Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering, affecting not only the victims but also their families. These injuries often result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Victims must seek legal representation to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Our experienced Houston spinal injury lawyers can help you get maximum compensation.
Contact the Houston spinal cord injury lawyer with over 35 years of experience and a proven track record of excellent results. Call Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111 for your free case consultation.
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic event that disrupts the normal function of the spinal cord, leading to a loss of motor function, sensation, or autonomic function in parts of the body. The spinal cord is a crucial central nervous system component, acting as a conduit for messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Spinal cord injuries can be classified into two main types: complete and incomplete.
A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is entirely severed, resulting in the total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury. In contrast, an incomplete spinal cord injury means that the spinal cord is only partially damaged, allowing for some retained motor and sensory function below the injury site.
Further classification of spinal cord injuries is based on the level of the injury:
Understanding the type and level of a spinal cord injury is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Recovering from a spinal cord injury can take years. The worst-case scenario involves victims who never even partially recover from their injuries. Neck and back injury lawyers utilize the expertise of medical experts to testify on behalf of the accident victim so the victim’s loved ones receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
Spinal cord injury cases are particularly complex and require specialized legal representation to navigate the significant emotional, physical, and financial impacts resulting from such injuries.
The Houston spine injury lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm, a personal injury law firm that also incorporates empirical evidence into its legal arguments, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and MRIs, to prove the severity of the spinal cord injury.
Detailed medical records further support evidence by clinically detailing the victim’s past, present, and future condition.
If you have suffered spinal cord injuries, finding a spinal cord injury attorney is the first step in getting fair compensation.
Personal injury lawyers specializing in neck, back, and spinal cord injuries represent their clients by:
The Baumgartner Law Firm specializes in spinal injuries. They will keep you updated and available throughout your case. This will happen from the beginning to the end. We understand how confusing the legal system is and commit to carefully answering all your questions about your case and the legal processes involved.
A severe injury from a car accident is the main reason for a full spinal cord injury.
There are many ways to suffer a serious spinal cord injury; perhaps one of the most frequent is a car accident or other motor vehicle accident. And our truck accident lawyers see neck and back fractures frequently.
An overview of spinal cord injuries and truck accidents shows how serious this type of injury can be with large impacts.
In some cases, the spinal cord’s trauma is immediately evident and diagnosed in the emergency room. Generally, these are fractures; sometimes, the victim is operated on relatively quickly to prevent spinal cord damage and further injury.
The cost of a spinal cord injury can vary substantially depending on the diagnosis and treatment.
More frequently is the situation where the personal injury victim is taken to the emergency room, and x-rays show no fractures. The victim is discharged to follow up with his or her treating physician or recommended orthopedic doctor.
In many of these cases, the seriousness of the spinal cord injury is not diagnosed until weeks or even months after the crash, when an MRI is done, which reveals the damage. Spinal injury should never be taken lightly.
Medical expenses can add up quickly. With serious spinal injury, surgical intervention is often required.
Call the Houston spinal cord injury lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111 for a free case consultation.
It is a myth that X-rays show all spinal cord injuries – they do not. More sophisticated tests- an MRI or even a CT scan are necessary to diagnose some neck and back injuries correctly.
Doctors typically attempt conservative treatment before ordering an MRI to avoid the excess expense. This can lead to a delay in the correct diagnosis after an automobile accident.
It is crucial to understand that treatment for spinal cord injury begins right at the scene of an accident. Immediate medical attention and early treatment steps are essential to minimize trauma effects, maintain breathing, and prevent shock.
Regularly we see injuries such as bulging discs and herniated discs as a result of serious car accidents. However, the injury is usually diagnosed after a CT Scan or an MRI. Most spinal cord injuries require extensive medical expenses and physical therapy.
Personal injury attorneys frequently see fractures and herniated discs after a car accident.
Diagnosing a spinal cord injury involves a thorough physical examination, a detailed medical history, and a series of diagnostic tests. During the physical examination, doctors assess the patient’s motor function, sensation, and reflexes to identify the extent of the injury. Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and determining the severity of the injury.
Common diagnostic tests for spinal cord injuries include:
The treatment of spinal cord injuries varies depending on the level and severity of the injury. In the acute phase, immediate medical intervention is crucial to stabilize the spine, relieve spinal cord pressure, and repair damaged vertebrae or discs. Surgical procedures may be necessary to achieve these goals.
In the subacute phase, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and recovery. This may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation to help the patient regain motor function and independence. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual’s needs and may include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.
In the chronic phase, ongoing medical care and rehabilitation are essential to manage the long-term effects of the injury. This may involve pain management, treatment of secondary complications such as pressure sores and urinary tract infections, and respiratory support. Spinal cord injury victims may also require assistive devices and modifications to their living environment to improve their quality of life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, contacting a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for your injuries and ensure that you receive the necessary medical care and rehabilitation to recover.
