How to Help Your Child With a Spinal Cord Injury Caused in a Car Accident and Get Them the Compensation They Deserve

If your child suffers a spinal cord injury in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, their life and yours will change forever. Suddenly, you're facing a lifetime of challenges you never imagined. 

However, as you help your child with a spinal cord injury, you don't have to find your way forward alone. With the proper support, resources, and legal guidance, you can give your child the best possible future. Our dedicated San Diego car accident lawyer can assist you in finding the daily assistance your child needs and fight for the justice and compensation your child deserves for their injuries.

What Are the Most Critical Needs After a Child's Catastrophic Spinal Cord Injury?

After a spinal cord injury caused by a car accident, your child needs specialized medical care, adaptive equipment, and intensive rehabilitation. Depending on the severity and location of the damage, they may require:

• Around-the-clock nursing care. Spinal cord injuries often cause breathing difficulties, circulation problems, and skin breakdown that demand constant attention. Your child may need in-home nursing support or extended stays in a rehabilitation facility.
• Mobility devices and home modifications. Wheelchairs, accessible vans, and renovation projects help your child regain independence. Costs can include custom seating systems, vehicle lifts, stairlifts, roll-in showers, and widened doorways.
• Ongoing therapy and psychological support. Physical, occupational, and mental health specialists are essential for maximizing recovery and quality of life. Your child may also benefit from aquatic therapy, adaptive sports, counseling, and peer support groups.

How to Support Your Child's Return to School

Giving your child help after a spinal cord injury often includes helping them return to school. Transitioning back to the classroom after a spinal cord injury requires careful planning and coordination. Your child's school should develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines necessary accommodations, such as:

• Adapted learning materials and assistive technology
• Modified schedules and attendance policies
• Accessible transportation and classroom spaces
• Paraprofessional support for physical and academic needs

Remember, your child has the right to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible. Advocate for the services and supports they need to thrive academically and socially.

How Can You Help Your Child Cope with a Spinal Injury?

Your love and support are the most powerful tools to help your child adapt to life with a spinal cord injury. While they may feel that the journey ahead is impossibly hard, taking small steps makes a meaningful difference in their recovery. Here are some ways you can assist them after a spinal cord injury:

• Empower them to set goals. Encourage your child to work with therapists to set and achieve milestones in their recovery. Celebrate each victory, whether relearning a skill or exploring a new passion.
• Embrace a "new normal." Help your child focus on activities they can enjoy rather than dwelling on limitations. Modify favorite hobbies, explore adaptive sports, and seek out inclusive social opportunities.
• Promote independence. Let your child take the lead in self-care tasks, even if it takes longer. Providing choices and respecting their decisions rebuilds self-esteem.
• Maintain hope. Share stories of people thriving with spinal cord injuries, and reassure your child that a fulfilling future is possible. Encourage them to express their emotions honestly and lean on loved ones for support.

Why Building a Strong Family Support Network Is Crucial 

Spinal cord injuries impact the entire family. Prioritizing your own well-being is just as critical as caring for your child. Seek help from nearby family members and close friends. Connect with other parents in similar situations, and don't hesitate to seek counseling when you need help processing complex emotions. Remember, you can't effectively help your child from an empty cup.

What Compensation Can You Recover From the Insurance Company for Your Child's Spinal Cord Injury Claim? 

Your child also needs you to pursue their insurance claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. This will ensure that they have the necessary funds to receive the care they require to treat their injuries and lead a fulfilling life. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a person’s medical expenses can exceed $1,000,000 in the first year and nearly $200,000 annually thereafter. 

Under California law, the at-fault driver is responsible for compensating your child for their injuries. Your first step will be to file a car accident claim with their insurance company. Your child could be entitled to a wide range of damages in their settlement, including:

• Past and future medical bills
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Adaptive equipment and home renovations
• Accessible transportation expenses
• Lost future income and benefits
• Pain, suffering, and lost quality of life

Our experienced San Diego car accident lawyer will work with medical and economic experts to carefully calculate the full value of your child's claim. While no amount of money can erase your child's suffering, a comprehensive settlement can provide vital resources for their future.

How Can an Experienced San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Play in Helping You Obtain the Justice and Compensation Your Child Needs?

When your child suffers a catastrophic injury because of someone else's reckless actions, pursuing accountability is an act of love. Our dedicated lawyer can handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your child's healing. Attorney Mark Blane has been approved as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Here are some ways he’ll assist you in helping your child: 

• Investigate the collision. Mark will thoroughly investigate the accident to identify its cause, all liable parties, and sources of compensation. This may include the at-fault driver, their employer, a vehicle manufacturer, or a government agency responsible for road maintenance.
• Collect critical evidence to build your case. Our legal team will gather the evidence you need to prove your child’s case, including police reports, medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements, to establish liability and damages.
• Carefully calculate damages. Mark will determine your child's long-term needs to ensure any settlement offer fully accounts for their future care and quality of life. This includes working with life care planners and economists to project lifetime costs for your child.
• Negotiate your child’s settlement. Mark will aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to secure the best possible settlement. He will use proven strategies to apply pressure and compel a fair resolution. He’ll also follow the special procedures required under California law for approval of your child’s settlement.
• Sue the driver. Our lawyer will file a lawsuit and present a compelling case in court if settlement talks break down. Mark is a fierce litigator and will take your child’s case to trial if the insurance company tries to bully you into accepting less than your child deserves.

You only have one chance to build a strong claim for your child's future. Choose our car accident lawyer who has a track record of success in complex catastrophic injury cases and will provide you with the personalized legal guidance you need.