Victoria Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Helping Victims of Spinal Cord Injuries in South Texas

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. The spinal cord is the main pathway for information to travel between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the brain can no longer communicate with the body, resulting in paralysis and other serious complications.

Spinal cord injuries are often caused by the negligent or wrongful acts of others. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At Cole, Cole, Easley, & Sciba, P.C., our Victoria spinal cord injury lawyers are committed to helping injured individuals and their families fight for the justice and fair recoveries they are owed. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that spinal cord injuries can take, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.

Call our office at (361) 678-3233 or contact us online to request a consultation with our Victoria spinal cord injury lawyers.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury is one in which the victim has no feeling or movement below the site of the injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury is one in which the victim has some feeling or movement below the site of the injury.

Spinal cord injuries are further classified by the area of the spine in which they occur. The higher up the spine the injury is, the more severe the resulting complications will be. In general, the higher the injury, the more of the body that will be affected. For example, an injury to the neck may result in paralysis from the neck down, while an injury to the lower back may result in paralysis from the waist down.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are:

Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury will depend on the severity and location of the injury. Some of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

Can You Sue for a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

However, these types of lawsuits are highly complex and require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence, build a strong case, and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

Here are some types of damages that could be recovered in a spinal cord injury claim:

• Medical Expenses: Medical costs following a spinal cord injury can be astronomical. From emergency care and surgeries to rehabilitation and ongoing treatments, these expenses can accumulate rapidly. A successful claim can help recover the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any required medical devices, such as wheelchairs or braces.
• Lost Wages: Spinal cord injuries often lead to extended time off work, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the injury. You may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings, which includes future earnings if your injury impacts your ability to return to work or continue in the same capacity. This compensation helps account for both immediate and long-term financial hardships.
• Pain and Suffering: Spinal cord injuries frequently cause chronic pain and emotional distress. Pain and suffering damages take into account the physical and emotional trauma that accompanies a spinal cord injury. This type of compensation is more subjective but vital for recognizing the life-altering effects of the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury has significantly altered your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you could be able to recover damages for loss of enjoyment of life. Whether it's hobbies, recreational activities, or even daily tasks that have become impossible or difficult due to the injury, these damages help to recognize the impact on your quality of life.
• Permanent Disability: Some spinal cord injuries result in permanent disability, such as paralysis. If your injury has caused partial or complete paralysis, you may be entitled to additional compensation. This could include the costs associated with long-term care, home modifications, and adaptive equipment to accommodate your disability.
• Home Modifications and Assistive Devices: Many spinal cord injury victims require modifications to their homes or specialized equipment to accommodate their new physical limitations. This might include wheelchair ramps, modified bathrooms, or voice-activated devices. These costs can be included in your claim to ensure that your home is accessible and safe for you to live in.
• Loss of Consortium: In severe cases, a spinal cord injury can impact your relationships with your spouse or family. Loss of consortium often refers to the lack of the benefits of a family relationship because of the injury, including companionship, affection, and sexual relations. Compensation for loss of consortium can be pursued by the injured party's spouse or close family members.
• Emotional Distress: The emotional toll of a spinal cord injury can be immense. Many victims experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional distress damages recognize the psychological and emotional effect the injury has had on your mental health and overall well-being.