If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, the spinal cord injury attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm can help you understand your legal rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
A spinal cord injury can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be facing hospital bills, time away from work, and ongoing care needs. On top of all of that, you are being asked to make important decisions while you are still going through the hardest time of your life.
You should not have to deal with the legal side of this on your own.
Our personal injury lawyers represent people who were seriously injured due to someone else’s actions. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you. No upfront costs and no fees unless you win.
If someone else caused your injury, you deserve to know what your options are. Call us today at (281) 801-5617 for a free consultation. We will listen to what happened, answer your questions, and tell you honestly what we think your case is worth.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is not the same as a regular back injury. Most back injuries involve muscles, ligaments, or discs, and many of them heal over time. A spinal cord injury is more serious because it involves damage to the nerves that run through your spine and carry signals between your brain and the rest of your body.
When those nerves are damaged, the effects go far beyond back pain. You may lose feeling or movement in parts of your body, have trouble breathing, or experience problems with basic body functions. In many cases, these changes are long-lasting.
A lot of people do not realize right away that they have a spinal cord injury. They come in thinking it is a back injury and find out during their medical evaluation that the damage is more serious than they thought.
How a Spinal Cord Injury Affects Your Case
Spinal cord injury cases are more involved than most personal injury cases. They require detailed medical records, documentation of your care needs, and a clear picture of how the injury has affected your life.
Our attorneys have handled cases ranging from partial injuries where some recovery is possible to complete injuries that resulted in paralysis. We work to pursue compensation that reflects both your current situation and your future needs.
Spinal cord injuries often cause lasting physical limitations that affect nearly every part of daily life. Many people experience some level of paralysis, while others deal with chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for long-term medical care. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, these injuries frequently require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and support over time.
Even without paralysis, a spinal cord injury can make it hard or impossible to return to work. Bills pile up fast when you are not able to work, and income stops or slows down.
A personal injury attorney can evaluate how your injury has affected your ability to work and what your medical needs are going forward. Compensation may be available for:
Medical expenses related to treatment and rehabilitation
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Future care needs
Physical pain and discomfort
Emotional and psychological effects
If a spinal cord injury results in death, a wrongful death attorney can evaluate whether legal action may be appropriate for the surviving family members.
Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
A Spinal Cord Injury Diagnosis
Spinal cord injuries typically result from forceful trauma that often could have been avoided. Failures in vehicle design, machinery, or safety systems frequently contribute to these serious injuries. Pinpointing the cause helps reveal who may be legally responsible under injury law.
Vehicle Collisions and Safety System Failures
Crashes involving cars or SUVs often result in spinal fractures when roofs collapse or seatbacks give way. These cases may also involve serious musculoskeletal damage requiring representation from experienced back injury lawyers to pursue claims against automakers or parts manufacturers. Airbags that deploy incorrectly or not at all can also worsen the outcome. A car injury lawyer can determine whether a structural defect or component failure contributed to the injury.
Commercial Truck and Freight Vehicle Trauma
Underride crashes, shifting cargo, or trailer instability in truck accidents can lead to devastating spinal trauma. These cases often involve multiple parties. A truck injury attorney can investigate potential liability from manufacturers, shippers, or equipment suppliers.
Motorcycle and Two-Wheel Vehicle Impacts
Spinal cord injuries are common in motorcycle crashes where riders are thrown from the bike or collide with other vehicles. When defective helmets or unstable suspension systems are involved, the impact may be compounded. These cases often also involve shoulder injuries or back injuries that indicate wider trauma, which may require the support of back injury attorneys familiar with catastrophic accident litigation.
Worksite Machinery Rollovers
Heavy equipment like forklifts or cranes can cause spinal injury when they tip over or malfunction. A workplace injury attorney can examine whether faulty machinery, improper modifications, or third-party negligence contributed to the harm.
Off-Road Vehicle Ejections
All-terrain and recreational vehicles such as ATVs and UTVs may cause spinal injury during rollovers or sudden ejections. When essential safety features like roll bars or secure restraints are missing, or when structural instability contributes to the crash, these vehicles may be unreasonably dangerous. These incidents often involve complex vehicle rollover injury investigations to determine if design defects played a role in the injury severity.
Dangerous Consumer Product Failures
Spinal trauma may also stem from equipment failure at home or in public spaces—such as collapsing ladders, gym machines, or faulty adjustable chairs. A product liability injury lawyer can assess whether a design flaw or manufacturing defect made the product unsafe during normal use.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence, and sports-related impacts. Many of these injuries are preventable and often involve a failure in equipment, design, or safety protocols. When the cause traces back to a product or third party, legal action may provide a path toward recovery.
Critical Legal Considerations for Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes
Spinal cord injury cases require comprehensive legal analysis that extends beyond initial medical treatment. Two areas demand particular attention in pursuing fair compensation:
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Recovery Needs
Most spinal cord injuries require extensive spinal cord injury rehabilitation that can continue for months or years. These costs represent a significant portion of total damages and must be carefully documented in any legal claim.
Rehabilitation programs typically include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy for respiratory issues, and psychological counseling. Legal representation must account for both current rehabilitation needs and future therapy requirements as medical conditions evolve.
Paralysis and Permanent Disability Considerations
When spinal cord damage results in paralysis, the legal complexity increases substantially. Paralysis injury cases involve detailed calculations of lifetime care costs, adaptive equipment needs, and home modifications. Medical research from the Mayo Clinic explains that spinal cord injuries often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support tailored to the level of impairment.
Whether the injury results in paraplegia, quadriplegia, or incomplete paralysis affects both medical treatment requirements and the scope of a potential personal injury case. Each type of paralysis presents distinct challenges that must be carefully evaluated over time, not just immediately after the injury.
Our attorneys understand that spinal cord injuries affect not only the injured person but the structure of daily life moving forward. We work to pursue compensation that reflects both current needs and the long-term realities associated with permanent disability. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your situation and help determine what recovery may be available.
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence, contact our spinal cord injury attorneys to protect your rights. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless you recover.
I cannot put into words how wonderful my experience with this Law Firm was
I cannot put into words how wonderful my experience with this Law Firm was! Specifically, the Lawyer handling my case was attorney Luke Maddox, and he’s one of the smartest people. I think I’ve ever met to date! He definitely knows what he’s doing. Luke Maddox is one of those lawyers who doesn’t have to advertise because he’s just that good! He had great communication, and he was relatable, which I thought was very important, but most important! He’s the best lawyer out there, and if you can get him to take your case, you’re gonna win!
In serious injury and wrongful death cases, what happens after the incident can shape everything that follows. In the video above, personal injury attorney Rob Ammons explains what led him to become a personal injury lawyer and how his approach is rooted in standing up for injured individuals and families.
He also shares the story of a case involving a fatal accident where the initial reports were wrong, and how uncovering the truth brought clarity and closure to the family.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury, speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your options and what compensation may be available.
Medical professionals classify spinal cord injuries through multiple diagnostic methods, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and myelography (X-ray imaging with contrast dye). Understanding the specific type of injury is crucial for both medical treatment and legal representation, as different classifications carry varying implications for recovery potential and compensation needs.
The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), working with leading medical experts, has developed the standard classification system used by most medical organizations. These classifications help determine treatment approaches and may influence legal strategies, though injury classifications can change as patients recover or conditions evolve.
Primary Classification Systems
Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Medical professionals divide spinal cord injuries into two primary categories based on the extent of nerve damage:
Complete injuries occur when the spinal cord sustains damage that prevents nerve signals from traveling between the brain and body below the injury site. These injuries typically result in total loss of voluntary movement and sensation below the point of damage. Complete injuries often lead to either paraplegia or quadriplegia/tetraplegia, depending on the location along the spine where the injury occurred.
While complete injuries represent the most severe category, some individuals may experience limited recovery of motor function over time through intensive therapy and medical intervention.
Incomplete injuries involve partial preservation of nerve pathways, allowing some communication between the brain and body below the injury site. These injuries typically result in partial loss of movement and sensation, though the extent varies significantly between individuals.
Individuals with incomplete injuries may retain certain functions and, with proper medical treatment and rehabilitation, may experience substantial recovery. Medical professionals evaluate incomplete injuries by testing patients’ ability to generate force against resistance or lift limbs against gravity.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Syndromes
Medical professionals recognize several distinct patterns of incomplete spinal cord injury, each with characteristic symptoms and recovery patterns:
Central Cord Syndrome
Central cord syndrome represents the most common type of incomplete spinal cord injury. Damage occurs in the center portion of the spinal cord, typically resulting in greater impairment in the upper extremities compared to the lower body. This pattern often develops from hyperextension injuries and generally carries a better prognosis for walking recovery.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome
This relatively rare condition (affecting 2-4% of spinal cord injuries) involves damage limited to one side of the spinal cord. Individuals experience loss of motor function on the same side as the injury while losing pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body. Brown-Séquard syndrome often results from penetrating trauma such as knife or gunshot wounds.
Anterior Cord Syndrome
Anterior cord syndrome involves damage to the front portion of the spinal cord, commonly associated with loss of motor function, pain sensation, and temperature sensation below the injury location. Individuals typically retain touch and position awareness. This syndrome generally carries a poor prognosis for motor function recovery.
Posterior Cord Syndrome
Posterior cord syndrome represents the rarest type of incomplete spinal cord injury. Damage affects the back portion of the spinal cord, characterized by difficulty with movement coordination while general motor function remains intact. Individuals typically retain pain and temperature sensation but may lose fine touch, vibration, and position sense.
