San Antonio Spine Injury Lawyers | Catastrophic Spinal Cord Injuries

Texas Spine Injury Lawyers Helping with Catastrophic Injuries

Neck and back injuries are the leading cause of chronic pain, impacting more Americans than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. These injuries account for a significant portion of the 100 million Americans suffering from chronic pain and represent 25% of all workers' compensation payments in the country. Activities involving bending, lifting, and twisting are common culprits, but severe trauma such as car crashes can also result in spinal cord injuries.

Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

Vehicle Accidents: The leading cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly in younger individuals.

Falls: Especially common in older adults, falls are a significant risk for spinal injury.

Acts of Violence: Such as gunshot wounds and assaults, which can damage the spine.

Sports and Recreation Injuries: Especially in sports involving impact or extreme physical exertion.

Workplace Accidents: Particularly in industries involving physical labor or the use of heavy machinery.

Spinal cord injuries, unlike many other neck and back injuries, often result in fractures or compression of the vertebrae, leading to significant damage to nerve cell extensions (axons) that transmit signals throughout the body. Depending on the extent of the damage, spinal cord injuries can be classified as complete or incomplete, with complete injuries resulting in a total loss of sensory and motor function below the injury level.

Types of Neck, Back & Spinal Cord Injuries

Bulging & Herniated Discs

Discs situated between spinal vertebrae can suffer injuries leading to bulging or herniation. A bulging disc occurs when the disc extends beyond its usual space, often causing significant pain and discomfort. A herniated disc involves a crack in the outer cartilage, allowing inner cartilage to protrude, potentially causing severe pain and numbness.

Vertebrae Fractures

Fractures in spinal vertebrae, often resulting from severe trauma, can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

There are various types of vertebra fractures, including:

Compression Fractures: Where the front of the vertebra breaks but the back remains intact.
Axial Burst Fractures: Which involve a loss of height in both the front and back of the vertebra.
Flexion/Distraction Fractures: Where the vertebra is pulled apart.
Transverse Process Fractures: Caused by rotation or extreme lateral bending.
Fracture-Dislocation: An unstable injury involving both bone breakage and torn ligaments.

Paraplegia & Quadriplegia

Paralysis can result from spinal cord damage, significantly impacting the ability to move and feel below the level of injury. Paraplegia affects both lower limbs, while quadriplegia impacts all four limbs due to cervical spine injuries.

Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries

Breathing Difficulties: Injuries at or above the C3-C5 segments can impair breathing.
Irregular Heartbeat & Low Blood Pressure: Common with cervical region injuries.
Blood Clots and Spasms: Increased risk due to impaired movement and reflex regulation.
Autonomic Dysreflexia: A life-threatening reflex causing severe blood pressure spikes.
Pressure Sores: Due to prolonged immobility.
Bladder and Bowel Problems: Affecting control due to nerve damage.
Reproductive and Sexual Function: More significantly impacted in men.

Treatment & Rehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injuries

Initial treatment focuses on preventing further injury and complications, often involving immobilization and medications.

Rehabilitation is essential for helping patients regain function and includes:

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): Uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle movement.
Diaphragm Pacing: Helps with breathing in severe cases.
Wheelchair Programs: To assess and provide the best mobility aids.

Talk to Our San Antonio Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Today: (888) 493-1629

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in San Antonio due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At our law firm, we are dedicated to advocating for the wrongfully injured, ensuring they receive the financial support needed for medical bills, rehabilitation, and future care. Our team of experienced San Antonio spinal cord injury attorneys is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

Call us today at (888) 493-1629 to schedule a free case review and let our San Antonio spinal cord injury lawyers help you!

San Antonio Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys