What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is any damage to the spinal cord or to the cauda equina, the bundle of nerves at its lower end. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and the body, so damage can affect movement, sensation, breathing, reflexes, bladder and bowel control, and sexual function.
Doctors describe these injuries in two ways:
- Complete or incomplete: whether any function remains below the injury.
- Level: cervical (neck) injuries can cause tetraplegia, affecting arms and legs; thoracic, lumbar, and sacral injuries can cause paraplegia, affecting the legs and lower body.
What Causes Spinal Cord Injuries?
Most spinal cord injuries come from sudden, violent force to the spine. Common causes include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
- Slip and falls and falls from ladders or roofs
- Diving and recreational accidents
- Assaults, including gunshot wounds
- Workplace accidents and medical errors
Long-Term Effects
The effects of a spinal cord injury often last a lifetime. Beyond paralysis or weakness, people may face:
- Chronic pain and muscle spasms
- Breathing problems and pneumonia risk
- Pressure sores, blood clots, and infections
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Depression and anxiety
- The need for attendant care, a wheelchair, and an accessible home and vehicle
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A spinal cord injury claim must account for the rest of the person’s life. Recoverable damages in Texas can include:
- Economic damages: hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, equipment, home changes, and attendant care, past and future
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Non-economic damages: pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in rare cases involving gross negligence, such as a drunk driver
Spouses may also have their own claim for loss of companionship. Life care planners, doctors, and economists usually help prove future costs. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, a free case review can help you understand what your claim should include.
About Brad Parker
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a complete and an incomplete spinal cord injury?
A complete spinal cord injury causes total loss of movement and feeling below the level of injury. An incomplete injury leaves some function, which can vary widely from person to person. The type affects treatment, the chance of improvement, and how much future care the claim needs to cover.
What is my spinal cord injury case worth?
No one can give an honest figure without reviewing the facts. Value depends on the severity and level of the injury, your age and work, the cost of lifetime care, who was at fault, and available insurance. Future losses are usually proven with a life care plan and economic testimony.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible. Texas follows modified comparative fault under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, and you recover nothing if your share is greater than 50 percent.
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Texas?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury under Section 16.003. Claims against a city, county, or state agency can require written notice within six months or less under the Texas Tort Claims Act, so early action protects your rights.