Fresno Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal cord injuries are can be life-changing and tragic, often resulting in permanent disability. In central California, when an injury to the spinal cord is caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s imperative to obtain immediate legal help from an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney with the law firm of Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian.

With 75 combined years of experience representing the victims of spinal cord injury, we understand the longterm suffering these injuries can inflict. Spinal cord injuries can permanently keep you from working, yet you may require lifelong care that can cost millions. Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian aggressively seeks the maximum possible compensation for spinal cord injuries.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any upfront fees and only pay if we recover compensation for you. We are committed to securing full compensation for all damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our spinal injury attorneys today.

How A Spinal Cord Injury Impacts You

Spinal cord injuries usually occur in falls, traffic or sports accidents, and violent incidents like stabbings, shootings, and assaults. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a spinal cord injury, as prompt care can significantly impact recovery and strengthen any legal case for compensation.

However, any damage to the vertebrae has the potential to cause a serious spinal cord injury. Spinal cords are composed of vertebrae, nerve cells, soft tissue, and groups of nerves called tracts.

Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the injury site and the extent of damage. A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of motor or sensory function below the injury site, often leading to lifelong paralysis and associated medical conditions, such as sexual dysfunction.

In contrast, an incomplete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord is not fully severed, allowing for partial preservation of motor or sensory function. The severity and effects of these injuries, including the risk of sexual dysfunction and other medical conditions, depend on the injury site and the type of injury sustained.

When these nerves are damaged, the results are often tragic. If the doctor who treats you after an accident discovers a bulging disc, it usually means cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy is pain from the C5, C6, and C7 vertebrae when nerve function is impaired by compression of a nerve root near the cervical vertebrae. An injury here can cause longterm chronic pain and a loss of feeling in different body parts.

What are some of the most common spinal injuries?

Strains and sprains of the back are most common by far; these are the types of injuries that occur during rear-end car crashes. While strains and sprains are common, most injuries involving the spinal cord are severe injuries that can result in permanent disability. Spinal cord injuries are often accompanied by other injuries, which can complicate recovery and require additional medical care.

What are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries?

If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, chances are it happened in an instant—often because someone else wasn’t being careful or was downright negligent.

Here in Fresno and throughout the Central Valley, we see certain types of accidents and incidents that cause these devastating injuries time and time again. Understanding what typically causes spinal cord injuries can help you and your family figure out your legal options moving forward.

You’ll find that the leading causes of spinal cord injuries include:

Motor vehicle accidents: When you’re in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, the sheer force of the collision can cause severe trauma to your spinal cord, leaving you with injuries that change your life forever. These crashes are among the top reasons people end up with spinal cord damage.
Slip and fall accidents: If you’ve taken a serious fall, especially in a public place or on someone’s poorly maintained property, you could be dealing with devastating spinal cord injuries. Property owners are supposed to keep their premises safe for you, and when they don’t, they can be held responsible for what happens to you.
Workplace incidents: Construction accidents, falls from heights, and other dangerous workplace situations are common sources of spinal cord injuries. Your employer has a duty to provide you with a safe working environment, and when they fail to do that, you may have every right to seek compensation for your injuries.
Medical malpractice: Sometimes surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or other forms of medical negligence can cause or make your spinal cord injury worse. Defective medical equipment can also play a role in these tragic situations.
Defective products: Faulty vehicles, unsafe medical equipment, and other products that don’t work the way they’re supposed to can cause accidents that result in spinal cord injuries. When this happens, manufacturers and distributors can be held accountable for the harm their products cause you.
Violent acts: Unfortunately, assaults, shootings, and other violent incidents can cause severe spinal cord injuries that leave you facing lifelong challenges you never expected.

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury because of any of these situations, you need to get in touch with a skilled spinal cord injury attorney or personal injury lawyer right away. An experienced legal team can help you file your spinal cord injury claim, figure out exactly what your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are worth, and fight hard to get you the maximum compensation possible.

Don’t let someone else’s negligence control what happens to your future—reach out to a Fresno spinal cord injury lawyer at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian for a free consultation today.

How can I treat a back injury?

Physical therapy, ice, strengthening, movement, and massage are the most common treatment. Ongoing care is often necessary for spinal cord injury patients, and treatment plans are typically developed in consultation with medical experts.

How can back injuries be prevented?

Seat belt use during a car accident helps minimize such injuries. Additionally, practicing safe driving habits, such as obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents that lead to spinal cord injuries.

In workplaces, especially in construction and manual labor environments, following safety protocols and using proper equipment like harnesses and helmets are vital to prevent falls and other accidents that may cause back injuries. Employers should ensure that their work sites comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards to minimize risks.

For slip and fall accidents, maintaining clean, dry, and well-lit walkways can help prevent falls that result in spinal injuries. Property owners have a legal obligation to address hazards like loose rugs, wet floors, and uneven surfaces to protect visitors.

Regular exercise to strengthen back muscles and improve flexibility can also help protect the spine from injury. Proper lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees and keeping the back straight, are essential to avoid strains and sprains.

Overall, a combination of cautious behavior, adherence to safety regulations, and preventive measures can greatly reduce the likelihood of sustaining a back injury or spinal cord injury.

What damages are available from a spinal injury case?

Medical bills, pain, and discomfort experienced because of the injury, wage loss, future medical treatment and wage loss, emotional suffering, and property damage. Medical costs can be substantial, so it is important to assess the full extent of damages—including all related expenses and losses—when pursuing a claim.

How long does a spinal injury case take to get better?

It depends on a lot of factors including age, gender, activity level before the injury, prior injuries, etc. It is not uncommon for someone to feel substantial if not completely better after 4-6 months.

How can a spinal injury lawyer help?

Insurance adjusters make that word sound like an accusation of fraud. But it’s a real, medically recognized injury. Personal injury lawyers and spinal cord injury lawyers have experience handling complex personal injury cases, including spinal cord injury cases, and can help clients navigate the legal process.

Having an attorney handle your case will give you peace of mind as they take care of the legal details while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries and getting back to your life. Attorneys assist with personal injury claims and spinal cord injury claims by gathering evidence such as the police report, identifying the liable party or responsible party, and dealing with insurance policies to ensure your rights are protected.

Some personal injury cases may involve multiple parties, such as in auto accidents, fall accidents, or slip and fall accidents, and experienced Fresno injury lawyers can help ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. An attorney will help ensure your personal injury claim or spinal cord injury case is properly processed and the insurance company compelled to pay what they should because of the injuries their insured caused.

The goal in every personal injury case or spinal cord injury case is to secure maximum compensation for your losses.

Don’t Wait Another Day To Contact A Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Your health and future must be your priorities. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of another person’s negligence, contact an attorney at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian immediately. Our spinal injury lawyers will assess the particulars of your case, explain your options, and guide you through the legal procedures.

You may be able to recover immediate and future medical expenses, lost wages, and more. If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury, don’t wait any longer for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call today.

We keep flexible hours to meet your needs, and we return every client call promptly. Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian serves clients in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kingsburg, and Hanford counties. Our staff speaks Spanish and French; don’t let a language barrier keep you from the legal help you need. Call Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian today at 559-545-0383 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.