Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Beverly Hills
Dedicated Representation for Seriously Injured Victims
At
Levitt, Leichenger, & Aberle LLP, we deal with serious accidents involving severe injuries, such as spinal
cord injuries (SCI). These tragedies result in permanent disability with
life-long medical and associated costs, and our experienced California
trial lawyers work to see that the victims of negligent or wrongful conduct
are compensated accordingly.
Motor vehicle accidents are the single greatest cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for
37% of all SCI. Drivers and
occupants of automobiles are susceptible to SCI from high-end impacts or rear-end collisions, as well as
accidents involving trucks, buses, and other large, heavy vehicles. Motorcycle and bicycle riders
are especially vulnerable to SCI and other serious injuries due to their
exposure and lack of external protection.
To learn the Beverly Hills SCI lawyers at LLA Lawyers can help you, fill out our
online form or dial (323) 524-2400. ¡Hablamos Español!
The Anatomy of a Spinal Cord Injury
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves which travels along the spinal column,
protected inside the 33 vertebrae which make up the backbone. All nerve
signals communicate with the brain by traveling back and forth along the
spinal cord before branching out to all parts of the body. Whenever the
spinal cord is damaged, all communication is lost between the brain and
all the nerves below the point of injury. This loss of communication results
in a loss of feeling as well as motor function (paralysis).
The spinal column is divided into 3 distinct regions:
Below the lumbar region, the remaining vertebrae are fused together into
a region known as the sacrum. Nerves in the sacral region are responsible
for bowel and bladder control and sexual functioning. Given their low
placement along the spine, these nerves are affected in almost every case of SCI.
What Happens After a Spinal Cord Injury?
Basically, any injury to the spine below the cervical region will cause
paraplegia, a paralysis of the legs and the lower trunk, depending upon
the precise location of the injury. An injury to the spinal cord along
any of the seven cervical vertebrae will cause quadriplegia, a paralysis
of both arms and legs and the entire trunk up to the neck. An injury in
the upper C1-C3 sections will likely also impair the ability of the person
to breathe voluntarily, requiring a respirator or ventilator to force
air into and out of the lungs. Oftentimes, unless treated right away,
victims of a C1-C2 injury do not live beyond the scene of the accident.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Even a small bit of damage to the spine can cause permanent effects.
If you injured you spine during an accident, you may experience these symptoms:
- Numbness
- Limited mobility
- Issues with balance
- Migraines
- Chronic pain
- Paralysis
Call (323) 524-2400 for a free case evaluation with a spinal cord injury
attorney in Beverly Hills near you.
SCI’s Can Create a Lifetime of Special Needs
The location and severity of the injury will determine the extent of damage,
but in any event, nerve damage is permanent and cannot be repaired. An
individual living with SCI will require a lifetime of care and additional
expenses. Our attorneys work with physiatrists, neurologists, economists,
and life care planners to develop a realistic estimate of the added expenses
and care an individual will need over the course of a lifetime.
Create Special Needs Trusts With Our Firm
In addition to life care plans, our attorneys also help in establishing
special needs trusts for victims of SCI. The special needs trust is a
vehicle for providing for one's care and welfare, with the added benefit
of providing financial support while at the same time preserving one's
eligibility for public assistance. Regardless of how heavily a special
needs trust is funded, its assets are not considered when determining
eligibility for Social Security, Medi-Cal, housing, and other government benefits.
How We Can Help Your Injury Case
In preparation for trial, our attorneys often produce day-in-the-life films
which show how the injury has affected the client with daily living challenges.
These films have a dramatic visual impact and are often extremely valuable
in settlement discussions or presentations to a jury.
Let us Help You Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
For attorneys who understand the special needs of a person with SCI and
who will fight for a full and fair recovery against the negligent driver
or property owner responsible for the accident, call Levitt Leichenger
& Aberle LLP.
Dial
(323) 524-2400 or
complete the online form to have one of our lawyers contact you.
