Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
Learn your next steps here and get the maximum compensation with our step-by-step walkthrough
A good personal injury attorney understands the mechanics underlying the pain you have suffered and can explain to the insurance companies that your injuries are permanent.
We understand how life-changing these injuries are. RMD Law – Personal Injury Lawyers experienced personal injury attorneys in California can manage and guide your case while you heal.
Even though insurance company tactics can make settling a spinal cord or brain trauma claim difficult, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Long Beach, with its vibrant waterfront and active roadways, offers both opportunity and risk for residents and commuters alike. Unfortunately, spinal injuries remain a devastating outcome of serious accidents in the city, from collisions along Pacific Coast Highway to incidents on high-traffic corridors like Anaheim Street and Long Beach Boulevard.
Spinal trauma can inflict lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens on victims and their loved ones. Recovering from a spinal injury often involves more than just medical treatment. It may require long-term rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Victims in Long Beach may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Partnering with a seasoned Long Beach spinal injury lawyer who understands both local concerns and California’s legal framework can be essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know should you or someone you care for ever experience a spinal injury in Long Beach.
Spinal cord trauma occurs when damage to the vertebral column disrupts the brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body. This injury can lead to partial or complete loss of movement, sensation, or organ function below the injury site.
In Long Beach, common causes include motor vehicle collisions, falls from height, and incidents of violence. Recovery often requires long-term medical intervention, rehabilitation, and assistive care.
When these injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, injured individuals have the right to seek compensation. A Long Beach spinal injury lawyer can help victims understand their options and advocate for their financial recovery.
While statistics often feel impersonal, they can provide vital insight into the scale and causes of spinal cord injuries in urban areas like Long Beach. Knowing the numbers helps illustrate the urgency for better safety standards and legal advocacy.
Here are some important national and regional findings on spinal cord injuries that impact Long Beach residents:
In Long Beach, spinal injuries can occur in a variety of everyday scenarios, many of which are preventable. Whether due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or reckless behavior, these incidents can result in devastating outcomes.
Long Beach’s busy streets, including thoroughfares like Ocean Boulevard and the 710 freeway, are frequent sites of severe accidents. High-speed crashes, motorcycle incidents, or pedestrian impacts can lead to spinal trauma, including fractures and nerve damage. These injuries often require emergency surgery and extensive rehab.
Falls are especially common in public areas like shopping centers, parking structures, and stairwells in older buildings. Long Beach property owners have a legal obligation to keep spaces safe. When they fail to do so, resulting spinal injuries, such as herniated discs or vertebral fractures, may qualify for premises liability claims.
Gun violence and physical assaults can cause penetrating or blunt force injuries to the spine. Victims may suffer lifelong consequences such as paralysis or nerve damage. Alongside criminal charges, victims may pursue civil claims for damages.
With access to coastal parks, school programs, and community centers, Long Beach residents engage in many activities from surfing to skateboarding. But injuries can happen when facilities lack proper supervision or safety equipment. A spinal injury attorney can help determine whether negligence contributed to a sports-related injury.
Long Beach’s port and construction sectors place many workers at risk of spinal trauma. Falls from scaffolding, lifting injuries, and accidents involving heavy machinery can result in serious harm. While workers’ comp provides basic coverage, additional compensation may be possible when third parties are at fault.
Source: Unsplash.com
After a spinal injury, understanding the specifics of your condition can help you plan your medical care and legal path forward. Spinal trauma varies widely in form and severity.
Spinal cord injuries are categorized by the region of the spine affected:
These injuries occur in the neck area and are typically the most severe. Damage at this level may impair signals to the diaphragm, arms, hands, and shoulders.
Individuals with injuries high in the cervical spine, particularly at C1 or C2, may experience complete paralysis from the neck down (tetraplegia) and require ventilator support to breathe. Bowel and bladder function are typically lost, and around-the-clock assistance is often necessary for daily tasks.
Injuries to the thoracic spine affect the upper chest, back muscles, and abdomen. These injuries often result in paraplegia, paralysis of the legs and lower body, while arm and hand function is usually retained.
Victims may still need mobility aids like wheelchairs and often experience challenges with posture, trunk control, and balance. This level of injury can make everyday tasks like transferring from bed to chair more difficult
Located in the lower back, lumbar spine injuries primarily impact the hips, thighs, and legs. Victims often retain full upper-body strength, but mobility can be significantly compromised.
Many individuals with lumbar SCIs require assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs. Common side effects include loss of bowel and bladder control, nerve-related pain, and sexual dysfunction.
