Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating types of injuries a person can sustain, often leading to significant long-term effects on mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Tacoma Spinal Cord Injuries Attorneys at Oshan and Associates have worked with numerous clients who have suffered from SCIs due to car accidents, catastrophic injury related accidents , and other forms of negligence.

Why Should Oshan & Associates Represent You In Your Tacoma Spinal Cord Injury Case?

• Experience - For over 25 years Oshan & Associates has been helping thousands of personal injury victims put their lives back together again. In that time, we have recovered millions for our client's cases in Washington State.
• Expertise - As a full-service personal injury law firm, we have the resources to take on the largest corporations and insurance companies. Our Tacoma spinal cord injury lawyers handle a wide range of accidents such as car accidents, semi truck accidents bus accidents and more... No matter the complexity we can handle it!
• No Recovery No Fee - We are so confident in our abilities to secure a favorable settlement or verdict for you that we take your personal injury accident case on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay us if you win! 
• Max Compensation - We are not a referral firm, nor will we settle your case for minimum amount just to get it off our desk. We have proven track record of success for our clients with max recovery. 
• Local Tacoma Lawyers - We know local laws and rules when it comes to insurance settlement practices, bad faith and the local courts. For instance local rules are different from Pierce County to King County etc. You need a local Tacoma personal injury firm to navigate the complexities of a spinal injury case and bring it all the way to trial if necessary. 
• Free No Obligation Consultation - We offer a free evaluation of your case free of charge without any obligation on your part. 

Tacoma Spinal Injury Lawyer Evan Oshan Has Been Fighting For The Injured For Over 2 And a Half Decades! 

Evan M. Oshan and his team are not afraid to go against powerful corporations or the government. With his ‘never say defeat’ spirit and his push to represent the best of his Clients' interests Evan M. Oshan has been called a warrior for justice. Evan Oshan has experience working with all types of brain injury claims in the state of Washington including but not limited to TBI / brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, and even wrongful death.

Evan M. Oshan was quoted, featured and interviewed in hundreds of news publications worldwide including but not limited to: New York Post, TMZ, ABC, CBS, NBC, Washington Post, Fox, Inside Edition, The Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Times, CNBC, New York Post, CNN, New York Daily News, Metro UK, People, PBS and more.

Oshan & Associates, P.C. has consistently and effectively secured substantial international, national, and local media contracts, appearing in a plethora of media coverage pieces for high profile cases. Obtaining multiple gag order confidential settlements with hard line negotiation achieving success in settlements and favorable verdicts. No case is too small, every person matters and every case is unique and treated with the outmost respect. 

Real Clients Real Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Michelle 

Evan is a great lawyer!!!

(AVVO REVIEW)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tony Autrey

"I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Oshan & Associates. Evan and his team went the extra mile to take care of me. I am 100% certain that no one else could have represented me and achieved even close to the same results Evan did. My recovery, well being, and outlook are more positive than I ever imagined as a direct result of his compassion, professionalism, and expertise. There was never any doubt that he was looking out for my best interests throughout the entire process. Evan and Associates is the first, best, and only firm I would refer friends, family, or anyone who needs attorney services to!"

(GOOGLE REVIEW)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mike L. 

"Excellent Representation from Evan! As the old saying goes, there is the best and the rest.  Evan is absolutely the Best!  Evan helped me when no other attorney would.  Seriously, too much to list in a review.  If you are fortunate enough to have Evan as your attorney he will be your true advocate. You will be in great hands and can rest easy as he will perform professional work on your behalf that no other lawyer will.  In my case, one of the ways he helped me is he hired multiple top shelf professionals each in their own field of study to interview me to provide expert testimony of my situation.  That's just one of the many!  I have been around quite a while, I have had lawyers represent me over the past decades that never did anything close to what Evan has done for me.  Evan is a high level expert Super Lawyer and at the same time down to earth and easy to talk to.  Evan is a wonderful caring person so a pleasure to work with.  He will always have your best interest at heart.  Evan is now my attorney for life.  If you need representation, look no further.  Do yourself a favor and give Evan a call!"

(GOOGLE REVIEW)

See All Reviews

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. This damage can disrupt the communication between the brain and the body, leading to a loss of movement and sensation. The severity and type of injury depend on the location and extent of the damage.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Complete Spinal Cord Injury:

This type of injury results in a total loss of sensory and motor function below the injury site. Individuals with complete SCIs may experience full paralysis in all limbs (quadriplegia) or lower limbs only (paraplegia).

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury:

In incomplete spinal cord injuries, some sensory or motor function remains below the injury site. The degree of function retained varies widely among individuals.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Traumatic Injuries:

These include falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence (such as gunshot wounds).

