A spinal cord injury changes how your body works, how your days look, and how you plan for tomorrow. If you or someone in your family suffered this kind of injury because of someone else’s careless actions, the emotional weight and financial strain can feel endless. These injuries affect your health, your independence, and your relationships. You may be stuck in a hospital bed while bills pile up and your income disappears. You might not even know what the future holds or how long recovery could take.
The law gives you a path to seek the maximum compensation available when someone else causes harm. An experienced Texas spinal cord injury lawyer can investigate what happened, gather strong evidence, and push back against insurance companies that try to limit or delay payment. The process starts with a conversation.
If you're looking for help, the attorneys at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock are ready to talk with you. We offer a free consultation so you can understand your options before taking any steps. Contact us now for a no-cost case evaluation and learn how we can help.
Call us at (210) 941-1301 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Texas
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious types of trauma a person can experience. The spinal cord is part of the body’s central nervous system, which controls movement, sensation, and many automatic functions. Damage to this area can interrupt the brain’s ability to send signals to different parts of the body. Recovery depends on the location and severity of the injury, and even with treatment, many people face lasting changes in mobility and health.
Some injuries improve with treatment; others lead to lifelong disabilities. The severity depends on the location and completeness of the damage.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are usually grouped based on how much function is lost and where the damage occurred.
- Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A complete injury means there’s no movement or feeling below the point of damage. The spinal cord has been fully disrupted. This often results in total paralysis in the affected area. For example, if the injury is high up on the spine, the person may lose use of both arms and legs.
- Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: With an incomplete injury, the person still has some feeling, movement, or both below the injured area. These injuries vary a lot. Some people might walk with assistance. Others may have limited use of certain limbs.
Spinal cord injuries are also get labeled by the part of the spine that’s been hurt:
- Cervical (Neck) Injuries: These are the most serious. They may affect both arms and legs (quadriplegia or tetraplegia). In some cases, breathing assistance is needed.
- Thoracic (Upper Back) Injuries: These usually affect the legs and lower body. Arm and hand function is often preserved.
- Lumbar (Lower Back) and Sacral (Pelvic) Injuries: These can result in loss of movement or feeling in the legs, hips, and bladder, but the upper body typically remains functional.
Doctors may use tools like the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) scale to measure how complete the injury is. This helps with diagnosis, treatment planning, and setting recovery goals. Even incomplete injuries can lead to major life changes, depending on how much nerve function was lost.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries in Texas happen for many reasons, but some causes show up more often than others.
- Car accidents: Collisions on highways and surface roads often involve high-speed impacts that jolt or twist the spine.
- Truck accidents: Semi-trucks cause more forceful crashes due to their size and weight.
- Pedestrian accidents: A person struck by a moving vehicle can be thrown to the ground or crushed, putting the spine at risk.
- Slip and fall accidents: Falls from slippery surfaces, broken stairs, or uneven walkways can result in direct trauma to the back or neck.
Long-term Effects and Complications
Even with immediate care, spinal cord injuries can cause long-term medical needs. Families often need to adjust homes, routines, and future plans as they support a loved one who has suffered this type of trauma. Many people require:
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Medical devices like wheelchairs or braces
- Assistance with daily activities
- Modifications to their homes or vehicles
These injuries may also lead to bladder problems, breathing trouble, chronic pain, or pressure sores. The emotional strain can be just as serious as the physical effects, with many victims reporting depression or anxiety.
What Are Your Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury in Texas?
When another person or business causes your injury through carelessness or wrongdoing, Texas law gives you rights. Knowing those rights helps you protect your recovery, both physically and financially.
Right to Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation
You have the right to seek medical care from the provider of your choice. That includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation programs, and mental health support. In some cases, insurance companies may try to steer you toward lower-cost options. A lawyer can help push back if those decisions put your health at risk.
Right to Seek Compensation for Damages
Texas law lets injured people seek compensation when someone else causes harm. This may include money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Costs of long-term care
The goal is to recover the maximum compensation available under the law, not just what an insurance company decides to offer.
Texas Spinal Cord Injury Laws and Regulations
The laws that apply to spinal cord injury claims in Texas set the rules for proving fault, measuring damages, and deciding how much compensation is available. These laws shape your case from the start.
Relevant Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code outlines the process for personal injury lawsuits, including the types of damages available, the statute of limitations, and rules for filing legal documents. It also covers specific rules for premises liability and vehicle accidents.