This region controls functions in the pelvic organs, buttocks, and parts of the legs and feet. Injuries here are typically less severe but can still affect walking, bladder and bowel regulation, and reproductive health. While many people with sacral injuries can walk, they often report lingering pain, muscle weakness, or nerve damage that interferes with daily life.
In addition to the injury’s location, spinal cord trauma is also classified based on how much of the spinal cord’s function remains. Medical providers rely on neurological assessments and imaging to categorize these injuries as either complete or incomplete, an important distinction in both recovery and legal claims.
A complete SCI means that all motor function and sensory perception are lost below the level of injury. There is no voluntary movement or feeling in the affected areas. These injuries are usually permanent and may result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, depending on the location.
Complete injuries typically require extensive long-term care, home modifications, mobility equipment, and continuous medical monitoring.
The physical toll is matched by significant emotional and financial burdens. These individuals often rely on full-time caregivers and experience drastic changes in their employment and independence.
An incomplete SCI means that the spinal cord retains some function below the injury level. This definition can vary widely, from mild impairment to near-total loss. Some individuals may regain function through intensive rehabilitation, while others may experience ongoing limitations.
There are several types of incomplete SCIs:
Because incomplete injuries can evolve over time, legal representation becomes crucial in ensuring that your case reflects not just your current limitations, but also the long-term care, therapy, and monitoring you may need.
In Long Beach, where access to specialized rehab centers may be limited, a knowledgeable attorney can advocate for coverage of out-of-area treatment and other critical resources.
Once a spinal injury is diagnosed, understanding the physical and emotional symptoms that may follow is critical. Victims of spinal trauma often experience a wide range of challenges that go beyond what’s immediately visible, affecting not just the body, but daily life and mental health as well.
Paralysis may affect specific limbs or the entire body, depending on the injury site and severity. Those with paraplegia lose movement in the legs, while quadriplegia affects both arms and legs. In Long Beach, many individuals facing this diagnosis require in-home care, mobility aids, and assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and transportation.
Disrupted communication between the brain and body often results in tingling, burning, or total numbness. Sensory loss, especially in the hands or feet, can increase the risk of injury, making it difficult to recognize pain or changes in temperature, which are vital for safety and comfort.
Injuries in the upper spine can impair respiratory function. Victims may experience shallow breathing or a weakened cough reflex, increasing their risk for pneumonia. People with these injuries may need pulmonary rehabilitation or even mechanical ventilation.
SCI can interrupt the nerves that manage bladder and bowel control, resulting in incontinence or retention. Catheter use, bowel programs, and hygiene routines become daily necessities, often requiring education and emotional support from local clinics and specialists.
Nerve disruption frequently causes weakness or uncontrollable muscle spasms, making coordination and posture difficult. These issues can be addressed with physical therapy, but ongoing sessions may be needed indefinitely, placing a financial and emotional strain on families.
Many spinal cord injury survivors in Long Beach report burning or stabbing pain in areas below the injury. This type of nerve damage, called neuropathic pain, is notoriously difficult to treat and can interfere with sleep, work, and quality of life.
Loss of sexual function, sensation, or fertility often follows spinal trauma. These challenges can affect intimacy and self-esteem. Counseling and medical intervention may help, but they often require specialized care not always covered by insurance.
Doctors perform detailed assessments to check reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory response. These tests help pinpoint the level and extent of spinal cord damage. In Long Beach, neurologists often revisit these evaluations regularly to monitor changes or improvement during recovery.
Hospitals rely on MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays to see exactly where the spinal cord and surrounding vertebrae have been damaged. These scans allow physicians to detect fractures, swelling, or bleeding that may not be obvious externally. Rapid imaging plays a critical role in minimizing additional damage.
In addition to scans and reflex testing, doctors also evaluate basic body functions, such as bladder control, lung capacity, and range of movement. These assessments inform custom rehabilitation plans and give medical teams insight into how well the spinal cord communicates with the rest of the body.
Injuries that lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia typically result in lasting loss of mobility. Some may adapt with assistive technology, but others may need lifelong care. Public transit options in Long Beach aren’t always accessible, adding another layer of difficulty for those with limited movement.
Many spinal injury survivors experience numbness, tingling, or complete sensory loss in certain areas. Organs like the bladder and intestines may stop functioning properly. This loss can drastically affect quality of life and daily routines.
