Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Claims in Texas

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most life-changing and traumatic injuries someone can go through. These injuries can affect mobility, independence, and the ability to work or care for yourself. For many catastrophic injury victims, the physical trauma is only the beginning. Medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term adjustments often follow.

In Texas, spinal cord injury claims involve complex medical and legal issues. Understanding how these claims work can help those who have been injured and their families make informed decisions about their next steps.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord acts like a highway, sending messages between your brain and the rest of your body. When trauma damages the spinal cord or surrounding nerves, those signals may be interrupted or lost.

Doctors classify spinal cord injuries as complete or incomplete. A complete injury causes total loss of movement or feeling below the injury site. An incomplete injury means some movement or sensation remains.

Symptoms vary widely. Some people experience partial weakness or numbness. Others face paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, or chronic pain. Spinal injury effects depend on the location and severity of your injury.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Texas

Spinal cord injuries often happen in an instant, with no warning at all. In personal injury cases, they’re commonly caused by:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Commercial truck crashes
• Motorcycle collisions
• Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated surfaces
• Construction and industrial accidents
• Acts of violence
• Defective or unsafe products

These incidents often involve forceful impact, which can compress the spine and cause permanent damage.

Why Spinal Cord Injuries Are Considered Catastrophic

In personal injury law, spinal cord injuries are often described as catastrophic because they may permanently affect a person’s ability to function independently.

Many injury victims require long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, or assistive devices. Daily routines may change. Employment may no longer be possible in the same capacity as before. Emotional and psychological effects are also common.

While the seriousness of the injury is apparent, Texas law still requires proof of legal responsibility. The injury alone does not establish liability.

How Spinal Cord Injury Claims Work in Texas

For an injured person to file a spinal cord injury claim in Texas, they usually needs to show that someone else’s negligence played a part in their injury. That starts with proving the other party had a legal duty to act safely—whether as a driver, property owner, employer, or manufacturer.

Next, we look at whether they failed to meet that duty. Maybe they drove recklessly, didn’t fix a known hazard, skipped basic safety steps, or put out a defective product.

Then, we connect that failure directly to the spinal cord injury. Medical records and expert opinions often help show precisely how the injury happened and what caused it.

Finally, we show how the injury changed your life—physical challenges, ongoing care, and day-to-day limitations.

Not every injury leads to a lawsuit, but understanding these steps helps determine whether legal action makes sense.

Comparative Responsibility in Texas

Texas uses a modified comparative responsibility system. That means you can only file a claim if you're 50% or less at fault for what happened.

Who’s responsible—and by how much—can make or break a case. People often disagree about what caused the injury, whether safety rules were followed, or if more than one person is to blame. These disputes can have a big impact on how your claim moves forward.

Medical Evidence in Spinal Cord Injury Claims

Medical records play a key role in spinal cord injury cases. Things like imaging scans, surgery notes, rehab updates, and specialist reports help show how serious the injury is and what kind of care is needed.

Getting treatment early matters—not just for your health, but also for building a clear legal case. Delays or gaps in care can raise doubts about what caused the injury. Consistent medical documentation helps paint a full picture of how the injury impacts your daily life and long-term recovery.

Spinal cord injury claims often involve medical experts who can explain the injury, prognosis, and future care needs in clear terms.

Claims Involving Employers or Job Sites

Some spinal cord injuries occur on job sites or during work-related activities. Texas law treats these cases differently depending on whether an employer carries workers’ compensation coverage.

Because Texas does not require most private employers to carry workers’ compensation, injured workers may have different legal options depending on the employer’s status. These cases can involve complex legal analysis and overlapping responsibilities.

Claims Against Government Entities

Spinal cord injuries may also involve government-owned property, public roadways, or public transportation. Filing a claim against a government agency in Texas comes with its own set of legal rules and procedures.

Strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines are often in place. Failing to act quickly can limit legal options. Early legal guidance is critical in these cases.

What Spinal Cord Injury Victims Should Do

One of the first steps after a spinal cord injury is to seek medical attention. Once doctors handle the immediate needs, taking a few key steps can help protect your legal rights.

Injury victims should keep copies of medical records, follow treatment recommendations, and document how the injury affects daily life. If the injury occurred due to another party’s actions, consulting a San Antonio personal injury lawyer can help clarify legal options.

Spinal cord injury cases are rarely simple. They often involve detailed investigation, medical review, and careful application of Texas law.

Why Legal Review Matters in Spinal Cord Injury Cases

Spinal cord injury cases tend to be closely examined because they’re complicated and can affect someone’s life forever. Sorting out who’s responsible means digging into the details—medical records, evidence from the scene, and what was happening at the time of the injury.

Personal injury lawyers look at these cases with a focus on fairness and safety. A careful legal review can help injured people understand their options and decide whether someone’s carelessness played a role in what happened.

Talk With Ali Law Group About Your Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can alter the course of a person’s life. Understanding Texas law and how spinal cord injury claims work is an essential first step.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, get a free case evaluation today with Ali Law Group in San Antonio.