Houston Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
Experienced help for victims of paralysis and spinal injuries in Texas
Spinal cord injuries are often defined as “catastrophic” because of their severity and permanence. Both spinal and spinal cord injuries come in a variety of types and conditions, from a herniated disc all the way to total paralysis. A spinal cord injury, or SCI, can happen in an instant yet result in permanent disability. It can result in the need for long-term care, assistive devices, and ongoing therapy.
When your SCI happens because of another’s negligence, it’s crucial you hold that person or party accountable for their actions. It’s also important to have a team on your side with access to medical experts who truly understand the nature of your injury and can advocate for you when you need it most. The Houston spinal cord injury attorneys at Kishinevsky Law Firm are here to do just that, and work to recover the compensation to which you are entitled.
Your questions, answered
- What is a spinal cord injury?
- Are there different types of spinal cord injuries?
- What are common causes of Houston spinal cord injuries?
- What are the effects of a spinal cord injury?
- Who is liable for my Houston spinal cord injury?
- How much is my Houston spinal cord injury case worth?
- Is there a spinal cord injury attorney near me?
What is a spinal cord injury?
Per the Mayo Clinic, “a spinal cord injury — damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina) — often causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury.”
Up to 450,000 Americans currently live with an SCI, with an estimated 17,000 new cases every year. The majority of spinal cord injuries occur from traumatic injury to the spinal column, which affects the way information travels back and forth to the brain. In turn, this can affect almost every function our bodies perform.
Are there different types of spinal cord injuries?
It’s important to understand the complexity of a spinal cord injury when preparing a case. Medical professionals categorize SCIs into types and levels, which vary in severity.
- A complete SCI causes permanent damage at the area of injury and below, often leading to paraplegia or tetraplegia.
- An incomplete SCI means the damage to motor functions may be compromised or reduced at the site of injury and below. The results of an SCI can vary widely from patient to patient.
Levels of SCI are as follows:
- Cervical. The most severe type of SCI, a cervical spinal cord injury occurs above the shoulders and will affect motor and bodily functions below. Patients will need assistance with almost all daily tasks.
- Thoracic. These affect the chest, mid-back, and abdominal areas of the body. Patients typically remain mobility in the arms and hands. They may need assistance with some daily tasks, and assistive devices.
- Lumbar. A lumbar SCI affects the hips and legs, and patients may require crutches, braces, or a wheelchair for mobility.
- Sacral. These are spinal cord injuries affecting the hips, buttocks, pelvis, and thighs. Patients are likely able to regain mobility with treatment.
Spinal cord injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, but when they happen because of another’s recklessness or negligence, the Houston attorneys at the Kishinevsky Law Firm strive to help hold that person accountable.
What are common causes of Houston spinal cord injuries?
Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses SCIs and their causes, noting anything that compresses or crushes the spinal cord can cause one of these catastrophic injuries.
- Falls
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Sports injuries
- Trampoline accidents
- Violence and assaults
- Spinal cord infections
- Birth injuries
Spinal cord injuries aren’t the type of injury that a person eventually recovers from. They are lifelong injuries with lifelong implications.
What are the effects of a spinal cord injury?
Due to the permanence of an SCI, the injury can change every aspect of a victim’s life, including their ability to work, live independently, maintain relationships, and perform everyday tasks. Some of the effects and long-term consequences of a spinal cord injury include:
- Impaired or loss of movement
- Loss of sensation
- Inability to feel heat or cold
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Spasms and/or exaggerated reflexes
- Difficulty with breathing, coughing, and clearing lungs
- Pain, stinging, or burning sensations in the spinal area
The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury for the average person can cost up to five million dollars in medical expenses, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). If you or a loved one suffered an SCI that wasn’t your fault, don’t go it alone.
Who is liable for my Houston spinal cord injury?
The person or party who caused your injury, or caused the accident that resulted in your injury, can be held liable for your damages and losses. Depending on your personal situation, this could mean a careless driver, a store that neglected to clean up a spill, or the manufacturer of a product that malfunctioned.
Our attorneys work to show that the negligent party owed you or your loved one a duty of care, and they failed in that duty, causing you a devastating injury that will affect you for the rest of your life. We’ll work to ensure you recover the compensation to which you’re entitled and that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
How much is my Houston spinal cord injury case worth?
The exact value of your case depends on the circumstances of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and the level of negligence or intention on the part of the defendant. If necessary, we call on our extensive network of experts and professionals to show the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
We work to recover the total scope of your losses, including:
- Medical bills and expense, now and in the future
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Home and/or vehicle modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The spinal cord injury attorneys at Kishinevsky Law Firm can help file a legal claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is only two years, so it’s important to contact us as soon as possible following your accident.
Is there a spinal cord injury attorney near me?
The Kishinevsky Law firm is located at 13831 Northwest Fwy., Suite 312 in Houston. We have plenty of parking, and there’s also a bus stop right in front of our building. If you are too injured or disabled to come to us, we can come to your home, hospital, rehabilitation center, or meet with you via telephone or Zoom. You can count on us.
Contact an experienced Houston spinal cord injury lawyer today
When you need skilled and compassionate legal help, look to the Kishinevsky Law Firm. Our attorneys understand the severity of spinal cord injuries, as well as the fact that you need help not just now – but for the rest of your life. Let us work on your case while you take the time to heal and adjust. And, our consultations are always free. To schedule a meeting, just call 832-529-1111 or fill out our contact form.