Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Dallas, TX

Suffering from a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a life-altering experience that can cause physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Whether it’s due to a car accident, medical malpractice, or another form of negligence, the consequences of an SCI can be devastating. In the United States alone, hundreds of thousands of individuals are currently living with the effects of SCI. If you or a loved one has experienced an SCI due to the negligence of another party, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. A spinal cord injury lawyer in Dallas can help you understand your legal options and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. 

The attorneys at McGilberry & Shirer are dedicated to helping SCI victims navigate the legal process and obtain the justice they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Spinal Cord Injury FAQ’s

• What are the causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI)?
• What are the effects and impairments of SCIs?
• What to expect from a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Texas?
• What is your SCI claim worth?
• What kind of compensation can you get for your SCI injuries?

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Spinal cord injuries can occur due to a variety of causes, including traumatic incidents such as motorcycle accidents, automobile accidents, and industrial mishaps. These incidents can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, leading to temporary or permanent disability. Violence, including shootings and physical attacks, can also result in spinal cord injuries. Athletic or recreational impairments, such as diving or skiing accidents, can also cause spinal cord injuries. Slip and fall accidents, particularly among older adults, are another common cause of spinal cord injuries.

SCI Related Effects and Impairments

There are various effects of a spinal cord injury, ranging from physical disturbances to costly medical expenses. When it comes to categorizing SCIs, there are a few subtypes to keep in mind. Types of spinal cord injuries include:

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury. This means that the person cannot move or feel anything below the level of the injury. Complete spinal cord injuries are typically caused by severe trauma to the spinal cord, such as a car accident or a fall. They are more likely to occur in the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord and can result in paralysis of both arms and legs, as well as loss of bladder and bowel control.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when there is partial damage to the spinal cord, and some level of motor or sensory function remains below the level of the injury. This means that the person may still be able to move or feel some parts of their body, although they may experience weakness, numbness, or other sensory deficits. Incomplete spinal cord injuries can vary in severity, depending on the location and extent of the damage.

Incomplete spinal cord injuries are more common than complete injuries and may be caused by trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. The degree of recovery from an incomplete spinal cord injury depends on many factors, including the severity and location of the injury, the individual’s overall health and age, and the level of medical care and rehabilitation they receive. Treatment for incomplete spinal cord injuries may involve surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation to help the individual regain function and improve their quality of life.

The prognosis for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing significant recovery, while others may have permanent disability. Working closely with medical professionals and rehabilitation specialists can help individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries achieve the best possible outcomes.

Tetraplegia

Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is a type of paralysis that affects all four limbs and the torso, resulting in partial or complete loss of movement and sensation. This type of paralysis is caused by a spinal cord injury or other trauma to the neck or upper spinal cord.

Individuals with tetraplegia may have limited or no control over their arms, hands, legs, and feet, and may require assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and grooming. They may also experience difficulties with bladder and bowel function, breathing, and blood pressure regulation.

The severity of tetraplegia can vary depending on the location and extent of the spinal cord injury. Injuries that occur higher up in the neck tend to be more severe, resulting in a greater loss of function and sensation. However, advances in medical care and rehabilitation have improved the outlook for individuals with tetraplegia in recent years, and many people are able to lead fulfilling and productive lives with the help of assistive devices, therapies, and support from their families and communities.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, including the legs, hips, and lower torso. This type of paralysis is typically caused by a spinal cord injury or disease that occurs in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord.

Individuals with paraplegia may have limited or no movement or sensation in their legs and may require the use of a wheelchair or other assistive devices to get around. They may also experience difficulties with bladder and bowel function, sexual function, and temperature regulation.

The severity of paraplegia can vary depending on the location and extent of the spinal cord injury. Injuries that occur higher up in the spinal cord may also affect the arms and upper body, while injuries lower down may result in less severe impairment.

The potential value of your case can change greatly depending on several factors. The extent of your injuries, your age and occupation, your lifelong prognosis, and the skill of your attorney can all sway the amount you receive at the end of your case. Pain and suffering damages are often some of the highest-value awards in spinal cord injury cases. It is the jury that decides the amount of pain and suffering damages, largely based on the lawyer’s depiction of how the injury will impact the plaintiff for the rest of his or her life. Trust our law firm with your case if you want to work with lawyers you can count on for real results.

What to Expect During a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in Dallas

If you are pursuing a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Dallas, it’s important to understand what to expect during the legal process. Here are some general steps that may be involved:

1. Initial consultation: You will meet with a spinal cord injury attorney in Dallas to discuss your case and determine if you have a viable claim.
2. Investigation: Your attorney will conduct an investigation into the accident that caused your injury, which may involve gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
3. Filing the lawsuit: If your attorney determines that you have a viable claim, they will file a lawsuit on your behalf. This typically involves drafting a complaint and filing it with the court.
4. Discovery: Both sides will exchange information and evidence through a process called discovery. This may include written questions, requests for documents, and depositions.
5. Negotiation: Your attorney may attempt to negotiate a settlement with the other party’s insurance company or legal team to resolve the case outside of court.
6. Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will go to trial. During the trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury, who will make a final decision on the case.
7. Appeal: If either party is unhappy with the outcome of the trial, they may file an appeal to a higher court.

The specific steps involved in a spinal cord injury lawsuit can vary depending on the details of your case. However, having an experienced spinal cord injury attorney in Dallas on your side can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Is Your Claim Worth?

Determining the value of a spinal cord injury claim in Dallas can be a complex process that depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment needed, the impact on the victim’s quality of life, and the financial losses incurred as a result of the injury. Some of the damages that may be included in a spinal cord injury claim can include:

1. Medical expenses: This can include the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and other medical treatments related to the injury.
2. Lost income: If the victim is unable to work due to the injury, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and earning capacity.
3. Pain and suffering: This can include compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering experienced as a result of the injury.
4. Loss of enjoyment of life: If the victim is no longer able to participate in activities they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
5. Future care costs: If the injury requires ongoing medical treatment or personal care, the victim may be entitled to compensation for these future costs.
6. Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party for their negligence or misconduct.

Because each spinal cord injury claim is unique, it’s difficult to estimate the value of a claim without knowing the specific details of the case. However, a skilled spinal cord injury attorney in Dallas can help you assess the potential value of your claim based on the facts of your case and the damages you have suffered.

Spinal Cord Injury Medical Expenses

The medical costs associated with a spinal cord injury can become a life-long burden on victims and their families. The average medical expenses for the first year after the incident and each subsequent year after a SCI injury is estimated as follows depending on severity:

• High tetraplegia. First year: $1,079,412. Subsequent years: $187,443
• Low tetraplegia. First year: $779,969. Subsequent years: $114,998
• Paraplegia. First year: $526,006. Subsequent years: $69,688
• Motor function at any level. First year: $352,279. Subsequent years: $42,789

Types of Compensation For a Spinal Cord Injury

If your SCI was the result of the careless actions of another party, you may be able to recover reimbursement for the following costs and damages:

• Past and future medical expenses, including coverage for bodily impairments, physical injuries, and deformities
• In-home services and care
• Loss of income
• Emotional pain and suffering

If you suffered a spinal cord injury, contact the attorneys at McGilberry & Shirer or call (972) 392-1225 to schedule a no-commitment consultation today.