A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can affect how the brain and body communicate. The injury may cause changes in movement, feeling, strength, and other body functions. Some people recover part of what they lost, while others have lasting abilities.
The effects can reach far beyond a hospital stay. A person may need surgery, rehabilitation, medical equipment, help at home, or changes to where and how they work. Families may also face medical bills and lost income while trying to adjust to new responsibilities.
When an injury was caused by someone else, The Texas Law Dog can determine whether there may be grounds for a personal injury claim. Our Arlington spinal cord injury lawyer will review what happened, handle the insurance company, and seek the damages available.
What Are the Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are generally described as complete or incomplete. The Texas Law Dog can review medical records and other evidence to understand the extent of an injury when it is part of a personal injury claim.
A complete injury causes a loss of feeling and voluntary movement below the injured area of the spinal cord. With an incomplete injury, some feeling or movement remains. The location of the damage also affects which parts of the body are affected.
An injury may cause paraplegia, which generally affects the lower body, or tetraplegia, also called quadriplegia, which can affect the arms, trunk, and legs.
What Causes a Spinal Cord Injury?
A sudden blow or force can damage the spinal cord or the bones and tissues surrounding it. The Texas Law Dog handles personal injury cases involving accidents that can cause serious damage to the spine.
Traumatic spinal cord injuries may result from:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Falls
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Sports and recreational accidents
- Acts of violence
Disease and certain medical conditions can also damage the spinal cord. However, a personal injury claim generally involves an injury caused by another person’s or company’s negligent or wrongful conduct.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
The symptoms of spinal cord damage depend on where the injury occurred and how severe it is. A person may experience numbness, weakness, loss of movement, pain, muscle spasms, or changes in sensation. Spinal cord damage can also affect bladder and bowel control. Injuries higher on the spinal cord may interfere with breathing.
An Arlington catastrophic injury lawyer at The Texas Law Dog can use medical records to document the symptoms and limitations connected to the accident-related injury.
Some symptoms appear immediately after an accident. Others may become clearer as doctors perform tests and monitor the person’s condition.
How Can a Spinal Cord Injury Affect Daily Life?
People searching “what is a spinal cord injury” may also want to know how the injury could affect their daily lives. At The Texas Law Dog, we consider these changes when evaluating the losses associated with an injury claim.
Someone with serious spinal cord damage may need help walking, bathing, dressing, driving, or completing other daily tasks. Wheelchairs, home modifications, rehabilitation, or personal assistance may become necessary.
Medical care may continue for years, while the injury can limit a person’s ability to return to the same job or work the same number of hours. Family members may also take on new caregiving duties.
What Treatment May Be Needed for a Spinal Cord Injury?
Treatment varies based on the location and severity of the damage. Initial care may include imaging tests, medication, surgery, or other treatment to stabilize the spine. Rehabilitation can include physical and occupational therapy to help a person regain function or adapt to physical limitations.
Some people also need long-term medical care, mobility equipment, assistance at home, or modifications to a house or vehicle. The Texas Law Dog can help document medical care and related expenses when pursuing a claim for an accident-related spinal cord injury. We also can refer clients to medical and financial resources when appropriate.
When Can a Spinal Cord Injury Lead to a Personal Injury Claim?
Texas law allows an injured person to seek damages when another party is legally responsible for the harm. The Texas Law Dog can examine whether those rules apply after a crash, fall, or another accident.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 also addresses cases in which an injured person shares responsibility. A person generally cannot recover damages if they are more than 50% responsible for the harm.
There is also a deadline to consider. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the claim arises, though exceptions can apply. Our firm can determine which deadline applies to the case.
Talk to Our Team About a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can raise legal questions when someone else caused the accident. Our Arlington personal injury lawyer can review what happened, explain your legal options, and discuss whether you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
Founding attorney Matthew E. Aulsbrook worked in the insurance industry and owned insurance agencies before becoming a lawyer. That experience gives him firsthand knowledge of how the insurance business works. Our firm brings that perspective to cases involving insurers that dispute responsibility or the value of a claim.
The Texas Law Dog offers free case reviews and is available 24/7, including evenings and weekends. Se habla español. There are no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you. We don’t just bark, we bite. Contact our team today to discuss your injury.
