A spinal cord injury (SCI) could lead to a lifetime of specialized medical care for victims of catastrophic accidents. If you are suffering from neck or back trauma due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold them responsible for their actions. Call a spinal cord injury lawyer in The Woodlands today to learn how you could receive monetary compensation for your losses.
Common Spinal Cord Accidents
Though many spinal cord injuries are caused by vehicular accidents, there are many other incidents that can lead to neck or back trauma. Some examples include:
- Slip and falls in the home, such as in the bathtub
- Recreational activities, such as horseback riding or skydiving
- Contact sports
- Alcohol-related incidents
- Violence involving guns or knives
- Domestic violence
A local attorney with experience handling SCI claims could review the details of an accident to build a case.
Assessing Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries do not always manifest themselves right away. Thus, it is crucial for victims of any head, neck, or back trauma to seek immediate medical attention. Waiting to receive treatment could increase the severity of the injury.
Spinal cord trauma can cause full or partial paralysis. These types of injuries are classified as complete or incomplete depending on the victim’s loss of a movement below the point of injury.
SCIs are considered complete if the victim loses all ability to move below the site of the damage. The injury is incomplete if they have partial movement below the injury.
When a person’s entire body is paralyzed, a victim is considered quadriplegic or tetraplegic. If the paralysis only affects the lower body, it is called paraplegia.
No Cure for Spinal Cord Injuries
As swelling decreases in the traumatized area, a victim may regain some or all mobility. However, there is no known cure for spinal cord damage.
There are several treatments available, depending on the severity of the injury. If the spinal cord is crushed or severed, extensive rehabilitation may be the only treatment. Pain medication, steroids, and spine surgery could also be valid treatment options.
Spinal cord damage can completely alter the way a victim lives. In addition to expensive treatment, they may need to make alterations to their home or vehicle in order to get around safely. A nearby SCI lawyer could help victims get the financial compensation they need for a lifetime of care.
Monetary Compensation for Victims of Negligence
An individual suffering from spinal cord damage due to another person’s negligence has the right to file for damages. Victims can be compensated for many economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical care
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
A spinal cord injury attorney in the area could help an injured party determine what they could be compensated for.
Statute of Limitations in Texas Personal Injury Cases
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, a victim has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. This prevents the threat of a lawsuit hanging over a defendant’s head indefinitely and encourages evidence to be collected as soon as possible after the incident. An SCI attorney in the community could make sure a case is filed on time.
The Woodlands Spinal Cord Injury Attorney can Advocate for You
Neck and back injuries are among the most devastating for victims of catastrophic accidents. Fortunately, a spinal cord injury lawyer from the Woodlands could advocate for your right to receive just compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.