A spinal cord injury is a life-changing event that can leave victims and their families feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence you need an Orange County spinal cord injury lawyer that is experienced, dedicated, and proven to win. At Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys, we fight to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve to rebuild their lives.
Emily Ruby, a 2024 “Best In Law” and 2022 "Women in Law" Award Winner, is a highly skilled trial attorney who litigates aggressively and, when necessary, takes cases to verdict. She has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Wrongful Death Lawyers and contributes to Advocate Magazine. Under her leadership, Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys has recovered over $700 million for injury victims, with an impressive 97.4% success rate.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system, transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When it is damaged, victims may experience partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of bodily functions, dramatically altering their quality of life. Understanding the severity and implications of spinal cord injuries is crucial for determining the legal and medical support needed.
Many people do not realize just how fragile the spinal cord is and how even minor accidents can lead to devastating consequences. Damage to this essential part of the body can affect everything from motor function to organ control, sensation, and overall quality of life. The emotional and psychological toll on victims and their families can be just as overwhelming as the physical injuries themselves.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), spinal cord injuries commonly occur due to:
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Car accidents (38.6%) – The leading cause of spinal cord injuries, often due to reckless, distracted, or impaired driving.
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Falls (32.2%) – Slip and fall accidents, workplace incidents, or falls from heights are particularly common among older adults and construction workers.
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Acts of violence (14%) – Gunshot wounds, physical assaults, and other violent incidents can cause severe spinal trauma.
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Sports and recreational activities (7.8%) – High-impact sports, diving accidents, and extreme sports contribute to many spinal cord injuries.
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Medical or surgical complications (4.2%) – Errors in surgery or medical procedures can sometimes lead to permanent spinal damage.
Spinal Cord Injury Statistics in Orange County
While specific statistics on spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in Orange County are limited, national data provides valuable insights into their prevalence and causes. Each year, approximately 18,000 new SCIs occur in the U.S., with vehicle accidents accounting for nearly 50% of cases. Falls, sports injuries, and violence also contribute significantly. Males make up about 78% of those affected, and young adults are particularly vulnerable. Given Orange County's dense population and high vehicle use, these national trends likely reflect the local situation, emphasizing the need for legal advocacy and support for SCI victims.
Levels and Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on their severity and impact on bodily function:
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Incomplete spinal cord injury – Some motor or sensory function remains below the injury site, with varying levels of impairment.
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Complete spinal cord injury – Total loss of motor and sensory function below the site of injury, leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia.
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Paraplegia – Loss of movement and sensation in the lower body, typically affecting the legs, bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
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Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) – Loss of movement in all four limbs, often requiring lifelong medical care and assistive devices.
The impact of a spinal cord injury goes beyond physical limitations. Many victims suffer from chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and financial stress due to the need for lifelong medical care and home adjustments. The costs of physical therapy, assistive devices, mobility equipment, and home renovations can be staggering, making legal compensation a crucial step toward recovery.
The High Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries
The financial burden of a spinal cord injury is immense and ongoing. According to NSCISC, the first-year medical expenses alone can range from $359,000 to over $1.1 million, depending on the severity of the injury. Lifetime costs can exceed $3 million for younger victims, covering:
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Emergency and hospital care
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Surgery and rehabilitation
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Medications and medical equipment
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Physical therapy and home modifications
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In-home care and transportation needs
Victims and their families often face financial hardship, making legal action crucial to securing the necessary compensation for treatment and long-term care. A spinal cord injury can impact every aspect of life, from lost wages and job loss to relationships, independence, and mental health. The emotional toll on family members can be just as devastating, as they often become caregivers overnight.
Seeking Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries
California law allows spinal cord injury victims to seek compensation for:
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Medical expenses – Hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and ongoing medical care.
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Lost wages and diminished earning capacity – If the injury prevents victims from working or affects future employment.
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Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
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Loss of consortium – Damages for the impact on personal relationships and loss of companionship.
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Punitive damages – In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.
Proving Liability in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
To win a spinal cord injury claim, we must establish:
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Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act safely.
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Breach of Duty: They failed to meet this responsibility.
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Causation: Their negligence directly caused your spinal cord injury.
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Damages: You suffered financial, emotional, and physical harm as a result.
Common Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Claims
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Dealing with insurance companies – Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims.
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Proving future medical needs – Our legal team works with medical experts to project long-term expenses.
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Securing non-economic damages – Emotional distress, pain, and suffering must be properly documented.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury
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Seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations.
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Document everything – Keep records of medical visits, symptoms, and expenses.
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Do not speak with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
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Contact an experienced Orange County spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Leading Hospitals for OC Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
1. UCI Health - Douglas Hospital
Location: Orange, CA
UCI Health is a premier medical center providing cutting-edge treatment for spinal cord injuries. Their Level I trauma center ensures that patients receive immediate, specialized care. With a team of neurosurgeons and spinal injury specialists, UCI Health offers advanced surgical procedures, pain management, and early rehabilitation.
2. Hoag Hospital - Newport Beach
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Hoag Hospital is known for its comprehensive spine and neurology programs. Their specialized spinal cord injury team provides both acute care and long-term rehabilitation planning, helping patients transition smoothly from emergency treatment to rehabilitation.
3. Mission Hospital - Mission Viejo
Location: Mission Viejo, CA
As a Level II trauma center, Mission Hospital offers expert spinal cord injury care. Their team includes neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists who work together to develop personalized treatment plans to maximize mobility and independence.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
A spinal cord injury can turn your world upside down, but you don't have to face it alone. At Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys, we are committed to helping injury victims in Orange County get the justice and compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
📞 Call us today at (323) 782-0535 for a free consultation.
