Bryan-College Station Spine Injury Lawyer

Expert Legal Support for Spine Injury Claims

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to an accident or trauma in the Bryan-College Station or surrounding area, you understand how life-altering this injury can be. At Rhodes Humble LLP, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of spinal cord injuries navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation they deserve. A spinal cord injury can result in significant medical expenses, long-term care needs, and lost wages, but with the help of a knowledgeable Bryan-College Station spinal cord injury attorney, you can hold negligent parties accountable and seek justice.

Call (979) 459-9888 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free case evaluation.

What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord – the vital bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body – is damaged. The spinal cord extends from the brainstem down through the vertebral column, and injury to this delicate structure can disrupt the transmission of signals between the brain and body. The severity of the injury depends on its location on the spine and the extent of the damage.

A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis below the level of injury. In the most severe cases, SCI can result in a condition known as "quadriplegia" or "tetraplegia," where all four limbs and the torso are affected. Alternatively, a "paraplegic" injury may result in the paralysis of the lower half of the body, including the legs and sometimes the trunk. The effects of spinal cord injuries can vary, but they often result in long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Common Causes of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can occur from a variety of traumatic events. The following are some of the most common causes of SCIs:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. High-speed collisions, rollover accidents, and rear-end crashes can all result in severe injuries to the spine.
• Falls: Falls, particularly among elderly individuals, are another leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Falls from great heights, such as from ladders or scaffolding, or slips and falls at home or on a sidewalk, can cause significant trauma to the spine.
• Workplace Accidents: Construction workers, factory employees, and other laborers are often at risk for spinal cord injuries due to hazardous conditions, heavy machinery, or falls from scaffolding and heights.
• Sports Injuries: High-contact sports such as football, rugby, and gymnastics, as well as diving accidents, can lead to spinal cord injuries when individuals experience sudden impacts or forceful falls.
• Violence: Spinal cord injuries can also result from acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds, stabbings, or physical assaults. These injuries often result in immediate, life-changing consequences.
• Medical Conditions: In addition to traumatic events, certain medical conditions, including spinal tumors or infections, can also lead to spinal cord damage. These injuries may not be caused by trauma but can result in similar debilitating effects.

Common Types of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are classified based on their severity and the location of the damage. These classifications help medical professionals and attorneys understand the long-term prognosis and the potential impact on an individual’s life. Some of the most common types of spinal cord injuries include:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is fully severed or damaged to the point that no sensory or motor function remains below the level of injury. Individuals with a complete injury typically experience total paralysis of the limbs and torso.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: In an incomplete spinal cord injury, there is partial damage to the spinal cord, meaning some sensory or motor function remains below the injury site. The extent of recovery depends on the specific location and nature of the injury.
• Cervical Spinal Cord Injury (C1-C7): Injuries to the cervical spine, which is located in the neck region, can have the most profound effects. Damage to the cervical spinal cord can lead to quadriplegia, which involves paralysis of all four limbs.
• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury (T1-T12): Injuries to the thoracic spine, located in the mid-back, typically result in paraplegia, affecting the lower limbs and torso but leaving the arms unaffected.
• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury (L1-L5): Damage to the lumbar spine can result in partial paralysis or loss of sensation in the lower limbs, including the legs, pelvis, and lower torso.
• Sacral Spinal Cord Injury (S1-S5): Sacral spinal cord injuries, which occur in the lower back, may cause partial loss of function in the hips, legs, or bladder control, though upper body function is typically preserved.

Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

The long-term effects of a spinal cord injury can be life-changing and require significant adjustments in daily life. These effects depend on the location and severity of the injury but often include:

• Loss of Movement and Sensation: The loss of motor control and sensation below the level of the injury can result in complete paralysis or limited mobility. For many individuals, the need for a wheelchair and assistance with mobility becomes permanent.
• Respiratory Problems: Injuries to the cervical or high thoracic spinal cord can interfere with the ability to breathe, requiring the use of ventilators or other respiratory support.
• Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Many individuals with spinal cord injuries experience difficulties with bladder and bowel control, leading to the need for specialized medical management and potential reliance on assistive devices.
• Chronic Pain: Some individuals with SCI experience chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, which results from nerve damage. This can be difficult to manage and significantly affect quality of life.
• Psychological Effects: The emotional toll of living with a spinal cord injury can be profound. Many individuals experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as they adjust to life with long-term disability.
• Reduced Quality of Life: Spinal cord injuries can impact many aspects of daily life, including employment, personal relationships, and physical activities. The long-term care required can also place a financial strain on the individual and their family.

Why You Need a Bryan-College Station Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, obtaining compensation in these cases can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical providers, and legal procedures. A Bryan-College Station spinal cord injury lawyer from Rhodes Humble LLP can provide the legal support and advocacy you need.

Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate the cause of your injury, build a strong case, and fight for the compensation that reflects the true impact of your spinal cord injury. We understand that these injuries can change your life, and we are committed to helping you rebuild and recover.

To get started on your claim, contact us today at (979) 459-9888.