Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer: Symptoms and Legal Rights

Suffering a spinal cord injury can change your life in an instant. It may affect your ability to work, move, or take care of yourself and your family. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, a spinal cord injury lawyer can help you fight for justice and compensation. At Anderson Franco Law, we understand how devastating these injuries are—and we’re here to help.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This type of injury can cause permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of the injury.

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:

• Complete: All feeling and ability to control movement are lost below the injury.
• Incomplete: Some motor or sensory function remains below the injury.

Both types are serious and often require long-term medical care, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result from many types of accidents. Some of the most common include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Truck collisions
• Slip and fall incidents
• Sports injuries
• Workplace accidents
• Acts of violence or assault
• Medical malpractice

A spinal cord injury lawyer can help investigate the cause of your injury and determine who is legally responsible.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

The symptoms of spinal cord injuries depend on the location and severity of the damage. Some symptoms show up immediately, while others develop over time. Here are some of the most common signs:

• Loss of movement in the arms or legs
• Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, or touch
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Intense stinging sensation or pain
• Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
• Trouble walking or maintaining balance

If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention right away. Early treatment can help prevent further damage.

Diagnosing and Treating a Spinal Cord Injury

Doctors use a combination of physical exams and imaging tests to diagnose a spinal cord injury. These tests may include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Once diagnosed, treatment may include:

• Surgery to stabilize the spine
• Medications to reduce inflammation
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or braces
• Counseling and support for emotional recovery

In many cases, the effects of a spinal cord injury are permanent. The physical, emotional, and financial costs can be overwhelming—but legal help is available.

Why You Need a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

If someone else’s carelessness caused your spinal cord injury, you have the right to seek compensation. A spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and handle every part of your case, including:

• Investigating how the injury happened
• Gathering medical records and expert opinions
• Calculating the true value of your damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary

Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement. Having an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Spinal cord injuries often lead to long-term or lifelong expenses. A lawyer can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills, including future care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Home modifications or assistive equipment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• In some cases, punitive damages

Your case may be worth much more than what the insurance company first offers. That’s why it’s important to talk to a spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible.

What If the Injury Happened at Work?

If your spinal cord injury happened on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical care and lost wages, but they may not be enough—especially if the injury was caused by a third party, like a contractor or equipment manufacturer.

A spinal cord injury lawyer can help you explore whether a personal injury lawsuit is also possible. You might be able to recover more money than workers’ comp provides.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim in California

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. That means you must file a lawsuit within that time or lose your right to seek compensation. There are shorter deadlines for claims involving government agencies or workers’ compensation. A spinal cord injury lawyer can make sure your case is filed on time.

How Anderson Franco Law Can Help

At Anderson Franco Law, we help clients across San Francisco and throughout California who are dealing with serious injuries. We take the time to understand your story, your needs, and your goals.

When you work with us, you can expect:

• A free consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer
• No fees unless we win your case
• Personal attention and clear communication
• Aggressive advocacy to maximize your recovery

We’re committed to helping you get the justice you deserve.

What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, here’s what you should do:

1. Get medical care immediately.
2. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
3. Avoid speaking with the at-fault party’s insurance without legal advice.
4. Document everything, including medical records and missed work.
5. Contact a spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible.

The earlier you take action, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Speak With a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today

Spinal cord injuries can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face them alone. If you or a family member suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to Anderson Franco Law today.

We’ll review your case for free, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Call us or visit www.AndersonFranco.com to schedule a consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer.