Spinal cord injuries are one of the most devastating of injuries. Your spinal cord consists of a nerve network that travels from your brain’s base to near your waist. It is an essential part of your body’s messaging system. Injury to your spinal cord can cause catastrophic and irreparable damage that will forever impact your life. You will likely be facing extensive and ongoing medical expenses.
If someone else’s negligence played a role in your spinal cord injury, you might be entitled to damages under Texas law. You should contact Adam Capetillo, an experienced personal injury attorney, who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
There are two categories of spinal cord injuries: incomplete and complete. An incomplete spinal cord injury is when you still have some functioning body parts located below the affected body part. Individuals who suffer incomplete injuries can usually continue to regain functioning for about a year after the accident. It is the more common type of spinal cord injury.
A complete spinal cord injury is when you cannot move anything below the affected body part (paralysis). There are four main types of paralysis:
1. Paraplegia – paralysis below the waist;
2. Quadriplegia – paralysis below the neck;
3. Hemiplegia – paralysis of the limbs on one side of the body; and
4. Monoplegia – paralysis of a single area of the body, such as an arm or leg
Complete spinal cord injuries often have severe medical complications, including chronic pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, and increased risk of heart and respiratory problems.
What are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Sugar Land?
There are various causes of spinal cord injuries, but they occur most often from a sudden, traumatic impact that fractures, dislocates, or crushes the vertebrae. Some common causes of spinal cord injuries in Sugar Land include:
• Car and motorcycle accidents,
• Slip and falls,
• Sports injuries,
• Workplace injuries,
• Violent attacks, and
• Illnesses involving the brain.
What are Common Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you suspect you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it is critical to get medical attention as soon as possible. Common symptoms of spinal cord injuries include:
• Weakness;
• Loss of movement;
• Tingling;
• Loss of sensation;
• Loss of bowel or bladder control;
• Extreme back pain;
• Difficulty walking; and
• Difficulty breathing.
How Do I Prove Someone Was at Fault for My Spinal Cord Injury in Sugar Land?
You might be entitled to financial compensation under Texas law if your spinal cord injury was the result of someone else’s action (or inaction). Examples of negligence include driving under the influence and surgical errors.
The injured party has the burden of proving that their spinal cord injury was caused by the defendant’s negligence. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation and present evidence, which may include:
• Medical Records,
• Witness Testimony,
• Expert Testimony,
• Police Reports, and
• Photos and Videos.
What Types of Damages are Available in a Spinal Cord Injury Case in Sugar Land?
The damages that you can expect to receive depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, your age, your occupation, and your lifelong prognosis. You may be able to recover the following types of damages:
• Past and future medical expenses,
• In-home services and care,
• Disfigurement,
• Loss of income, and
• Emotional pain and suffering.
An experienced personal injury attorney will fight to get you the maximum compensation.
What Happens If I Suffer a Spinal Cord Injury at Work in Sugar Land?
If you were injured at work and your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance coverage, you will most likely be limited to filing a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and lost income. When you file a workers’ compensation in Sugar Land, you are not required to prove that your employer was at fault for the spinal cord injury. You are entitled to compensation regardless of fault.
How Long Do You Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Case in Sugar Land?
In general, you have two years from the date of your spinal cord injury to file a lawsuit in Fort Bend County. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. If the statute of limitations has passed, you will be barred from filing a claim no matter how strong your case. Do not wait to contact a qualified Sugar Land personal injury attorney.
Your Sugar Land Personal Injury Attorney
Adam Capetillo is an experienced Sugar Land attorney passionate about protecting the rights of his clients. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, we encourage you to call our office today at (346) 249-5544 to schedule a free consultation.