Broken Vertebrae from a Motor Vehicle Accident

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Maximizing Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Damages in Dallas, TX

Motor vehicle accidents can result in multiple types of serious and catastrophic injuries. Some of the most devastating forms of bodily harm that can occur in car accidents will involve injuries to the spinal cord. The nerves that run through the spine play a critical role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Broken vertebrae in the spine can cause damage to the spinal cord, which can have life-altering consequences for an accident victim.

Dallas Broken Vertebrae from a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

serious nature of spinal cord injuries

One classification system used to categorize spinal cord injuries is based on whether they are complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is a total loss of sensation and motor function below the level at which the injury was sustained. On the other hand, an incomplete spinal cord injury may not fully sever the spinal cord or lead to irreparable damage, and a person may still retain some degree of sensory or motor function present below the level of injury.

At Clark Law Group, we understand the serious nature of spinal cord injuries and the many ways these injuries can occur in a motor vehicle collision. We are dedicated to helping our clients seek compensation for these and other injuries from negligent drivers or other parties who were responsible.

Effects of Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A person who sustains a complete spinal cord injury will experience full paralysis below the level of the spine where the injury occurred. This means that they will lose all voluntary movement and sensation in certain parts of the body, and they may also lose control over bodily functions, such use of their bowels and bladder.

The effects experienced by people with complete spinal cord injuries can vary depending on where along their spine the trauma occurred:

Cervical (neck) region: Complete cervical spine injuries can result in quadriplegia or tetraplegia, which involves paralysis that affects both arms, both legs, and the torso. In these cases, an injury victim may need to use assistive devices such as a wheelchair for mobility, and they may even be unable to breathe without the use of a ventilator.
Thoracic (chest) region: Complete thoracic spine injuries generally cause paraplegia, which involves paralysis affecting both legs. A victim may retain upper body strength, but they may require a wheelchair for lower body mobility.
Lumbar (lower back) region: Complete lumbar spinal cord injuries will typically lead to a loss of sensation and movement in both legs. A victim may also experience challenges with bowel and bladder control.
Sacral region: Complete spinal cord injuries in the area around the tailbone can result in varying degrees of paralysis and loss of function in the hips, pelvis, buttocks, genitals, and lower extremities.

Effects of Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

In contrast to complete injuries, incomplete spinal cord injuries allow for some degree of sensory or motor function below the level of injury. The extent of these remaining abilities depends on factors such as the severity and location of the injury.

Here are a few examples of how people may be affected by incomplete spinal cord injuries at different levels:

Cervical (neck) region: A person with an incomplete cervical spine injury might retain some use of their arms, but they may have limited dexterity in their arms and hands. They may require assistive devices like braces to aid mobility.
Thoracic (chest) region: A person with an incomplete thoracic spinal cord injury could regain partial control over their abdominal muscles while experiencing limited leg function that requires ambulatory aids for walking assistance.
Lumbar (lower back) region: An incomplete lumbar spine injury might lead to variable leg strength where a person may be able to walk short distances without assistance while struggling with balance or coordination issues. In these situations, injury victims may benefit from physical therapy that can help them improve muscle strength and coordination and adjust to partial paralysis.

Contact Our Dallas Car Accident Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it is crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience with these types of cases. At Clark Law Group, we can help pursue the compensation needed for medical expenses, ongoing care costs like rehabilitation services and assistive devices, lost wages due to permanent disabilities, and more. We will work diligently to build a compelling case based on solid evidence-backed arguments that demonstrate the extent of your injuries and how they have significantly impacted your life.

Our compassionate team understands the challenges involved in recovering from such serious accidents. By focusing our efforts on advocating for your rights while delivering personalized attention throughout the legal process, we are committed to helping you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 469-906-2266 to schedule a consultation.