Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Riverside

Over $1 Billion Recovered for California Injury Victims

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating. As a firm, we understand how to protect your rights and fight for you. Our lawyers have a reputation for excellence in advocacy. Understanding the various factors that affect your case will require the oversight of an attorney experienced in these types of cases.

Bostwick & Peterson, LLP provides free case evaluations for prospective clients. We can help you understand your options and the nuances of your case. Taking action requires getting in touch with an attorney who can help you, and our firm is the answer.

We have experience in a variety of cases that result in spinal cord injuries, including:

• Construction accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Diving / swimming pool accidents
• Sports and recreational accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents including car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation. The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular structure made up of nervous tissue that extends from the brain down through the vertebral column. It is a crucial part of the central nervous system (CNS) and transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Spinal cord injuries can be classified in two main ways:

• Complete SCI:This type involves a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury. There is no sensation or voluntary movement, and both sides of the body are equally affected.
• Incomplete SCI:In this case, there is some preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. Incomplete SCIs vary widely; there may be some movement and sensation on one side of the body, or both sides, but not to the same extent.

Immediate Symptoms After Injury

Shock

Following trauma to the spine, the body may undergo spinal shock, a condition characterized by a sudden loss of reflexes below the injury site. This state of shock can manifest as a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and a lack of sensation or movement in affected limbs. Immediate medical attention is crucial to stabilize the individual and prevent further complications.

Pain

Severe pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back is a common immediate symptom of spinal injury. The intensity of pain can be debilitating and may radiate to other areas of the body. It serves as a warning sign of potential damage to the spinal cord or surrounding tissues, necessitating urgent medical assessment and pain management.

Weakness or Incoordination

Weakness or difficulty coordinating movements in the affected limbs is often observed following a spinal cord injury. Individuals may experience challenges with walking, standing, or maintaining balance due to disrupted nerve signals. The severity of weakness can vary depending on the extent and location of the injury, emphasizing the need for immediate medical evaluation to prevent further complications and facilitate rehabilitation.

Numbness or Tingling

A sudden onset of numbness or tingling sensations in the extremities can indicate nerve damage from a spinal injury. This sensory disturbance may affect one or more limbs and is often accompanied by a loss of sensation or altered perception of touch, temperature, or pain. Prompt medical assessment is necessary to assess nerve function and initiate appropriate interventions to minimize long-term neurological deficits.

Difficulty Breathing

Injuries to the cervical spine can impair respiratory function, leading to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. This respiratory distress may result from damage to nerves controlling the diaphragm and chest muscles. It constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure.

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

A sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, including urinary or fecal incontinence, may occur following a spinal cord injury. This loss of voluntary control over bladder and bowel function can result from damage to nerve pathways controlling these processes. It necessitates prompt medical evaluation to address urinary retention or other complications and prevent urinary tract infections or bowel dysfunction.

Changes in Heart Rate or Blood Pressure

Spinal cord injuries can disrupt autonomic nervous system function, leading to changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Individuals may experience episodes of bradycardia (slow heart rate) or hypotension (low blood pressure) due to impaired regulation of cardiovascular reflexes. These cardiovascular changes require immediate medical attention to stabilize hemodynamic parameters and prevent complications such as cardiovascular collapse or shock.

Emotional Distress

Experiencing a spinal cord injury can elicit significant emotional distress, including feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression. The sudden onset of disability and uncertainty about future mobility and independence can profoundly impact mental well-being. Prompt psychological support and counseling are essential to address emotional needs and facilitate adjustment to the challenges associated with spinal cord injury.

What Is My Spinal Cord Injury Case Worth?

As mentioned, the particulars of your case depend on several factors, and therefore it is important to speak with an attorney so that you know what to expect and how to proceed. Our firm, Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, has a reputation for excellence and a track record to back it up. We’ve recovered more than $1 billion for our clients.

Just a few of our awards and accolades include:

• AV® Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
• 10.0 “Superb” rating from Avvo
• Inclusion in the list of California Super Lawyers®
• Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®
• Members of the American Board of Trial Advocates
• Members of the Inner Circle of Advocates

You can choose our Inland Empire personal injury attorneys with confidence. We will be swift in giving you the advice you need to move forward.