At Patterson Law Group, we understand how life-altering a spinal cord injury can be. These injuries don’t just affect your physical health; they disrupt your career, relationships, and overall well-being.
When someone else’s negligence causes such devastation, pursuing justice becomes important and essential. As a trusted injury lawyer in Dallas, we have dedicated our practice to helping individuals and families rebuild their lives after catastrophic events.
Our team knows that every spinal cord injury is unique, requiring experienced legal representation, compassion, and understanding. From navigating the complexities of insurance claims to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious and life-altering injuries a person can experience. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), approximately 17,730 new spinal cord injury cases occur each year in the United States.
The leading causes of these injuries include motor vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence, and sports-related incidents. With its heavy traffic and busy urban activity, the risk of sustaining such an injury is significant in Dallas.
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete injury results in total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site, while an incomplete injury means some function remains. These injuries often result in extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and permanent life changes, regardless of the classification.
Texas Laws and Spinal Cord Injuries
In Texas, victims of spinal cord injuries caused by negligence have the right to seek compensation under personal injury laws.
The legal foundation for these cases often relies on the concept of negligence, which requires proving the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed the injured person a duty to act with reasonable care. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate vehicles safely.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty through reckless or negligent actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, or unsafe premises.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the spinal cord injury.
- Damages: The injury resulted in measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Texas also follows a comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §33.001. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still recover damages, provided your percentage of fault is less than 51%. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Dallas
As a Dallas spinal cord injury attorney, we’ve handled a wide variety of cases, including:
- Car Accidents: The leading cause of spinal cord injuries nationwide, motor vehicle accidents account for nearly 39% of all cases.
- Slip and Falls: Especially common among older adults, falls are the second most common cause of spinal cord injuries.
- Workplace Accidents: Construction sites and other high-risk workplaces often lead to severe injuries due to falls, equipment failures, or unsafe working conditions.
- Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds and physical assaults are also significant contributors.
- Recreational Activities: High-impact sports, such as football and diving, frequently result in spinal cord trauma.
If your injury falls into one category or another scenario involving negligence, you deserve to hold the responsible party accountable.
The Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries
The financial impact of a spinal cord injury is staggering. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the average yearly expenses for someone with tetraplegia (paralysis affecting all four limbs) exceed $1 million in the first year alone.
Even less severe injuries can cost $350,000 in the first year. These figures don’t include the loss of income, future earning potential, or the emotional toll these injuries impose.
Compensation for spinal cord injury cases in Texas can include:
- Medical Expenses: Past, current, and future costs related to surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by the injury.
- Home Modifications: Costs of making your home accessible, such as wheelchair ramps or modified bathrooms.
- Long-Term Care: For those requiring ongoing medical or personal care.
How We Fight for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
At Patterson Law Group, we are relentless in our pursuit of justice for our clients. As a top-rated personal injury attorney in Dallas, we combine legal expertise with a compassionate approach to ensure your voice is heard and your needs are met. Here’s how we approach spinal cord injury cases:
- Thorough Investigation: We investigate every detail of your case, gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness testimony to build a compelling argument.
- Collaboration with Experts: We work with medical professionals, economists, and vocational experts to determine the full extent of your damages.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We leverage our experience to negotiate fair settlements that reflect the true value of your case.
- Litigation When Necessary: We are fully prepared to take your case to court and fight aggressively if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience: With years of experience as a spinal cord injury lawyer in Dallas, we have the knowledge and skill to handle even the most complex cases.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your unique situation and goals.
- Results-Driven Approach: Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Accessibility: When you work with us, you won’t feel like just another case. We’re always available to answer your questions and update your case.
What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, taking the right steps early on can significantly impact your case. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Prompt medical care can also create a clear record of your injuries.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of the accident scene, gather contact information for witnesses, and keep detailed notes about what happened.
- Preserve Evidence: Save all medical records, receipts, and correspondence related to your injury.
- Contact a Lawyer: The sooner you contact a Dallas spinal cord injury attorney, the better. Early legal intervention can preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Let Us Help You Seek Justice
At Patterson Law Group, we believe no one should face the aftermath of a catastrophic injury alone. As a personal injury lawyer near you, we are committed to standing by your side, fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Our team understands your physical, emotional, and financial challenges, and we’re here to help lighten the load.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your life. Together, we’ll turn your setback into a comeback.