Comparative Negligence Rules
Texas uses a system called modified comparative negligence. If you were partly at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you're found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you can't recover compensation at all. Insurance companies often try to shift blame, so having someone on your side helps protect your case.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
You usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Some exceptions apply, such as when the injury wasn’t discovered right away or when the injured person is a minor.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive for a Spinal Cord Injury?
The value of a spinal cord injury case depends on how severe the injury is, how long it will last, and how it affects your daily life. A strong case builds the evidence to show the full financial impact.
Economic Damages (Medical Expenses, Lost Wages, Future Care)
These cover your actual costs and losses, such as:
- Emergency treatment
- Surgeries and hospital stays
- Physical and occupational therapy
- In-home nursing or caregiver help
- Lost income from missed work
- Future medical care and treatment
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering, Loss of Enjoyment)
Not all losses can be measured by receipts. Pain, loss of independence, sleep disruption, or inability to enjoy former hobbies may all factor into your case. These damages acknowledge the full impact on your quality of life.
Punitive Damages in Severe Cases
In rare cases, courts may award punitive damages. These aim to punish the at-fault party for extreme misconduct, such as drunk driving or reckless behavior. Punitive damages go beyond compensation and serve as a warning to others.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Your Spinal Cord Injury Case?
To recover the maximum compensation available, you must show how the accident happened, how it caused your injury, and what that injury has cost you.
Medical Records and Expert Testimony
Medical documentation proves the existence and severity of the injury. Doctors, therapists, or other professionals may also provide opinions about how the injury happened and what your long-term needs will be.
Accident Scene Documentation
Photos, videos, and diagrams help reconstruct what happened. Skid marks, broken glass, or torn clothing may all play a role in proving fault.
Witness Statements and Depositions
People who saw the accident or know your daily struggles can provide testimony. This may include coworkers, neighbors, or medical providers.
Economic Loss Documentation
Pay stubs, tax returns, and bills show the financial impact of the injury. Future costs may require analysis from a vocational expert or economist.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock works closely with clients to build strong spinal cord injury cases from the ground up. We put our full team and resources behind every case.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We review police reports, medical records, witness statements, and insurance documents to understand how the injury happened and who’s responsible.
Medical Expert Network Access
We work with physicians, neurologists, and life care planners who can explain the full extent of your injuries and your future needs.
Aggressive Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often try to lowball offers or shift blame. We step in to push for the maximum compensation available and don’t back down when they resist.
Trial-Ready Litigation Support
If the other side refuses to resolve the case fairly, we prepare for court. Our team presents strong, clear arguments backed by solid evidence.
Why Choose Our Firm
Spinal cord injury cases require attention to detail, a clear plan, and a law firm that’s not afraid to push back against big insurers. That’s where we come in.
Proven Track Record with Spinal Cord Injury Cases
We’ve handled serious injury claims across Texas, helping people recover from life-changing accidents with dignity and support.
Extensive Resources and Expert Witnesses
We bring in outside experts to help us explain what happened, how the injury affects your life, and what your care will cost in the future.
Personalized Attention and Communication
You’ll always know where your case stands. We return calls, explain next steps, and make sure you’re part of every decision.
No Upfront Costs or Fees
You don’t have to pay anything upfront. Our fee comes out of the amount we recover for you.
Local Texas Knowledge and Experience
We know Texas law, Texas courts, and Texas juries. That local insight can make a difference when negotiating or going to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Spinal Cord Injuries
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. As long as you're not more than 50 percent at fault, you can still receive compensation. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if my injury occurred at work?
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If a third party caused the injury, you might also have a personal injury claim.
How long does a spinal cord injury case typically take?
It depends on how complex the facts are and whether the other side agrees to a fair settlement. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others may take over a year.
What if the at-fault party has no insurance?
We can explore other options, such as uninsured motorist coverage, third-party claims, or lawsuits against employers or other responsible parties.
Can family members file a claim on my behalf?
Yes, in some situations. For example, if the injured person is a minor or lacks the capacity to make legal decisions, a family member may act on their behalf.
Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in Texas Now
Time matters. If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury because of another person’s careless actions, call our team at Cowen | Rodriguez | Peacock today. We offer a free consultation to explain your options and help you take the first step. Our legal team understands what’s at stake and moves quickly to protect your rights. Call us now at (210) 941-1301 or fill out our contact form to schedule your confidential case review.
Call us at (210) 941-1301 for a free consultation or contact us below. No cost to you unless we win.