When a spinal cord injury occurs, your life changes instantly. Paralysis, chronic pain, loss of independence, and overwhelming medical expenses create physical, emotional, and financial devastation. At Dordick Law Corporation, we represent spinal cord injury victims throughout Riverside and California, fighting to recover the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys understand the catastrophic impact of these injuries and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you rebuild your life.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation
Dordick Law Corporation represents spinal cord injury victims on a contingency fee basis—you pay no upfront costs, and we recover fees only if we win your case. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours: we succeed only when you receive compensation. Our experience handling catastrophic injury cases means we understand the medical, legal, and financial complexities of spinal cord injury claims. We develop personalized case strategies tailored to your specific circumstances and handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel, allowing you to focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
Our team of attorneys brings decades of combined experience in personal injury litigation. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients throughout Southern California. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our case results and client testimonials.
Our Commitment to Riverside Clients
Dordick Law Corporation serves Riverside residents with dedication and expertise. We understand local court procedures, judges, and juries. Our office location in Riverside ensures convenient access to our team throughout your case. We maintain open communication, providing regular updates and answering your questions promptly. Your recovery and well-being remain our priority. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, contact our team to learn how we can help you pursue maximum compensation.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Riverside
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when trauma damages the nerve fibers in your spinal cord, disrupting communication between your brain and body. These injuries range from complete to incomplete, depending on the severity of nerve damage.
The spinal cord contains four main regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (base of spine). Injuries to the cervical region typically cause quadriplegia—paralysis affecting all four limbs. Thoracic and lumbar injuries often result in paraplegia, affecting the lower body and legs.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are classified by the extent of nerve damage and resulting paralysis. Paraplegia involves loss of function in the lower body and legs, while quadriplegia affects all four limbs and may impact respiratory function. Complete injuries result in total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level, whereas incomplete injuries preserve varying degrees of function. Your attorney will work with medical specialists to document your specific injury classification, as this directly impacts compensation calculations and lifetime care planning.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are various causes of spinal cord injuries. Motor vehicle accidents, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks, represent the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for approximately 37% of new cases annually, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. High-impact collisions, rollovers, and multi-vehicle accidents create the violent forces necessary to damage the spinal cord. Slip and fall accidents, particularly among older adults, cause substantial spinal cord injuries when individuals fall from heights or land on hard surfaces with force. Workplace injuries, sports accidents, violence, and medical malpractice also cause catastrophic spinal cord damage. Falls account for approximately 32% of spinal cord injuries, while violence causes roughly 15% of cases.
Other Causes
Negligent parties—including reckless drivers, property owners who fail to maintain safe premises, employers who ignore safety regulations, product manufacturers who design defective equipment, and medical professionals who commit malpractice—bear legal responsibility for injuries they cause. Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing your compensation. Our team investigates thoroughly to determine who should be held accountable for your injuries. Whether your spinal cord injury resulted from a car accident, premises liability, or workplace negligence, we pursue every avenue for recovery.
How a Riverside Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Can Help
An experienced spinal cord injury attorney conducts a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your injury, collecting evidence including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records. We determine liability by proving that a defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury. We calculate the full scope of your damages, including immediate medical expenses and lifetime care costs, which can exceed millions of dollars over your lifetime.
Our lawyers negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure fair settlements. Insurance adjusters often underestimate the true cost of catastrophic injuries. Our team ensures your settlement reflects the genuine financial and personal impact of your injury. If settlement negotiations fail, we prepare your case for trial, presenting evidence and expert testimony to a jury. Our case results demonstrate our success in securing substantial verdicts and settlements for injured clients.
Preparing Your Case for Trial
Trial preparation involves organizing medical evidence, coordinating expert witnesses, and developing a compelling narrative that demonstrates the defendant’s negligence and the impact of your injury. We present life care plans created by rehabilitation specialists, economic analyses from damage experts, and testimony from medical professionals. Our goal is to secure a verdict that fully compensates you for your losses and holds negligent parties accountable. Our Riverside office has extensive trial experience in catastrophic injury cases.
Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Economic damages cover all quantifiable financial losses resulting from your injury. Medical bills include emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic imaging, and ongoing medical care. Specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility devices, and adaptive technology represents substantial costs. Home modifications—ramps, accessible bathrooms, widened doorways, and elevator installations—enable you to live safely in your residence. Lifetime care costs constitute the largest component of spinal cord injury settlements, including personal care attendants, nursing services, physical therapy, and vocational rehabilitation services.
Lost wages account for the income you would have earned had you not been injured. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium—the loss of companionship and intimacy in your relationships. These damages recognize the profound personal impact of your injury beyond financial losses. Our attorneys work with economic experts to calculate the full value of your claim.
Punitive Damages in Gross Negligence Cases
When a defendant’s conduct demonstrates gross negligence or intentional misconduct that rises to the level of malice, oppression, or fraud, California law permits punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. Under California Civil Code § 3294, punitive damages require proof by clear and convincing evidence and are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
Factors affecting settlement amounts include your age at injury, the severity of your injury, your pre-injury earning capacity, life expectancy, and the strength of evidence establishing liability. Review our case results to see examples of substantial settlements and verdicts we’ve secured.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries
What is the statute of limitations for filing a spinal cord injury claim in California?
California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including spinal cord injuries under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. This deadline begins on the date of your injury. Filing within this timeframe is critical—claims filed after the deadline are typically barred from court. However, certain circumstances may extend this deadline, such as when the injury is not immediately discovered. Contact our office immediately to ensure your claim is filed timely.
How long does a spinal cord injury case typically take to resolve?
Spinal cord injury cases vary in duration depending on case complexity, the number of liable parties, and whether a settlement is reached or a trial becomes necessary. Simple cases with clear liability may resolve within 6-12 months. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, disputed liability, or significant damages calculations may require 2-3 years or longer. We work efficiently to resolve your case while ensuring we pursue maximum compensation. Our Riverside personal injury attorneys have the experience to navigate complex litigation.
What is the average settlement for a spinal cord injury in Riverside?
Settlement amounts vary dramatically based on injury severity, age, earning capacity, and liability strength. Quadriplegia cases typically result in larger settlements than paraplegia cases due to greater lifetime care needs. Settlements range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. We evaluate your specific circumstances to estimate potential recovery and discuss realistic expectations during your consultation. Review our case results to see examples of settlements we’ve secured for injured clients. Our Riverside office has recovered substantial compensation for local victims.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for my injury?
California follows comparative negligence law, allowing recovery even if you bear partial responsibility for your injury. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can only recover 80%. We investigate thoroughly to minimize any finding of comparative negligence and maximize your recovery. Our attorneys have extensive experience defending against comparative negligence claims.
What should I do immediately after suffering a spinal cord injury?
Seek emergency medical treatment immediately—do not move unnecessarily, as movement can worsen spinal cord damage. Call 911 and allow paramedics to immobilize your spine. Preserve evidence by photographing the accident scene, obtaining witness contact information, and requesting police reports. Document your injuries with medical records and photographs. Contact our office as soon as possible to discuss your case and protect your legal rights. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin protecting your interests.
How is liability determined in spinal cord injury cases?
Liability is established by proving that a defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through negligent or reckless conduct, and caused your injury. Evidence includes police reports, witness testimony, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and expert opinions. We investigate thoroughly to identify all liable parties and build a strong case for maximum compensation. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, slip and fall, or other cause, our experienced attorneys know how to establish liability.
Ready to Discuss Your Spinal Cord Injury Case?
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact Dordick Law Corporation today. Call (310) 341-7176 for a free consultation. Our team of attorneys is ready to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we recover fair compensation for you. Contact us now and schedule your free consultation with our firm’s Riverside office.
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