Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most devastating trauma a person can experience, instantly changing every aspect of life and creating overwhelming challenges for victims and their families.
When negligence causes spinal cord damage in Austin, you need an experienced Austin spinal cord injury lawyer who understands both the complex medical issues and the substantial compensation required for lifetime care.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, our dedicated Austin personal injury lawyer team knows that “Putting Our Clients First. Always!” means securing the resources necessary to maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life despite catastrophic spinal injuries.
Understanding Spinal Cord Anatomy and Function
The spinal cord serves as the body’s primary communication highway between the brain and the peripheral nervous system. This delicate bundle of nerve tissue runs through protective vertebrae from the brainstem to the lower back. When it is damaged, it cuts off or garbles communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Cervical spinal cord injuries occur in the neck region and typically result in the most severe disabilities. These injuries can cause quadriplegia affecting all four limbs, respiratory function, and temperature regulation.
Thoracic spinal cord injuries affect the mid-back region and often result in paraplegia with loss of function below the injury level. Victims typically retain full use of their arms and hands but lose leg function and sensation.
Other spinal cord injury types to know include:
- Lumbar injuries affecting lower back and leg function
- Sacral injuries impacting bowel and bladder control
- Complete injuries causing total loss of function below the injury level
- Incomplete injuries allow some sensation or movement to remain
Immediate and Long-Term Consequences
Emergency medical treatment for spinal cord injuries focuses on stabilizing the spine, reducing inflammation, and preventing further damage. Immediate surgical intervention may be necessary to decompress the spinal cord or stabilize fractured vertebrae.
Rehabilitation begins as soon as medical stability allows and continues for months or years following injury. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive training help victims maximize remaining function and learn new ways to perform daily activities.
Secondary health complications frequently affect spinal cord injury victims throughout their lives. These may include respiratory infections, blood clots, pressure sores, autonomic dysreflexia, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
How Much Do They Cost?
The financial impact of spinal cord injuries can exceed several million dollars over a victim’s lifetime. Initial medical care, ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and personal care assistance create enormous expenses.
Why Choose Omega Law Group for Your Austin Spinal Cord Injury Case
Our family-operated firm provides the unique combination of personal attention and sophisticated legal resources essential for complex spinal cord injury cases. Direct attorney access ensures you can communicate with experienced legal counsel when questions or concerns arise.
Partner Robin Saghian provides his personal cell phone number to clients, maintaining direct communication throughout the case. Our Austin spinal cord injury attorneys understand the unique challenges spinal cord injury cases present and work with medical experts, life care planners, and rehabilitation specialists to build arguments for maximum compensation.
Compensation Available in Austin Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Texas law allows spinal cord injury victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages to address all aspects of their losses. Most people need the help of a spinal cord injury lawyer to get them the most money possible.
Economic damages compensate for measurable financial losses directly caused by the injury. Medical expenses represent the largest component of most spinal cord injury settlements, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation therapy, prescription medications, adaptive equipment, and projected lifetime care costs.
Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment
Home modifications and adaptive equipment costs can be substantial for spinal cord injury victims. These may include wheelchair accessibility modifications, adaptive vehicles, computer equipment, and specialized medical devices.
Environmental control systems allow spinal cord injury victims to operate lights, electronics, and other devices through voice commands or minimal physical input. These systems can greatly enhance independence in home and work environments.
- Advanced wheelchair seating and positioning systems
- Computer access equipment for work and communication
- Adaptive driving controls for vehicle operation
- Home automation systems for environmental control
- Functional electrical stimulation devices
Compensation for spinal cord injury victims should include funding for current and future assistive technology needs. These devices can be expensive but provide crucial independence and quality of life improvements.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often challenge spinal cord injury claims by questioning the severity of injuries, disputing the need for certain treatments, or arguing that the victim’s condition would have occurred regardless of the accident.
Early settlement offers rarely reflect the true value of spinal cord injury claims, particularly when insurance companies attempt to resolve cases before the full extent of injuries and future needs are established.
Expert medical testimony becomes essential in countering insurance company arguments and demonstrating the true extent of spinal cord injuries and their impact on victims’ lives and futures.
Contact Our Austin Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Don’t let insurance companies minimize the devastating impact of your spinal cord injury in Austin. Our experienced legal team understands the profound challenges these injuries create and fights relentlessly for the comprehensive compensation needed to maintain independence and dignity.
Call Omega Law Group today for your free consultation and let our family take care of your family during this life-changing time.
Our Austin spinal cord injury attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case and begin pursuing the substantial compensation you deserve for your spinal cord injury.