Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious and life-changing consequences of an accident. 38% of spinal injuries are caused by car accidents and 32% are caused by falls. In the early days following a spinal injury, you may have more questions than answers. Understanding what to expect, how recovery works, and what your legal options are can make all the difference.
At Batrice Law Firm, our team of top rated Austin personal injury lawyers has helped over 10,000 individuals navigate the aftermath of severe injuries. Here’s what every accident victim should know about spinal cord injuries in Texas.
1. Understanding the Type of Spinal Cord Injury
One of the first things your doctor will explain is whether your injury is complete or incomplete.
- A complete spinal cord injury means there is a total loss of movement and sensation below the site of injury.
- An incomplete spinal cord injury means some function or feeling remains.
This distinction is crucial because it helps determine your long-term prognosis and the type of care you’ll need. In most cases, individuals with incomplete injuries have a greater potential for partial recovery, especially with early medical intervention and consistent rehabilitation.
2. The Level of Injury Determines the Extent of Impact
The location of the injury on your spinal cord directly affects which parts of your body are impacted.
- Cervical (neck) injuries can result in quadriplegia or paralysis in all four limbs.
- Thoracic (mid-back) injuries can affect the torso and legs.
- Lumbar and sacral (lower back) injuries may result in partial loss of function in the legs and lower body.
Understanding this helps you and your care team plan for recovery, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. A spinal injury lawyer in Austin, TX can also use this information to accurately calculate your medical and life care costs when pursuing compensation.
3. Early Rehabilitation Is Key to Recovery
In recent years, medical experts have emphasized the importance of starting rehabilitation early, often within days of the injury. Early therapy can help maintain muscle tone, prevent complications, and support neurological recovery.
Following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan is critical, but recovery often extends far beyond the hospital. Many spinal injury survivors require:
- Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Regular medical evaluations
- Emotional and psychological support
Your attorney can help you document these ongoing needs to ensure they’re fully covered in your personal injury claim.
4. The Financial Burden Can Be Overwhelming
Spinal injuries can lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses, especially when long-term care or specialized equipment is needed. Victims often face months or even years of lost income.
If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence, Texas law allows you to pursue compensation for your damages. These may include:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Long-term care and support services
An experienced Austin personal injury attorney will investigate your case, gather medical documentation, and work with experts to calculate the full financial impact of your injury.
5. Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies often try to minimize spinal injury claims by undervaluing future costs or questioning the extent of impairment. Having an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer ensures your rights are protected from day one.
At Batrice Law Firm, we use medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and life care planners to build strong, evidence-based claims. We understand how spinal cord injuries affect every part of your life and we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaway
A spinal cord injury is more than just a medical condition it’s a life-altering event that demands the right care, the right plan, and the right legal support. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, workplace incident, or fall, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Texas, contact Batrice Law Firm. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Austin, TX are here to answer your questions, guide you through the legal process, and help you secure the resources you need for recovery and stability.
