It’s estimated that around 17,000 Americans sustain a spinal cord injury every year. This is not a count of all Americans with spinal cord injuries, but the number of new spinal cord injuries inflicted every single year.
If you are one of these 17,000 Americans, contact an Oakland spinal cord injury lawyer immediately.
You shouldn’t have to face the legal or financial repercussions of a spinal cord injury on your own. Especially if you were inflicted with your injury through no fault of your own. By working with a dependable, well-known spinal cord injury attorney in Oakland, you can fight back against those who harmed you and secure the financial stability needed to focus on recovery.
If you need legal counsel following a spinal cord injury, contact the law offices of Shea & Shea today. As one of Oakland’s most trusted personal injury law firms, we would be honored to help you find justice for your spinal cord injury.
Two Common Spinal Cord Injuries in Oakland
A common misconception that people have is that spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord detaches — resulting in paralysis. However, this is not always the case, as spinal cord injuries and paralysis can occur with the spinal cord still attached.
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries. This is the more common type of spinal cord injury and usually results in a loss of coordination, sensation, and mobility below the injury site. Though these are not quite as severe as the next type of injury we are going to talk about, it’s still essential that you see a doctor if you’ve sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury.
- Complete spinal cord injuries. Victims of complete spinal cord injuries essentially have no sensation or coordination below the injury site. Complete spinal cord injuries may leave victims paralyzed for life and are very difficult to recover from.
As you can see, spinal cord injuries are extremely life-altering. They need immediate attention, both medically and legally. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t wait until you have a stack of medical bills before contacting a lawyer. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your future is get in touch with a spinal cord injury attorney immediately.
Get in touch with a reliable Oakland-based spinal cord injury lawyer to start building your case and safeguarding your future.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
What are the common causes of spinal cord injuries? Unfortunately, there are many. Any Oakland individual, from any walk of life or occupation is at risk of suffering a spinal cord injury.
You could suffer a spinal cord injury doing any number of daily activities. Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries are the following:
- Slips and falls
- Violent trauma
- Vehicle accidents
- Spina bifida
- Pre Existing conditions (like arthritis) weaken the spine and place individuals at a greater risk of suffering a spinal cord injury
- Accidents in the workplace (people with hands-on careers as well as those who work with heavy machinery are more likely to suffer a workplace spinal cord injury)
What are the Long Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries can dramatically affect your life, not only for the weeks and months following your accident but for the rest of your life. These injuries could permanently disable you, remove you from the workforce, and make you unable to live without a caretaker.
The long term effects and ramifications of spinal cord injuries make it absolutely necessary for you to have a lawyer on your side. Without the help of a qualified spinal cord injury attorney, you could find yourself stressed and swimming in medical bills. Spinal cord injury attorneys fight for the rights of Oakland victims to ensure that they don’t have to bear the weight of medical expenses on their own.
What to Do if You Have Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury
First, it is absolutely paramount that you see a medical professional. Schedule the earliest possible appointment to get scans, tests, and diagnostics. Medical records do a lot to help you build a legal case against the company or individual responsible for your injury so the earlier you get them the better.
Second, document and record everything. Make sure to write down and record all the details relating to the accident that resulted in your injury. Memory can be fuzzy or hard to rely on so it’s good to keep records of your condition and the accident details.
Third, take time off work. You are in no condition to work following spinal cord injury, your body needs rest and recovery.
And lastly, we arrive at the question:
When Should You Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney?
Contacting a spinal cord injury attorney is something you do immediately following an accident (second only to a doctor’s visit).
It’s never too soon to start building a legal case against the corporation or individual who caused your injury. If the thought of taking legal action intimidates you, working with a reliable spinal cord injury attorney should put all anxiety to rest.
A seasoned spinal cord injury attorney will be able to handle all of the legal stress so that you can focus on getting well. What’s more, it’s extremely important to hold reckless individuals or companies accountable for their actions. Neglecting to take legal measures against companies that carelessly endanger people could result in another individual suffering the same injury as you.
Contact Shea & Shea in Oakland
Shea & Shea has a history of protecting Oakland victims that spans more than 30 years. We want to use our legal expertise to help you following your accident.
Don’t fight this battle on your own — let a skilled spinal cord injury attorney fight for you so that you have the chance to recoup following your accident.
To schedule your first consultation with an Oakland-based spinal cord injury attorney, contact Shea & Shea today. We’re passionate about justice and helping Oakland victims recover while securing their financial future and stability.
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