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 spine injury lawyer 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.
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 work with medical experts. These experts testify for the accident victim. This helps the victim’s family get the most compensation allowed by law.
Spinal cord injury cases are very complex. They need special legal help to deal with the emotional, physical, and financial effects of these 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 know the legal system can be confusing. We promise to answer all your questions about your case and the legal process.
A severe injury from a car accident is the main reason for a full spinal cord injury.
Greg Baumgartner, the founder of Baumgartner Law Firm, has spent the last 40 years helping accident victims. He is top-rated in personal injury and wrongful death cases and has won tens of millions for accident victims with a spine injury in Houston and across Texas. Let his skills, experience, and winning track record work to maximize your compensation.
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can have life-altering consequences, and obtaining compensation requires proving the elements of your legal claim. Building a strong case is essential, whether based on negligence, strict liability, or intentional tort. Below, we outline the critical aspects you must establish to win a spinal cord injury case.
Negligence is one of the most common legal theories in spinal cord injury claims. To succeed, you must prove the following elements:
Duty of Care
The first requirement is demonstrating that the defendant owed you a duty of care. The level of care required depends on the nature of the relationship. For example, a motorist owes a duty to drive responsibly and follow traffic laws, while a healthcare professional must provide treatment consistent with the standards of their medical profession.
Breach of Duty
Once the duty of care is proven, you must show that the defendant breached this duty. For instance, a driver who causes an accident by running a red light has breached their responsibility to operate a vehicle safely.
Causation
You must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your spinal cord injury. This involves demonstrating two elements:
Damages
Finally, you must establish that the injury resulted in tangible damages. These may include medical expenses, lost income, ongoing rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. Supporting proof such as medical records, expert testimony, and financial documentation is critical for quantifying these losses.
Regardless of the legal theory your claim is based on, presenting strong evidence is essential. Key types of evidence include:
Organizing and presenting this evidence effectively can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Winning a spinal cord injury case requires a comprehensive understanding of the law, meticulous evidence gathering, and skilled legal representation. Our experienced attorneys specialize in spinal cord injury cases and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. We work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to negligence, contact Baumgartner Law Firm today to discuss your case. We are here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this challenging time. Call us 24/7 at (281) 587-1111.
There are many ways to get a serious spinal cord injury. One of the most common is a car accident or another motor vehicle accident. And our truck accident lawyers see neck and back fractures frequently. Getting an experienced Houston spine injury lawyer asap after your accident is vital to the fight for full compensation.
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. These are usually fractures. Sometimes, doctors operate quickly to stop spinal cord damage and prevent more injuries.
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 cases, doctors do not diagnose the seriousness of a spinal cord injury right away. It may take weeks or even months after the crash. An MRI is done later, which shows 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 advanced tests, like an MRI or a CT scan, are needed to correctly diagnose some neck and back injuries.
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. Doctors check the patient’s movement, feelings, and reflexes during the physical exam. This helps them understand how serious the injury is. 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 early phase, quick medical help is very important. It stabilizes the spine, reduces pressure on the spinal cord, and fixes 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 include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of rehab. These help the patient regain movement 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 rehab are important. They help manage the long-term effects of the injury. This may include managing pain, treating problems like pressure sores and urinary tract infections, and providing respiratory support. People with spinal cord injuries may need assistive devices. They might also need changes to their living space. These changes can help improve their quality of life.
If you or someone you care about has a spinal cord injury, it is very important to get medical help right away. 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.
The following are highly rated Houston hospitals with orthopedic specialists:
Surgery is sometimes needed to help the victim with daily life. This is especially true for spine 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. Finding a good orthopedic surgeon you trust is crucial if you have a bad neck or back injury. You might also think about getting another doctor’s opinion.
Neck and back surgeries have improved significantly 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.
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious event. It disrupts how the spinal cord works. This can cause a loss of movement, feeling, or automatic functions in some body parts. The spinal cord is an important part of the central nervous system. It sends messages between the brain and 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 fully cut, leading to a total loss of movement and feeling below the injury site. An incomplete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord is only partly damaged, allowing some motor and sensory functions to remain below the injury site.
Further classification of spinal cord injuries is based on the level of the injury:
Knowing the type and severity of a spinal cord injury is important. This helps in deciding the right treatment and rehabilitation plan.
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. The costs for spine surgery vary by location. 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.
Muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones protect the spinal cord. However, it can be seriously damaged if even a small part of the vertebra is harmed.
Common reasons for a fractured vertebra include being crushed or trampled. This can happen from vehicle tires, crowds, or heavy objects falling on the back. It can also occur from a very strong spine extension, like in severe whiplash.
Signs of a spinal cord injury often appear within minutes after an accident. However, some symptoms may not show up for 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 need a wheelchair to get around. They might also need help with daily activities. Medications may be necessary for health issues caused by the injury. Some may even need nursing care around the clock.
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 to contact a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer immediately. If you or someone you know has a spinal cord injury, it is important to get help quickly. 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, taking steps to maximize your compensation is essential. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your spine injury settlement:
The first and most crucial step after a spine injury is to seek medical treatment. This is important for your health. It also keeps a record of your injuries. This record can be used as evidence in your case.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. If you don’t do this, the insurance company can argue that your injuries are not as serious as you say.
To support your compensation claim, keep detailed records of all medical expenses. Also, track lost wages and other costs related to your spine injury. This includes receipts, medical bills, and pay stubs.
You should keep a journal about your pain and suffering. Write about how your injury affects your daily life. Include any emotional distress you have felt.
Handling a spine injury case can be complex and overwhelming, especially with insurance companies. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. They will fight for your rights. They will also have access to resources and experts who can help strengthen your case.
Insurance companies may 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 initially offered.
Consult with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offers to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Read More: How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in Texas?
Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, Section 16.003, sets a legal deadline of two years for most spinal cord injury claims. You must file a case timely to protect your right to claim compensation. Call a Houston spine injury lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm for a FREE CONSULTATION.
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 will likely 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 important to get help from lawyers if you have serious spine injuries. This is especially true for injuries from car accidents and falls. Houston spine injury lawyers can assist you.
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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