Reduced mobility can lead to pressure sores, blood clots, urinary tract infections, and respiratory problems. People with long-term spinal damage often need ongoing physical therapy, wound care, and routine checkups to monitor for these risks. For Long Beach residents, coordination with local providers and home healthcare services is key.
The abrupt loss of mobility, independence, and routine can trigger severe emotional distress. Many Long Beach residents coping with spinal trauma report feelings of sadness, anxiety, or fear about their future. Mental health counseling, whether through local therapists or support groups, is a critical part of the healing journey.
In many cases, immediate surgery is required to stabilize the spine, remove pressure, or correct misalignments. Hospitals like Long Beach Memorial Medical Center have trauma surgeons experienced in spinal operations. Timely surgery can help prevent further neurological damage and lay the foundation for a stronger recovery.
Physical therapists help patients rebuild muscle strength and mobility, while occupational therapists focus on daily living skills and adaptive techniques. Early and consistent rehab, especially in Long Beach’s specialized facilities, can greatly improve a person’s independence and overall function.
Prescriptions, from anti-spasm medications to chronic pain control, play an essential role in making rehab more tolerable and preventing secondary complications. Long Beach physicians often coordinate with pharmacists and pain specialists to tailor long-term medication plans to each patient.
Wheelchairs, mobility aids, and home upgrades such as stair lifts or bathroom bars are often necessary. Local programs in Long Beach may offer financial assistance or consultation services to help families adapt their environments and support the patient’s quality of life.
Dial 911 immediately. First responders in Long Beach are trained to stabilize spinal trauma without causing additional harm. Never try to move someone unless they’re in immediate danger, such as near fire or falling debris.
Keep the injured person still. Use rolled-up clothing or your hands to gently brace their head and neck until professionals arrive. Even slight movement can cause permanent damage to the spinal cord.
Go to a facility equipped to handle spinal emergencies, such as Long Beach Memorial or St. Mary Medical Center. Trauma hospitals have the specialists and technology needed to assess, diagnose, and treat spinal injuries swiftly.
If the injury resulted from an accident, like a car crash, unsafe workplace, or hazardous property, take photos of the scene, gather names of witnesses, and get copies of police or incident reports. These details are vital if a lawsuit or insurance claim is later filed.
A Long Beach spinal injury lawyer can help determine if your injury was caused by negligence. They’ll work with your doctors to build a case for compensation covering medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care. Acting early increases your chances of securing the support you need.
Under California law, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to spinal injuries caused by car crashes, falls, or other negligence-related accidents in Long Beach. Missing this window could bar you from recovering any damages.
If your spinal injury occurred due to negligence by a Long Beach city agency or public property, you must file an administrative claim within six months. If denied, you then have six months from the date of rejection to sue. These shorter timeframes make early legal advice essential.
Some injuries, particularly those caused by medical negligence or cumulative trauma, might not show symptoms right away. California’s delayed discovery rule allows you to file later, but only if you can prove that you couldn’t have reasonably discovered the injury earlier. Strong medical records and legal guidance are key in such cases
If your injury includes paralysis, chronic pain, or permanent physical limitations, the legal and financial stakes are high. Long Beach residents in these situations are encouraged to seek legal counsel immediately to help pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care needs.
In multi-vehicle accidents, unsafe properties, or jobsite injuries, responsibility may be contested or unclear. A skilled Long Beach attorney can investigate the circumstances, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build a case that identifies the liable parties.
Insurance companies often aim to settle fast and low. If you’ve been offered a settlement, consult an attorney before accepting. A Long Beach spinal injury lawyer can evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate a better outcome or take the matter to court if needed.
Your attorney will begin by thoroughly reviewing your accident details, medical history, and potential claims. Based on this information and applicable California law, they’ll develop a strategy tailored to your situation, whether it’s negotiating with insurers or preparing for trial.
Your Long Beach attorney will coordinate with doctors, rehabilitation specialists, and vocational experts to collect evidence showing the full impact of your injury. This includes medical records, imaging studies, witness statements, and job-related documentation to show financial losses.
Your lawyer will advocate for you every step of the way, from filing paperwork and handling insurance communications to presenting arguments in court. Their goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible so you can focus on physical recovery, not legal logistics.
If your injury happened in a vehicle collision in Long Beach, the at-fault driver may be liable. Whether they were texting, speeding, or driving under the influence, their negligence could justify a personal injury claim. In commercial cases, employers or fleet operators might also be liable.
Slip-and-fall injuries on poorly maintained sidewalks, wet floors, or broken staircases are common sources of spinal trauma in Long Beach. If a landlord, store manager, or city agency failed to address hazards, they could be held accountable under California’s premises liability laws.
