A spinal cord injury can change everything. Actions that once felt routine—walking, working, hugging your children—may suddenly become complicated or even impossible. These injuries are among the most devastating because they affect not only physical movement but every aspect of daily life. The emotional and financial weight is immense, and it often stretches far beyond the initial hospital visit.
If someone’s negligence caused your injury—on the road, at work, or in a public space—you may have grounds to pursue legal action. A Houston spinal cord injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and take the steps necessary to seek meaningful compensation. While no amount of money can undo what happened, a fair settlement could provide stability, care, and support for the years ahead. An experienced injury claims attorney can help guide you through the process with skill and compassion.
Types and Severity of Spinal Cord Injuries
Not all spinal cord injuries are the same. Some result in partial loss of movement or sensation, while others lead to full paralysis. The effects often depend on the location and severity of the injury. Generally, spinal cord injuries fall into two categories: complete injuries, where the patient has no function or feeling below the injury site, and incomplete injuries, where some movement or sensation may remain.
Injuries higher up the spine, such as in the cervical region, often result in more serious complications, including quadriplegia. Lower spinal injuries may lead to paraplegia or limited mobility. Regardless of the severity, a spinal cord injury typically requires extensive and expensive long-term care.
A Houston attorney with experience in spinal cord injury cases can work with medical experts to accurately assess both the injury’s immediate impact and how it may affect you in the future.
How These Injuries Happen
In major cities with dense populations and busy trafficways, spinal cord injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Some of the most common causes include:
- Acts of violence or trauma
- Recreational accidents, such as diving into shallow water
- Car crashes, especially those involving large trucks or high speeds
- Workplace accidents, particularly in construction or industrial settings
- Slips, trips, and falls, especially on unsafe or poorly maintained property
Each of these scenarios carries its own legal implications for lawyers to investigate. For example, a Houston spinal cord injury attorney can examine whether an employer failed to provide proper safety gear or if a distracted driver was the cause of a collision. Identifying all liable parties is a critical part of building a strong case.
The Long-Term Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries come with extensive physical and emotional challenges, but they also come with a high financial burden. Beyond the initial hospital stay, many individuals require months or years of rehabilitation, modifications to their home, and around-the-clock assistance. Some are never able to return to work. In many cases, a lack of resources forces families to act as caregivers in the place of medical professionals, putting further strain on finances and relationships.
Compensation in a spinal cord injury claim may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and adaptive devices
- Home renovations or vehicle modifications for accessibility
State law applies modified comparative fault under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, which can limit your recovery if the court finds that you are partly at fault. A Houston attorney with experience in spinal cord injury cases can help ensure your case is comprehensive and protect your rights from the outset.
Call a Houston Attorney To Help Support Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim
After a serious injury, legal action may not seem like a high priority, but pursuing justice may be one of the most important steps in securing the future—yours and your family’s. A seasoned attorney from Williams Hart & Boundas can help you hold the right parties accountable and fight for compensation that reflects the true scope of your losses.
You have been through enough. Talk to a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer today for help navigating the challenges ahead and exploring the legal options available to you. A strong case could lead to resources, support, and peace of mind.