There are some cases in which surgery is required to help the victim deal with everyday living, especially when dealing with pine injuries. Going through surgery is a scary thing for anyone, and many people put it off as long as possible.
Others, comment later on how thankful they are that they went through the operation as it allowed them relief from the pain. If you have a bad neck or back injury, it’s crucial to find a good orthopedic surgeon you trust. You might also think about getting another doctor’s opinion.
Neck and back surgeries have improved a lot in the past 15-20 years, with shorter recovery times for some procedures. Some neck and back injuries can make it hard for people to live without disabilities and enjoy their lives fully.
Fractures and herniated discs are the most common damages to the spinal column after a motor vehicle accident.
The University of Alabama, in a recent study, cited the average medical bills of spinal cord injury to be:
These figures are national averages, and larger metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio have significantly higher costs for medical care. Some of our cases have lifetime medical care, projected to be several million dollars. Add in lost income, and families can easily be financially devastated by the accident. Not to mention the pain and suffering. An injured person suffering from a spinal cord injury faces a substantial financial burden due to these high costs.
Fortunately, Houston has some of the finest physicians in the world, is on the cutting edge of spinal cord injury care, and options that were unavailable ten years ago exist today.
Spinal cord injuries frequently involve one or more fractured vertebrae severed or damaged the spinal cord. Accident victims suffering a fractured vertebra almost immediately experience excruciating pain, numbness and tingling in the back and legs, and sometimes unconsciousness.
Protected by the muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones comprising the vertebra, the spinal cord is vulnerable to irreversible damage if even a small section of the vertebral column is compromised.
Common reasons a vertebra is fractured include being crushed or trampled (vehicle tires, crowds, heavy objects falling on the back) or suffering an extremely forceful extension of the spine (severe whiplash).
While signs of a spinal cord injury usually emerge within minutes following an accident, other symptoms may not emerge for several days or weeks. The accident victim’s health may deteriorate as ongoing fluctuations in cerebral blood flow and pressure build inside the skull.
Spinal cord injuries can negatively affect the victim’s emotional, cognitive, and physical condition before, during, and after rehabilitation therapy. They may require a wheelchair to move about, assistance with daily activities, medications to address health problems arising from the injury, and even 24-hour nursing care.
If the victim is the sole provider for a family, they will need financial assistance to cover living, hospital, home care, medication, and therapy costs. Out-of-pocket expenses and medical bills add up quickly in Houston, Texas.
This is one of the many reasons why it is imperative to contact a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible if you or someone you know has suffered a spinal cord injury. Spine injury victims should get help quickly after an accident.
Insurance adjusters often dispute spine injury claims. Therefore, it is recommended that you get an experienced personal injury attorney for such injuries.
The value of a spine injury settlement depends on several factors, including:
Call the Houston spinal cord injury lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111 for a free case consultation.
The amount of compensation you can receive for a spine injury can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case. Here are some examples of spine injury settlements to give you an idea of what to expect:
If you have suffered a spine injury, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to maximize your compensation. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your spine injury settlement:
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
The first and most crucial step after a spine injury is to seek medical treatment. Not only is this essential for your health, but it also creates a record of your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your case.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. Failure to do so can be used against you by the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Keep Detailed Records
To support your claim for compensation, it’s crucial to keep detailed records of all medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your spine injury. This includes receipts, medical bills, and pay stubs.
You should also keep a journal of your pain and suffering, including how your injury has affected your daily life and any emotional distress you have experienced.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating a spine injury case can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights. They will also have access to resources and experts who can help strengthen your case.
Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Insurance companies may try to offer you a quick settlement to avoid a lengthy legal battle. However, it’s essential not to settle too quickly, as you may be entitled to more compensation than what is initially offered.
Consult with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offers to ensure that you are receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Read More: How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in Texas?
The harder the impact, the more likely a severe spinal cord injury can occur. Vehicle accidents, such as car wrecks at higher speeds, can easily lead to spinal injury. A collision with a big rig is likely to cause a severe injury, and one should consult the best truck accident lawyer to fight for justice!
Also, falls at construction sites are a leading cause of critical back injuries. Our construction accident attorneys in Houston have helped many families after crippling or fatal accidents. It is vital to seek legal representation from Houston spine injury lawyers for severe spine injuries caused by vehicle accidents and falls.
Baumgartner Law Firm has been handling significant neck and back injury cases for over 35 years, and we are extremely proud of our track record of success.
We have helped numerous families where the clients received six and seven-figure settlements. Please visit our results section for further information on recent cases.
Call our experienced personal injury attorney in Houston for a free initial consultation regarding your rights and options and know that we charge no fee on the cases we accept unless we win your case.
Call (281) 587-1111 or send us an email asking for a consultation
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
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