Spinal cord injuries can dramatically change a person’s life. There are many factors to consider in the aftermath of a serious injury including seeking emergency medical treatment and considering necessary changes to living arrangements. In the midst of this, pursuing a personal injury claim may not feel like a priority. However, a Fresno spinal cord injury lawyer can assist by taking the lead in all legal details to protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Reach out to the compassionate catastrophic injury attorneys at Valero Law Group to learn more about your options for recovering compensation when your injury is caused by someone else’s negligence.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. This means if injured parties fail to take legal action within the two-year limit, they lose their right to pursue compensation. Although two years may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly. Plus, valuable evidence could be lost if the time between the accident and the case filing is too long. A Fresno spinal cord injury attorney can make sure all deadlines are met within this timeline to protect your right to financial recovery. Learn more about the time frame you have to file a claim in your specific circumstances by connecting with our team.
What Evidence Is Required for a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?
Evidence can be divided into three groups–accident details, property damage, and medical reports.
Accident Details
Police reports are central to a personal injury case if the spinal cord injury was the result of a car accident, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian, or other motor vehicle accident. Photographs of where the accident happened and the surrounding area provide visual evidence. Witness statements can also add details that may be missing from police reports. Damaged property should also be photographed.
Medical Information
Medical records such as hospital bills, prescription costs, or therapy treatments are used to support economic damages. Diagnoses and physician notes are further proof of the extent of a spinal cord injury. Keeping a recovery diary can help solidify a timeline of treatment, rehabilitation, or other medical services.
Proving Damages
Depending on how the accident occurred, injured parties may need pictures of property damage. They may also need receipts if the damage was repaired. People may recover lost wages, provided they have documentation. Injured parties should also look at their future needs if they cannot return to work or must take a lower-paying job.
As an at-fault state, California requires injured parties to prove that the other party was negligent, causing their injuries. Our diligent spinal cord injury lawyers in Fresno can gather information, evaluate the evidence, and recommend a strategy for proving negligence. Without an experienced attorney, the legal process can quickly become overwhelming.
What Compensation Is Available After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Compensation for spinal cord injuries may include the following:
- Long-term care
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home or lifestyle modifications
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lower future earning capacity
Punitive damages may be assessed if the accident resulted from egregious or intentional negligence such as driving drunk. A Fresno spinal cord injury attorney from our firm can explain the potential damages you may be able to recover during a private initial consultation.
Why Use a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury cases begin with a settlement offer from an insurance company. The company underwriters are tasked with keeping the settlement costs low. Unfortunately, many people take the first settlement offer without considering the long-term costs of a spinal cord injury.
A knowledgeable spinal cord injury lawyer on our Fresno team can advocate for you and negotiate a settlement that addresses current and future needs. From experience, attorneys know the types of ongoing expenses a spinal injury creates and can ensure that these have been addressed in any settlement agreement.
While it is true that some personal injury cases can drag on for years, spinal cord injury lawyers understand the financial pressures that come with a dramatic lifestyle change. They can work to keep the legal process moving forward as fast as possible.
Contact a Fresno Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has sustained a spinal cord injury, contact the Valero Law Group for help in evaluating your case. A Fresno spinal cord injury lawyer will review the evidence and recommend a strategy for filing a claim or taking the case to court. Let us guide you through the legal process and advocate for you.