Construction and industrial job sites in Long Beach present significant risks. If your injury resulted from unsafe practices, poor supervision, or defective equipment, responsible parties may include your employer, subcontractors, or even equipment manufacturers. A lawyer can determine if a third-party claim is available in addition to workers’ comp.
Detailed records from Long Beach hospitals, rehab centers, or your physicians are foundational. These documents outline the nature of the spinal injury, treatment received, and long-term prognosis. Medical experts may also testify about how your condition affects your quality of life.
Whether the injury happened at a construction site, on a city street, or inside a store, police reports, incident logs, and witness statements can help establish the cause. Timely documentation, especially from the scene, is vital for accuracy and credibility.
Photos of the scene, video surveillance, damaged property, or even medical imaging can all be persuasive in proving negligence. Attorneys often collaborate with reconstructionists or safety engineers to help make the connection between the conditions and your injury clear in court.
Victims may be entitled to reimbursement for hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, assistive devices, and ongoing therapy. In Long Beach, where access to specialized care is crucial, these expenses can add up quickly. Future medical needs are also considered in compensation calculations, especially for permanent injuries.
When a spinal injury limits your ability to work, you may lose not only current income but future earning potential. Compensation can help bridge that gap. Many SCI survivors find they can no longer return to physically demanding roles, necessitating career changes or early retirement.
Beyond the physical injury lies a psychological toll—chronic discomfort, limited independence, and emotional exhaustion. These non-economic damages recognize how deeply a spinal injury can alter daily life. California law permits Long Beach plaintiffs to seek monetary relief for these hardships.
Adapting your Long Beach home for accessibility, like installing ramps, stairlifts, or widened doorways, is often essential. Compensation may also cover caregiving services, transportation accommodations, and related expenses to support independent living or daily assistance.
Insurance adjusters are trained to find reasons to reduce your claim. Stick to the facts and avoid discussing your injuries or speculating about the accident. Ideally, let your attorney handle all communication to avoid accidental misstatements.
Your claim is only as strong as your proof. Gather medical records, income statements, and official reports that support your case. A lawyer can ensure this documentation is clear, thorough, and aligned with your long-term needs, reducing the chances of unfair denial or delay.
Many Long Beach residents understandably want to know what their spinal injury claim might be worth. While no two cases are identical, compensation is generally based on how deeply the injury has affected your health, livelihood, and overall future.
Injuries resulting in paralysis, permanent disability, or severe nerve damage tend to command higher settlements. These cases often involve extensive medical care and long-term lifestyle impacts that require careful legal calculation, often backed by medical expert opinions.
If your condition prevents you from returning to work—or limits your ability to earn in the future—that financial loss is included in your claim. This is especially important in Long Beach’s labor-heavy sectors like shipping, retail, and construction, where spinal mobility is critical.
Your case value also depends on the projected need for home healthcare, mobility devices, rehab, and assistive technologies. These long-term costs add up quickly and should be calculated with the help of economic experts familiar with spinal injury cases.
Pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment in daily life are often overlooked by insurers. However, a skilled Long Beach lawyer can ensure these invisible wounds are factored into your claim, especially when your injury limits independence or disrupts relationships.
Lawyers often wait until your condition stabilizes or a long-term prognosis is clear before calculating damages. Rushing into a settlement before knowing the full impact of your injury could leave you undercompensated
Even if the case doesn’t go to trial, insurers in Long Beach may delay negotiations or challenge your documentation. Persistence from your attorney can help push things forward, but be prepared for weeks, or even months, of back-and-forth.
If your claim goes to trial, expect the process to take one to two years or longer. This includes depositions, medical evaluations, expert testimony, and court scheduling. While slower, litigation can sometimes result in higher compensation, especially when insurers refuse to settle fairly.
Your attorney’s fee is a percentage of your final settlement or court award. The exact percentage reflects the complexity of your case and whether it goes to trial and is agreed upon before any legal work begins.
If your case doesn’t result in compensation, you don’t owe attorney fees. This arrangement ensures that clients in Long Beach can pursue justice regardless of financial standing.
Costs like filing fees, expert witness fees, or document charges may be deducted from your recovery. A reputable Long Beach attorney will outline these in advance, ensuring transparency and no surprises.
After immediate medical treatment, choosing the right rehab center can significantly impact long-term recovery. Long Beach offers several top-tier options with advanced care for spinal cord injury survivors:
Dedicated to veterans, this CARF-accredited facility offers acute inpatient care and long-term rehabilitation with a multidisciplinary team.
