Santa Clarita Lawyers for Spinal Cord Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Fighting For Spinal Cord Injury Victims in the Santa Clarita Valley
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries an employee can sustain, often occurring as a result of traumatic accidents or falls in the workplace. Under the California workers' compensation system, employees suffering from SCIs are entitled to medical benefits to cover all necessary medical care, including rehabilitation and assistive devices.
These benefits are crucial, as these injuries can have a profound impact on the injured workers' physical capabilities, emotional well-being, and financial stability. This can significantly impact families as the need for long-term or permanent care may ensue.
California law ensures that workers are entitled to disability benefits. These include temporary disability benefits during recovery and may extend to permanent disability benefits if the employee cannot regain full functionality. However, limitations in compensation and cases where determining the extent of permanent disability can be complex often require extensive legal knowledge.
With our Workers’ Compensation Specialists certified by the California Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization leading our team, The Bridgeford Law Office, APC. offers highly skilled and proficient legal help to both injured workers and employers involved in spinal cord injury claims in Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, and the surrounding California areas.
Secure a consultation with a Santa Clarita spinal cord injury attorney for worker’s compensation by contacting us online or calling (661) 387-3712.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in the Workplace
A spinal cord injury is often classified as "catastrophic" due to its severe impact on the injured individual's life. The definition of a catastrophic injury typically encompasses any severe injury that results in long-term disability, life-altering consequences, or a significant reduction in life expectancy.
These injuries profoundly affect an individual's ability to perform essential daily activities and require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or permanent care. Given the spinal cord's critical role in sending signals throughout the body, an injury to this area can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, or motor function, categorizing it as catastrophic.
For legal and compensation purposes, it is crucial to correctly categorize the nature of the injury, as this determines the level of benefits and support that an injured worker is entitled to receive under workers' compensation regulations.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in the Workplace
Understanding the common causes can help prevent these injuries and highlight areas where negligence might have occurred.
- Falls from Heights: Construction workers, roofers, and those working on ladders or scaffolding are particularly vulnerable to falls. A lack of proper safety equipment, inadequate training, or faulty structures can result in a fall, causing severe spinal damage.
- Slip and Falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways could lead to slip and fall accidents. Employers are responsible for keeping a safe working environment, and failure to do so could lead to serious spinal injuries.
- Vehicle Accidents: Those who drive for work, including truck drivers, delivery personnel, and company car users, face the risk of vehicle accidents. Poorly maintained vehicles, lack of training, or negligent driving can all contribute to crashes that cause spinal cord injuries.
- Falling Objects: In warehouses, construction sites, and retail environments, improperly secured objects can fall from shelves or equipment, striking workers and causing spinal damage.
- Heavy Lifting: Jobs that require lifting heavy objects without proper technique or equipment can result in spinal injuries. Employers must ensure that workers are well trained in safe lifting practices and that mechanical aids are available when needed.
- Machinery Accidents: Industrial machinery, if not properly maintained or if used without adequate safety measures, can cause severe injuries. Workers can get caught in or struck by machinery, leading to spinal cord damage.
- Workplace Violence: Sadly, violence in the workplace is a reality in some environments. Assaults can lead to severe injuries, including spinal cord trauma.
What Benefits Are Available for Spinal Cord Injuries in California?
Workers who have suffered spinal cord injuries may be eligible for several types of workers' compensation benefits under California law. These benefits address the various aspects of recovery and adaptation to post-injury life.
They may include medical treatment benefits, which cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the injury, such as surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. Temporary disability benefits provide lost wage replacement while the injured worker cannot return to work during the healing period.
If the injury results in a permanent disability, permanent disability benefits may be awarded to compensate for the lasting effects that impact the worker's ability to earn a living. Additionally, Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) can be available if the worker cannot return to their previous employment and needs retraining for a new position.
Lastly, in the tragic event of a fatal injury, death benefits are available to the worker's dependents. Injured workers or their families must consult with a knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney to fully understand and access the benefits to which they are entitled.
What Should You Do If You Sustain a Workplace Spinal Cord Injury?
If you have suffered a workplace spinal cord injury, you must act promptly and judiciously to secure benefits. You should immediately report the injury to your employer and seek medical attention to document the severity and scope of the injury. It is vital to file a workers' compensation claim with the help of an experienced attorney.
The Bridgeford Law Office can help ensure that all the necessary paperwork is accurately completed and submitted within California's statutory deadlines. With our adept representation, you can navigate the complex claims process, challenge any disputes from insurance companies or employers, and pursue maximum benefits tailored to your unique circumstances and long-term needs.
How Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Can Assist You
Here’s how our experienced Santa Clarita spinal cord injury attorney can assist you:
- Thorough Investigation: We can conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances of your injury. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to verify the extent of your injury and the liability of the responsible parties.
- Legal Guidance: Navigating the legal system can be very complex, especially when dealing with a serious injury.
- Compensation Claims: We work diligently to secure compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Maximizing Benefits: We explore all avenues for compensation, including workers’ compensation claims, personal injury lawsuits, and any potential third-party claims.
- Personalized Support: Each spinal cord injury case is unique, and we tailor our approach to fulfill your specific needs. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we provide personalized and compassionate support to help you through this challenging time.
- Advocacy and Representation: Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, our attorney advocates for your rights.
How We Can Help Employers in Claims & Disputes
Our legal team recognizes the challenges that employers face when navigating workers' compensation claims, particularly those involving spinal cord injuries. We provide comprehensive legal guidance to ensure employers fulfill their responsibilities under California law while mitigating their risk exposure.
Our services include evaluating workplace safety protocols to prevent future injuries, advising on proper injury reporting procedures, and managing communications with workers' compensation insurers. We work diligently to facilitate fair and expedient claims resolution, believing that supporting employers can ultimately aid in a smooth and just process under the workers' compensation system.
By helping maintain an employer's good standing legally and ethically, we aim to preserve business integrity and workforce morale.
You can reach us via our contact form or call (661) 387-3712 for legal help with a spinal cord injury workers’ compensation claim or dispute.
Don't face legal challenges alone. With decades of experience, practical wisdom, and advice, we're here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us at (661) 387-3712 to discuss your case with our team
Testimonials From Former Clients
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I found Bridgeford Law and instantly felt like I made the right decision. Zach was my attorney and he was fantastic through the whole experience. Even the front office staff were great through my many times talking with them.
The workers comp process in California is convoluted and the insurance companies do everything they can to stall and try to wear you down. The whole process Zach did great at keeping an open line of communication with me. He helped reassure me and I will forever appreciate that. I reached a favorable settlement and I was not disappointed with the results that Bridgeford law got me. I can honestly say I will always recommend them to my friends and family.
- Nathan W. -
You have lightened my stress level considerably due to your diligence as well as your legal expertise; and the fact that you genuinely care about me as a person, not just a client. I am quite certain that ALL of your clients receive the same level of quality... and for that, I am eternally in your debt. So glad everything seems to be fast tracked and as bad as things are, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, which for the 1st time, looks like it ISN'T the headlights of an oncoming train. At least this holiday season is far better than last year at this time, and that's directly due to you and your staff's hard work on my behalf. Again, thank you.- Former Client
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I was referred to Mark by a friend and after our consultation, I knew he had my best interest in mind. He fought for me and we were awarded a more than fair settlement. I would recommend Mark and his staff to anyone in need. A very good group of people.- Mason U.
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The Bridgeford Law Office has gone above and beyond! Mark and his team has worked hard on getting treatment for my injury. If a procedure was denied by the insurance company, Mark and Emily are ready to work on getting medical care approved. I highly recommend this office for anyone who has a work related injury. Thank you Bridgeford Law Office for taking care of my claim.- Jose V.
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At least this new year will be starting on a far better note than last year at this time. Thanks to your efforts this year at least my bills are paid, my medications are here, I'm not facing eviction and there's even plenty of food in case I get an appetite despite the pain. Thanks and have a great holiday!- Former Client
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I had the good fortune to choose Mr. Bridgeford to handle my work comp case...Not only is he an EXTREMELY skilled lawyer who prevented the insurance company from doing various nasty things to me, but his caring, legal expertise & wonderful staff prevented all of it from happening and the outcome of the case was better than I ever could have hoped for...He is without a doubt the finest work comp attorney in So. CA and if you need a great one, then he's DEFINITELY the right man with the right staff for the job...Despite this being a very complex case with 4.5 years of litigation, they were always very attentive to my needs and most definitely saw that justice was done...I have heard many stories of work comp clients getting screwed over and Mark made sure that that did not happen in my case...You will not regret choosing him...I will be eternally grateful to Mark and the entire staff of Bridgeford Law.- David F.
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I had a great experience with everyone at Bridgeford Law. So professional and extremely helpful! I would recommend them to anyone.- Samantha H.
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Very pleased with this Law Office for Workmans Comp representation. Work hard and not a dime out of pocket. Would highly recommend.- Joel C.