Dallas Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

A spinal cord injury arises when there is damage to the spinal cord, a critical part of the central nervous system that conveys messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The severity of spinal cord injuries can vary and significantly affect motor and sensory functions depending on the location and extent of the damage. There are two primary types of spinal cord injuries – complete and incomplete.

In a complete spinal cord injury, there is a total loss of sensation and motor function below the site of injury. The neural signals cannot pass through the injured site, often resulting in paraplegia (affecting the lower half of the body) or tetraplegia (affecting all four limbs and the torso).

In an incomplete spinal cord injury, there is still some degree of sensation or motor function below the site of injury. The extent of sensory and motor function loss can vary widely among victims.

Any significant impact on the spinal cord can result in complete or partial loss of motor control and sensation, such as paralysis. Other potential health consequences can include loss of bowel and bladder control, difficulty breathing, and loss of normal sexual function.

Spinal cord injuries can result from various forms of negligence or misconduct. Our Dallas spinal cord injury lawyers understand how to successfully approach cases involving many types of incidents.

Many spinal cord injuries are caused by:

In the moments following an injury, first responders generally focus on immobilizing the spine to avoid additional trauma. Quick transportation to a specialized medical facility is crucial. Once in an emergency room, the medical team may administer high-dose steroids such as methylprednisolone to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes if administered within eight hours of injury. Advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans are employed to assess the extent of the injury and plan initial treatment steps.

Surgery is often necessary to stabilize the spinal column and decompress any areas where bone fragments, herniated discs, or foreign objects may be compressing the spinal cord. Spinal fusion may be performed to stabilize fractured vertebrae by using bone grafts combined with metal rods and screws. Decompression surgery aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord, potentially preventing further damage. The choice of surgical intervention depends on the type, location, and severity of the injury, alongside the overall health of the victim.

The long-term recovery process includes extensive rehabilitation to help victims regain as much function as possible. Physical therapy is often a cornerstone of rehabilitation, focusing on muscle strengthening, maintaining flexibility, and improving cardiovascular health. Occupational therapy helps individuals relearn daily activities and adapt to new physical limitations, while speech therapy may be needed if the injury affects the upper spinal cord and impacts speech or swallowing. The development of personalized rehabilitation plans targets the specific needs and goals of each patient, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.

The psychological impact of a spinal cord injury can be significant, necessitating robust support systems for both the victim and their family. Counseling services and support groups play a critical role in addressing the emotional and mental health challenges associated with such a life-altering event. Therapy can help patients cope with depression, anxiety, and the adjustment to new physical realities. Providing ongoing psychological support is essential for fostering resilience and promoting overall well-being.

Technological advancements have significantly improved the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, exoskeletons, and adaptive driving tools enable greater independence and mobility. Innovations in adaptive technology, including voice-controlled devices, computer interface systems, and home automation, allow patients to perform tasks that might otherwise be challenging. These tools can not only enhance functionality but also contribute to a sense of empowerment and improved mental health.

You need and deserve comprehensive short- and long-term medical treatment when you suffer spinal cord injuries. If these injuries were the result of another party’s negligence, you should have to stress about how you will pay for your care. Our Dallas spinal cord injury attorneys are prepared to fight to secure the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

When pursuing a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Texas, you can seek various types of damages to compensate for the financial, physical, and emotional burdens associated with such a devastating injury. These damages are meant to address both the tangible and intangible losses you have suffered and will continue to endure.

Economic damages are intended to cover the financial losses directly attributable to the spinal cord injury. These damages can be substantial, as spinal cord injuries often result in significant medical expenses and loss of income.

Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses. This encompasses all current and future medical costs related to your spinal cord injury. It covers hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, physical therapy, and specialized medical equipment. In severe cases, expenses may also include long-term care and home modifications to accommodate a disability.
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity. If your spinal cord injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injury affects your ability to earn a living in the future, you can claim damages for lost or reduced earning capacity. This calculation takes into account your age, occupation, and potential career trajectory had your injury not occurred.
• Rehabilitation costs. The costs for ongoing rehabilitation services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling are often recoverable.

Non-economic damages compensate for the more subjective, non-monetary aspects of the injury. These damages acknowledge the profound personal and emotional impact of spinal cord injuries, which can be lifelong and debilitating.

Examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering. This covers the physical pain and emotional distress that you endure as a result of your injury. Pain and suffering damages are based on the severity and duration of the pain, as well as its impact on your quality of life.
• Mental anguish. Spinal cord injury victims often experience significant emotional trauma, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, due to their injuries. Compensation for mental anguish seeks to address these psychological impacts that are not necessarily visible but can dramatically affect your daily life.
• Loss of consortium. Spinal cord injuries can severely impact relationships with your spouses and other family members. Loss of consortium damages compensate for the loss of companionship, affection, sexual relations, and overall relationship quality that your injury has caused.