Address: 5901 E 7th, Long Beach, CA 9082
Phone: 562-826-5701
Part of a nationally-respected system, this center provides inpatient and outpatient neuro-rehab services, including robotics and wheelchair fitting.
Address: 2801 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 908067601 East Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242
Phone: (562) 933-9001
This clinic specializes in non-surgical, multidisciplinary spinal care; neck/back rehabilitation, pain management, and assistive therapies in a patient-focused setting.
Address: 2650 Elm Ave, Suite 210, Long Beach, CA 90806
Phone: (833) 476-7377
When a spinal injury upends your life, you need a legal team with a track record of success and the compassion to guide you through every step. At RMD Law, our Long Beach attorneys have secured substantial recoveries for clients injured in motor vehicle collisions, workplace accidents, and other serious incidents.
We recognize the significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with spinal injuries. That’s why our knowledgeable attorneys handle every legal and insurance matter for you, so you can focus fully on your rehabilitation and healing. From working with medical professionals to filing all necessary claims accurately and promptly, we support you through every step. Our “no recovery, no fee” promise means you owe us nothing unless we win compensation on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury anywhere in California, contact us today for a free consultation. Let our skilled legal team provide the guidance and support you need to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Phone: (619) 555-1234
Fax: (619) 555-5678
Visit our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation now.
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Long Beach sits on the Pacific coast just south of Los Angeles, offering a blend of urban energy and seaside charm. The city’s deep-water port—one of the busiest in the United States—drives a bustling economy and shapes the skyline with cargo cranes and container terminals visible from miles away.
Downtown Long Beach features a vibrant waterfront district anchored by the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner, now a floating museum and hotel. Nearby, Shoreline Village’s shops and eateries line the marina, while aquariums, theaters, and art galleries add cultural flavor to the city’s heart.
Neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Naples each boast their own distinct character: Belmont Shore’s tree-lined streets and beach clubs draw sun-seekers, while the canals of Naples provide romantic gondola rides and waterside dining. For outdoor enthusiasts, miles of sandy beaches, bike paths along Ocean Boulevard.
Long Beach is also home to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), contributing a youthful energy, plus annual events like the Long Beach Grand Prix and the Festival of the Arts. With its mix of commerce, culture, and coastal living, Long Beach remains one of Southern California’s most dynamic and accessible cities.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
You may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic awards cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, home modifications, and lost wages (past and future). Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Your attorney will assess your unique situation to identify all potential losses and build a claim that reflects both your tangible expenses and the less-visible hardships you face.
Start by consulting a spinal injury lawyer familiar with Long Beach courts and insurance practices. They’ll review your accident details, medical records, and any available evidence, like police reports or eyewitness statements, to determine liability.
From there, they’ll guide you through filing deadlines, insurance claims, and, if necessary, a lawsuit. Early action helps preserve crucial evidence and ensures you meet statutory deadlines.
Spinal injuries can evolve over time, leading to additional surgeries or therapies. It’s important to keep your attorney updated on any new diagnoses or treatments. Your legal team can amend your claim to include added medical costs and adjust compensation estimates to account for future care needs, ensuring your settlement reflects the full scope of your long-term recovery.
Families across Long Beach and the rest of California trust our firm to handle spinal injury claims with dedication and care. Here’s what they’ve shared:
For victims and their families, the road after a life-changing accident can feel overwhelming. But understanding what catastrophic injuries are, how they affect the body and mind, and what legal options exist can make all the difference.
This article explains how pre-existing conditions affect spinal injury claims, how the Eggshell Plaintiff rule applies, and why working with an experienced personal injury attorney is critical to maximizing your compensation.
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Over $200,000,000 total recent personal injury wins for our clients. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers are eager to fight for you.
RMD Law found an insurance code violation by the defense insurance company in a dog bite injury case. With smart lawyering, we used the violation to argue that the $100,000 policy limits no longer applied.
The insurance company wrongfully refused to pay our client the $100k policy limit in a rollover auto accident. RMD Law refused to take no for an answer, and filed a lawsuit alleging bad faith, ultimately winning millions for our deserving client.
Confidential bad faith settlement – a negligent driver t-boned our client at a red light resulting in severe spinal injuries. The defendant’s insurance company unreasonably refused to pay the $100K policy limit. RMD Law filed a lawsuit seeking the true value of the case. Policy was opened, and the client settled for an amount vastly higher than the original limits.
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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