provide clear communication, compassionate guidance, and results-driven representation from start to finish.

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These guys deserve all the praise they get. Mr. Hernandez worked with me for nearly a year on a claim.. READ MORE ▾
These guys deserve all the praise they get. Mr. Hernandez worked with me for nearly a year on a claim and gave me the best guidance and advice every step of the way and produced results far above my expectations for how I thought things were going to play out. The results he and his team produced for me quite literally changed my life. They will be my go-to for the rest of my life in their field and I will point everyone I know who needs any help at all their way. Their service was extremely personal and professional, and very honest. I would rate higher than 5 stars if I could.
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I went with this firm on a whim after some google searching. I ended up having Elliott Jung represent... READ MORE ▾
I went with this firm on a whim after some google searching. I ended up having Elliott Jung represent me, and I'm so darn happy I did. He was truly amazing from start to finish. Empathetic, knowledgeable and determined are just a few words to describe him. He fought for my case like it was his wife's or his daughters, and I mean that I really felt his dedication throughout the entire process. And I won! Eternally grateful for this experience and I will forever refer Elliott to anyone who even utters the word attorney.
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I wanna start by making it known that the number of reviews I have written in my life I could count... READ MORE ▾
I wanna start by making it known that the number of reviews I have written in my life I could count on one hand. That being said, I felt it necessary to Publicly Acknowledge Elliot Jung and the entire team at HHJ trial attorneys for the dedication and time they have put him to take care of my family since our accident. My gratitude is unrivaled. Valentine’s day of this year my wife and I were hit at 9 o’clock at night by a young girl with no headlights on. It was a traumatic experience to say the least and we were Lucky to have hobbled away. Shortly after the accident, I contacted a relative who is an attorney. I explained the situation and without hesitation was sent Elliot Jung‘s contact info. I did some research and read reviews as well as his background in law and was blown away. The first time we met I was overwhelmed with this feeling of comfort. A it was a genuine sense that everything was going to be taken care of. Up until that point, I hadn’t felt any sense of relief in regards to our accident. I’ve always pictured attorneys as disgruntled old men with high blood pressure and anger problems. Haha that may be because I know a few that are exactly that. But Elliot is about as far from that as one could be. He’s young, driven, and has an evident passion for what he does. And he’s damn good at it I am amazed by the attentiveness, wisdom, and overall concern for my family‘s well-being that Elliot and the entire HHJ team has shown my family since day one of this lengthy ordeal. I was just recently informed that we won our case! In short, Elliot is phenomenal as an individual as well as an attorney, HHJ is way more than a money-hungry firm, and i will support them in any way i can.
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