Houston Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Spinal cord injuries are often life-altering events that introduce new challenges to the lives of victims and their families. In a bustling city like Houston, with its ever-expanding infrastructure and heavy traffic, the risk of accidents leading to such injuries is an unfortunate reality. Legal assistance, in these instances, becomes not just a service but a necessity, enabling injured parties to navigate the legal challenges associated with their injury with support and dignity.
Our team at Fertitta & Givens provides knowledgeable guidance regarding the intricacies of filing a claim, dealing with insurance companies, and seeking compensation that reflects the gravity of the injury and the impact it can and will have on your life. Let our team take care of the legal legwork and negotiations while you focus on making a recovery.
Call (346) 258-5803 today to schedule a free initial case consultation with a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer at Fertitta & Givens.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries in Houston can arise from various incidents, often due to the negligence or reckless actions of another party.
Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: A leading cause of severe spinal damage is often attributed to vehicle accidents like high-speed collisions or rollovers.
- Falls: A significant portion of spinal injuries occur as a result of falls, especially on construction sites, where accidents from considerable heights or workplace incidents are prevalent. They are also common among senior citizens.
- Medical or surgical complications: Unforeseen spinal injuries can occur as a result of medical or surgical complications.
- Exacerbation of preexisting conditions: Negligent actions can turn minor incidents into serious injuries, aggravating preexisting conditions in the spinal region.
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Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are complex conditions that vary significantly in their nature and consequences. These injuries come in many different forms, each with its own set of complications. Their severity and effects on the body differ dramatically, making understanding the specific category of injury important in any legal claim.
Every type of spinal cord injury presents its own set of challenges, and the journey toward recovery or adaptation is profoundly personal and deeply complex. Legal aspects concerning these injuries involve not only their immediate physical implications but also their long-term care requirements, their potential for recuperation, and their overall influence on an individual's lifestyle and occupational capacity.
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Complete Spinal Cord InjuriesComplete spinal cord injuries occur when there is a complete loss of sensory and motor function below the point of the injury to the body. Within this category, we commonly encounter conditions such as tetraplegia and paraplegia, which result in the loss of sensation and control over the limbs and torso.
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Incomplete Spinal Cord InjuriesIncomplete spinal cord injuries are defined by the presence of sensation or control below the point of injury, albeit to varying degrees. The severity within this category varies greatly, leading to individuals possessing diverse functional abilities. Examples such as anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome, and Brown-Séquard syndrome fall into this category, each manifesting with distinct functional impairments.
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Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia)Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is a condition characterized by the complete paralysis of all four limbs and the torso. It typically occurs as a result of a cervical spinal cord injury. Individuals affected by this condition may experience a loss of movement in their arms and legs, as well as a lack of control over their bowel, bladder, and even respiratory system.
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ParaplegiaParaplegia is characterized by paralysis that affects the lower part of the body, typically resulting from injuries to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord. Although arm function is generally preserved, individuals with paraplegia commonly experience loss of leg mobility and may also encounter challenges related to bladder and bowel control.
Forms of Compensation in a Spinal Cord Injury Case
Victims of spinal cord injuries in Texas may be eligible for various forms of recourse to address the myriad costs associated with their injuries. The following subsections outline the types of compensation that may be pursued under Texas law.
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Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to measurable financial losses that victims face due to their injuries. These losses encompass immediate expenses as well as long-term costs associated with their injuries. The objective of awarding economic damages is to restore the injured party to their previous financial state as if the injury had never occurred.
Typical economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation services
- Assistive devices and transportation
- Future medical costs
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Non-Economic Damages
Texas law acknowledges that the impact of a spinal cord injury goes beyond financial losses, affecting the quality of life and psychological well-being of an individual.
Key forms of non-economic damages might include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
In adjudicating these damages, it is essential to demonstrate how the injury has altered the day-to-day existence and overall life trajectory of the victim. The goal of non-economic damages is to provide a semblance of justice for the intangible and non-quantifiable aspects of loss, which, while not as easily calculated as economic damages, are nonetheless profoundly impactful.
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Punitive DamagesIn cases where the responsible party's actions were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages, also referred to as exemplary damages in Texas, may be awarded. These are not tied to the victim's calculated losses but are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar misconduct in the future.
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Life-Care DamagesLife-care damages may be sought to cover the costs of the ongoing care required by a victim of a spinal cord injury. Because these injuries can be permanently debilitating, these damages aim to secure funding for future needs, such as modifications to living accommodations, long-term care services, and other necessary support systems.
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Wrongful Death DamagesIf a spinal cord injury results in death, the victim's family may pursue wrongful death damages. These can cover funeral and burial expenses, as well as the loss of the deceased's expected earnings. Additionally, they may include compensation for the survivors' emotional pain and loss of companionship.
Legal Advocacy for Victims of Spinal Cord Injuries in Houston
Dealing with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury is an incredibly challenging experience for both individuals and their families. At Fertitta & Givens, we understand the importance of providing compassionate legal guidance and representation to people struggling with injuries like these. What truly sets us apart, though, is our personal approach. We genuinely care about our clients and strive to develop tailored strategies that take into account the full extent of the impacts injuries like these can have on a person's life. Our focus is on meeting the unique needs and well-being of each client with compassion, respect, and dignity.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We offer a free, no-obligation case consultation where we can discuss your specific circumstances and provide information on the legal options available to you, your rights, and potential avenues for compensation.
Contact us online or call (346) 258-5803 to arrange a time to speak with our team.
