Spinal cord injuries can have severe and enduring repercussions. They can cause paralysis, chronic pain, and other life-altering conditions, resulting in costly medical expenses and lost wages. In Texas, those who sustain spinal injuries due to someone else’s negligence have legal recourse to recover damages. In this article, our spinal injury attorney in Austin will discuss the causes, symptoms, and legal options available to those with spinal cord injuries.
How do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur?
Numerous types of incidents and occurrences can result in spinal injuries. These are some of the most prevalent causes:
- Accidents involving motor vehicles are the primary cause of spinal cord injuries. These may result from distracted or intoxicated drivers, irresponsible behavior, or defective vehicles.
- Falls: Falls are the second most prevalent cause of spinal cord injuries. They may result from unsafe work environments, inadequately maintained public spaces, or hazardous conditions in private structures.
- Sports-related injuries: Athletic activities like football, diving, and gymnastics can cause spinal cord injuries.
- Violent acts: Gunshot wounds, puncture wounds, and other violent acts can also cause spinal injuries.
Spinal Cord Injury Signs
Injuries to the spine have both immediate and long-term symptoms. Among the most prevalent symptoms of a spinal cord injury are the following:
- Loss of sensation or movement: Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete loss of sensation or movement in the afflicted body area.
- Difficulty breathing: The spinal cord injury near the top of the spine may impact the muscles that regulate breathing.
- Chronic pain: Spinal cord injuries can result in chronic, difficult-to-manage discomfort.
- Bladder or bowel issues: Spinal cord injuries can affect the nerves that regulate the bladder and intestine, leading to incontinence or other issues.
Alternatives to Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Texas
If someone else’s negligence causes you to sustain a spinal cord injury, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses through the legal system. In Texas, the following legal options are available:
- Personal Injury Lawsuit
A personal injury lawsuit can assist you in recovering compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. To file a personal injury lawsuit, you must establish that the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries.
- Product Liability Lawsuit
If a defective product caused your spinal injury, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for product liability. This form of lawsuit can assist you in recovering damages caused by a defective product.
After a Spinal Cord Injury, How Can Our Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
After sustaining a spinal injury, our personal injury attorneys can assist you in navigating the legal system and claiming compensation for your losses by:
- Investigating the Accident: We will investigate the accident that caused your spinal injury to determine who was at fault and collect evidence to support your case. This includes analyzing your medical records and hiring the appropriate experts to prove your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We will negotiate to ensure you are compensated fairly for your injuries.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, we will file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Calculating Damages: We will help you calculate the damages to which you are entitled, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Working with Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer to Put Together Your Case
When contemplating a spinal cord injury lawsuit, it is crucial to comprehend the different types of cases that may be filed. There are three primary forms of spinal cord injuries, including trauma to the spinal cord and spinal cord compression. Each form of injury has its legal requirements and possible outcomes.
We will review your case’s circumstances and assess your injury’s severity to determine if you have a valid spinal cord injury claim. We will assist you in recognizing your rights and responsibilities.
We must collect evidence to support our claim to create a solid case. This may include medical records, testimony from witnesses, and photographs. It is essential to securely retain all pertinent evidence to present it to your attorney.
Lastly, you must prepare for court appearances and proceedings if we file a lawsuit. This includes ensuring you have the necessary documentation and are ready to answer any court queries.
If you or a loved one sustains a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer. At the Law Office of Matthew Shrum, our spinal cord injury attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and experience to assist you in recovering the compensation to which you are entitled.