Spinal Cord Injuries
Although recent advances in medical science hold out promise for physical recovery for victims of spinal cord injury, an accident or medical mistake resulting in nerve injury, paralysis, paraplegia or quadriplegia is certainly one of the most devastating events that can occur.
Spinal cord injury changes lives. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to medical malpractice, an assault or an accident caused by another's negligence, the Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers of Miller Weisbrod Olesky can offer you sound legal advice and experienced, dedicated representation in seeking full financial recovery in the form of an insurance settlement or jury award.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury Claims
We help clients seek full recovery after a motor vehicle accident or preventable medical error results in permanent nerve damage or spinal cord injury, such as:
- Misdiagnosis of spinal cord impingement resulting in nerve injury
- Failure to diagnose or properly treat an infection like meningitis
- Medication error or negligent monitoring resulting in blood clot formation and improper treatment
- Delayed diagnosis of a tumor
- Improper treatment of a ruptured or herniated disc
To discuss the accident or act of medical negligence that caused your spinal cord injury, please contact our offices in Dallas today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury and medical malpractice trial lawyer.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be divided into two types of injury – complete spinal and incomplete:
- A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent damage to the area of the spinal cord that is affected. Paraplegia or tetraplegia are results of complete spinal cord injuries.
- An incomplete spinal cord injury refers to partial damage to the spinal cord. The ability to move and the amount of feeling depends on the area of the spine injured and the severity of the injury. Outcomes are based on a patient’s health and medical history.
Levels of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are four sections of the spinal cord: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. Each section of the spine protects different groups of nerves that control the body. The types and severity of spinal cord injuries can depend on the section of the spine that is injured. Learn about the sections of the spine, four levels of spinal cord injury and possible recovery outcomes.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
Cervical spinal cord injuries affect the head and neck region above the shoulders. It is the most severe level of spinal cord injury.
Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries
Thoracic spinal cord injuries affect the upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles. Arm and hand function is usually normal with this level of spinal cord injury.
Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries
Lumbar spinal cord injuries affect the hips and legs. Individuals may need a wheelchair or walk with braces with this level of spinal cord injury.
Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries
Sacral spinal cord injuries affect the hips, back of the thighs, buttocks and pelvic organs. Individuals are most likely able to walk with this level of spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injury Expenses
When evaluating a settlement offer or laying out a case before a jury, it is vitally important to consider not only the immediate financial costs and lost earning capacity that result from a spinal cord injury. It is necessary to work out a comprehensive life care plan that accounts for future expenses as well, such as:
- Home wheelchair, travel wheelchair or other mobility device
- Vehicle conversion and assistance devices such as lifts
- Home modification such as ramps and chair lifts; bath, shower, bed and kitchen access devices and countertop modifications
- Modification at your place of employment
- Pain medication and other prescription drugs
- Attendant care and assistance
- Potential future medical costs associated with bowel and bladder issues
The first step is to quantify the total lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury. We have the substantial experience and access to leading experts that allows us to approach this process with complete confidence.
The second step is to manage any insurance settlement or jury-awarded recovery. We go the extra mile for our clients, helping them structure financial compensation in such a way that it serves the intended purpose — making their lives easier, providing for future care and restoring as much of a sense of normalcy as possible.
Contact Miller Weisbrod Olesky
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, we invite you to call our offices in Dallas today at 888.987.0005. Clients in the DFW Metroplex may call our local hotline at 214.987.0005. You may also contact us by e-mail today to schedule a free consultation or to get honest answers to your legal questions about spinal cord injury insurance claims and lawsuits.