Suffering a spinal cord injury can be a life-changing experience, leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence in Bellingham, you may recover substantial compensation. The skilled Bellingham spinal cord injury attorneys at Walton Law can hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for the resources you need to move forward.
Bellingham Spinal Cord Injury Guide
- Why Choose Walton Law for Your Bellingham Spinal Cord Injury Case?
- Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
- Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Proving Liability in a Spinal Cord Injury Case
- Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Living With a Spinal Cord Injury
- What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury
- Contact a Bellingham Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Bellingham Spinal Cord Injury Case?
Walton Law is an award-winning personal injury firm with offices in Bellingham and Southern California. Our founding attorney, Christopher C. Walton, is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who has been named a Super Lawyer every year since 2013. Chris has also received the highest possible rating, AV Preeminent, from Martindale Hubbell.
At Walton Law, we have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord damage.
Our dedicated personal injury attorneys in Bellingham have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients who suffered serious complications due to the negligence of others. We have the experience, resources, and determination to take on even the most complex cases and well-funded defendants.
Our Bellingham office is conveniently located at 2219 Rimland Dr #301, just a short drive from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. We also have an office in Southern California to serve clients throughout the state.
No matter where you are located, our team is ready to come to you for a free consultation at your home, hospital room, or any other location that is most convenient for you.
Compensation in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Spinal cord injuries can result in astronomical medical expenses, lost income, and a lifetime of challenges.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may recover damages for:
- Past and future medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home and vehicle modifications for accessibility
- Assistive devices and technology
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
The value of your spinal cord injury claim will depend on factors like the severity of your injury, the extent of your financial losses, and the strength of the evidence against the responsible party.
Our seasoned attorneys will carefully assess your case to determine the full compensation you are owed and aggressively pursue the best possible outcome for you.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have many different causes, but some of the most common scenarios we see in Bellingham include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls from heights
- Sports and recreational accidents
- Violence, including gunshot wounds and assaults
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
Regardless of the specific cause of your spinal cord injury, if it was due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may have a valid claim for compensation. Our attorneys can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove liability.
Proving Liability in a Spinal Cord Injury Case
To win a spinal cord injury case in Washington, you must typically prove the following elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty through negligent or wrongful conduct.
- The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your spinal cord injury.
- You suffered damages as a result of the injury.
Proving these elements can be challenging, especially when dealing with complex medical evidence and well-funded defendants.
At Walton Law, we have the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a compelling argument on your behalf. We work with top medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists to demonstrate the extent of the defendant’s negligence and the impact of your injuries.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be classified as either complete or incomplete, depending on the extent of damage to the spinal cord.
A complete injury results in total loss of sensation and function below the level of the injury, while an incomplete injury allows for some remaining function and sensation.
The effects of a spinal cord injury can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the damage.
Some common types of spinal cord injuries include:
- Tetraplegia (quadriplegia): Paralysis of all four limbs and the torso, typically resulting from injuries to the cervical spine (neck).
- Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower body and legs, typically resulting from injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine.
- Triplegia: Paralysis of three limbs, usually both legs and one arm.
- Anterior cord syndrome: Damage to the front of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of motor function and sensation below the level of injury.
- Central cord syndrome: Damage to the center of the spinal cord, often resulting in greater weakness in the arms than the legs.
No matter what type of spinal cord injury you or your loved one has suffered, the attorneys at Walton Law are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Living With a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life, from mobility and self-care to employment and relationships. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, as well as modifications to their homes and vehicles to accommodate their disabilities.
In addition to the physical challenges, spinal cord injury survivors often face significant emotional and psychological struggles, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Family members and caregivers may also experience emotional distress and financial strain as they adapt to their loved one’s needs.
At Walton Law, we understand the devastating impact that spinal cord injuries can have on victims and their families. Our attorneys are committed to providing compassionate, personalized service to help you navigate the legal process and secure the resources you need to rebuild your life.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in Bellingham, take prompt action for your health and your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations.
- Keep detailed records of your medical care, expenses, and other losses related to the injury.
- Gather any evidence related to the accident, such as photos, witness contact information, and police reports.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or signing any documents without consulting an attorney.
- Contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible for guidance on your legal rights and options.
At Walton Law, we offer free consultations to help spinal cord injury victims understand their rights and make informed decisions about their cases. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for your recovery.
Contact a Bellingham Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Bellingham, the compassionate and tenacious attorneys at Walton Law are here to help. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to stand up to insurance companies and other powerful defendants and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact us today at (360) 543-1010 for your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our skilled spinal cord injury lawyers. We offer evening and weekend appointments and can even come to you if you’re unable to make it to our office.
Walton Law, A.P.C. – Bellingham Office Location
2219 Rimland Dr Suite 301,
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 543-1010