What kinds of spinal cord injuries are there?
The level of injury depends on where the injury occurred. Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, describes a person with a spinal cord injury that is at a level from the cervical region of the spine through the thoracic region. A person with this injury may have loss of feeling in the head, neck, shoulder, arms and upper chest.
Paraplegia occurs in a person who has lost feeling and is not able to move the lower parts of the body, including the chest, stomach, hips, legs and feet. The spinal cord injury related to this condition occurs in the sacral and thoracic area of the spine.
How many people in the U.S. have spinal cord injuries?
About 450,000 people in the U.S. have disabling injuries to their spinal cord, and about 10,000 new cases are reported each year. About four of every five injuries are to males between the ages of 16 and 30, with most injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, acts of violence or falls.
What types of compensation are available to me after a spinal cord accident?
The spinal cord is relatively fragile and a fall, twist, bump, or other incident can lead to permanent pain, decreased mobility, or even paralysis. Any injury to your spinal cord can be life threatening. These injuries require long hospital stays and years of physical therapy as well as psychological treatment. If you have suffered a serious spinal cord injury as the result of another person's recklessness or erratic behavior, Texas law says that you have the right to hold that person responsible for the injuries they caused.
The Wyly Law Firm has the experience to help spinal cord injury victims recover compensation for current medical treatment, long-term medical costs, including special medical devices and in-home care. In addition, the spinal cord injury attorney at the Wyly Law Firm, P.C. can help you seek the compensation you deserve for pain and suffering, and lost income.
How can a law firm help me with my spinal cord injury lawsuit?
Spinal cord injuries are often caused by motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, industrial accidents, and maritime accidents. The legal team at the Wyly Law Firm is knowledgeable about spinal cord injuries, and the litigation process to help you seek the financial compensation you deserve. We work with experts including physicians, financial planners, and life-care planners to make sure you or your family member's future medical and financial needs are accounted for and fully compensated.
The Wyly Law Firm, P.C. commonly handles cases having to do with the following spinal cord injuries and conditions:
- Spinal fractures;
- Spinal contusions;
- Herniated discs (resulting in pain radiation, tingling, or numbness);
- Paraplegia (loss of feeling, movement, or sensation from waist down); and
- Quadriplegia - (paralysis of all four limbs).
What resources are available for spinal cord injury victims?
If a member of your family has suffered a serious spinal cord injury, you likely face difficult questions about caring for your family member and about how to best manage the cost of their future medical care. Several organizations exist to help people in this situation.
Nationally and in Texas, there are a variety of resources available for Spinal Cord Injuries. They include:
- Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services provides comprehensive rehabilitation services and information for individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries, helping them to receive intensive therapy with a goal of increasing independence.
- Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services administers long-term care and services for people who have cognitive and physical disabilities, including spinal cord injuries.
- National Spinal Cord Injury Association. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Americans living with spinal cord injury and disease. The group also provides support for family members of individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
The Wyly Law Firm, P.C., based in Houston, is committed to representing people throughout Texas with spinal cord injuries. Our spinal cord injury lawyer handles cases in Houston and the surrounding communities, including Harris County, Beaumont, Baytown, Galveston and Pasadena. The firm also handles business law issues and disputes. To contact Wyly Law Firm, P.C., call 713.574.7034, or reach the firm through the online contact form.