Non-Traumatic Injuries:

These can result from conditions such as tumors, infections, or diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Prevalence and Statistics of Spinal Cord Injuries

Understanding the prevalence of spinal cord injuries can help shed light on their impact on society. Here are some key statistics:

• According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), approximately 17,810 new spinal cord injury cases occur annually in the United States. 
• It is estimated that over 291,000 individuals currently live with spinal cord injuries in the U.S.
• The average age of individuals sustaining SCIs has increased from 29 years in the 1970s to 43 years today. Males account for approximately 78% of all SCIs.
• Washington State sees approximately 300 new spinal cord injuries each year.
• The leading causes of SCIs in Washington include vehicle accidents (over 40%), falls (30%), and sports-related activities (10%).
• Tacoma mirrors state and national trends in spinal cord injuries. The city’s bustling environment, combined with recreational activities and a growing population, contributes to the risk factors associated with SCIs.

The Physical and Emotional Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Physical Effects

• Loss of mobility and sensation.
• Bowel and bladder incontinence.
• Respiratory issues for injuries at the cervical level.

Psychological and Emotional Effects

• Depression and anxiety.
• Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury can be challenging, requiring individuals to relearn daily activities and cope with new limitations.
• Access to mental health support and counseling can be critical in helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges associated with SCIs. -

Legal Considerations for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

The Role of Negligence

In many cases, spinal cord injuries result from the negligence of another party. Establishing negligence is critical in pursuing a personal injury claim. The four elements of negligence include:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act in a manner that would not cause harm to others.
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold this duty through negligent actions or omissions.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the spinal cord injury.
4. Damages: The victim suffered damages as a result of the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Types of Cases Involving SCIs

Spinal cord injury claims can arise from various situations, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are common causes of SCIs.
• Workplace Accidents: Falls, machinery accidents, and other workplace incidents can lead to spinal cord injuries.
• Medical Malpractice: In some cases, SCIs can result from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or inadequate treatment.
• Sports Injuries: Certain sports, especially contact sports, can lead to spinal cord injuries due to falls or collisions.

Comparative Negligence in Tacoma, Washington 

Washington State operates under a “comparative negligence” rule. This means that if a victim is found to be partially at fault for their injury, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a victim is 20% at fault in a car accident, their recovery will be reduced by 20%.

Statute of Limitations In Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma WA SOL for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the injury. Failure to file within this timeframe may result in losing the right to pursue a claim. There are a few exception to this rule though so you would need to consult with a local tacoma spinal cord injury law firm.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the complexities of a spinal cord injury claim can be overwhelming, especially for victims and families facing the challenges of recovery. Having an experienced personal injury attorney in Tacoma WA can significantly impact the outcome of a case. We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, assess your legal options, and provide guidance moving forward. Our team conducts a comprehensive investigation to gather evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts. We advocate on your behalf to ensure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court, advocating fiercely for your rights. Oshan & Associates recognize the emotional toll of spinal cord injuries. Our firm provides compassionate support throughout the legal process, connecting you with resources for counseling and rehabilitation. 

Rehabilitation and Recovery for Spinal Cord Injury Survivors

Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The process can be extensive and may involve various therapies, including:

• Physical therapy helps regain mobility, strength, and coordination and develop a personalized exercise programs. 
• Occupational therapy which focuses on helping individuals perform daily activities and regain independence. Therapists may assist with adaptive techniques and equipment. 
• Speech therapy is for individuals with communication or swallowing difficulties, speech therapy can be beneficial. 
• Psychological and mental health professionals can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of living with a spinal cord injury. 
• Many individuals with spinal cord injuries require long-term care and support.
• Home modifications and adapting living spaces to accommodate mobility challenges, such as installing ramps and grab bars. 
• Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, and other devices may be necessary for mobility and daily activities. 
• Support groups and connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide emotional support and resources for coping. 

Financial Implications of Spinal Cord Injuries

The financial burden of a spinal cord injury can be substantial. Costs associated with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care can quickly add up. Initial treatment for spinal cord injuries may involve hospitalization, surgery, and specialized care. Ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy can be expensive, often requiring multiple sessions per week. Individuals may be unable to work during recovery, leading to lost wages. Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals may face permanent limitations that affect their ability to work, leading to decreased earning capacity. Adapting living spaces for accessibility can be costly. The need for wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other devices can add to expenses.

Seeking Compensation

Victims of spinal cord injuries may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including: 

• Past and future medical costs
• Compensation for income lost due to the injury.
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: 

Spinal cord injuries represent a serious public health issue that can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families. Understanding the statistics, causes, legal implications, and emotional impacts of these injuries is crucial for victims seeking justice and support. At Oshan and Associates, we are committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal representation to those affected by spinal cord injuries.