ASIA Impairment Scale
The American Spinal Cord Injury Association uses a standardized letter grading system (A through E) to classify the severity of spinal cord injuries:
Grade A – Complete: No motor or sensory function preserved, including no function in the sacral segments S4-S5
Grade B – Sensory Incomplete: Sensory function preserved below the neurological level, including sacral segments S4-S5, but no motor function
Grade C – Motor Incomplete: Motor function preserved below the neurological level, with more than half of key muscle groups below the injury level grading less than 3/5 strength
Grade D – Motor Incomplete: Motor function preserved below the neurological level, with at least half of key muscle groups below the injury level grading 3/5 strength or better
Grade E – Normal: Normal sensory and motor function (may indicate recovery from previous deficits)
Anatomical Classification by Spinal Region
Spinal Cord Anatomy and Function
The spine consists of vertebrae interconnected with nerves that control different bodily functions. Medical professionals use an alphanumerical system to classify specific vertebrae and the muscle functions they control:
Cervical Region (C1-C8): Controls neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and diaphragm
Thoracic Region (T1-T12): Controls chest, abdominal muscles, and back
Lumbar Region (L1-L5): Controls hips, legs, and some pelvic functions
Sacral Region (S1-S5): Controls bowel, bladder, and sexual function
Injuries to higher levels of the spinal cord typically affect more body systems. Cervical spine injuries (C1-C7) can be the most severe, as injuries to C4 or above may result in quadriplegia and loss of motor function in both arms and legs. Injuries at the C1 or C2 level can cause life-threatening breathing difficulties.
Functional Classifications
Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia
These terms describe impairment affecting the arms, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. This condition results from cervical spinal cord lesions and can be either complete or incomplete. Individuals may require extensive assistance with daily activities and mobility.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia involves impairment of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs while arm function remains normal. This condition results from thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spinal cord lesions. Individuals often retain upper body strength and may achieve significant independence with proper equipment and training.
Secondary Complications of Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord injuries extend beyond paralysis and can cause numerous secondary health complications that affect quality of life and increase care costs:
Autonomic Dysreflexia
This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when the body below the injury level experiences pain but cannot communicate this information to the brain. Blood vessels constrict reflexively, causing dangerous blood pressure spikes. Without proper management, autonomic dysreflexia can lead to stroke, seizure, or death.
Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
Nerves in the sacral spine regulate bowel and bladder function. Most spinal cord injuries affect these nerves, potentially resulting in flaccid bladder (sluggish function) or spastic bladder (constant emptying). Additional complications may include hemorrhoids, constipation, rectal bleeding, and impaction. Management requires careful regulation through medication, diet, and routine. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Individuals with paralysis face increased risk for blood clots in critical veins and arteries due to immobility, altered blood pressure, and tissue trauma. Warning signs include swollen limbs, skin changes, and discomfort. Treatment may involve medication, compression stockings, or surgery. Untreated deep vein thrombosis significantly increases risks of stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism.
Osteoporosis
Reduced activity and exercise cause bone weakening as bones lose calcium and phosphorus, making them unable to bear weight effectively. Most individuals with paralysis from spinal cord injuries develop osteoporosis. While this condition cannot be reversed, medication and specialized physical therapy can help maintain bone health.
Pressure Sores
These sores develop from excessive pressure on the back and lower body. Spinal cord injuries alter blood supply patterns, and without proper care, skin loses elasticity and muscle tone. The body becomes unable to withstand sitting or lying pressure. Since spinal cord damage disrupts the brain’s signals to shift position, conditions may worsen. Skin can deteriorate, become infected, and develop open wounds. Prevention involves special pressure-reducing equipment, medication, and physical therapy.
Respiratory Complications
Spinal cord injuries in the cervical vertebrae (C4 or higher) often cause respiratory problems. Nerve pairs in these segments control respiratory muscles including the neck, abdomen, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles. Severe cases may require ventilator assistance. Additional complications can include pneumonia, lung collapse, blood clots in the lungs, circulatory diseases, and sleep apnea.
Spasticity
Spasticity commonly occurs after paralyzing spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord normally regulates automatic body functions like reflexes. After injury, reflex signals become blocked, but the body continues receiving stimulation to contract muscles. Without brain regulation, these contractions become exaggerated spasms. Spasms can occur without warning and worsen with skin conditions or infections. Management includes regular physical therapy and medications.
Sexual Function Changes
Spinal cord injuries can affect sexual function in both men and women. While women typically experience no fertility changes, both genders may face psychological challenges including anxiety and depression. Support groups, medical treatment, and prescription medications can help address both physical and mental aspects. The brain normally sends arousal signals through the spinal cord to reproductive organs. Spinal cord damage can interrupt these signals, potentially causing erectile dysfunction in men. Men seeking to father children may require fertility treatments.
Legal Resources and Support
Understanding the complex medical aspects of spinal cord injuries is crucial for pursuing appropriate legal compensation. Each type of injury presents unique challenges that require thorough documentation and expert medical testimony.
Speak Directly With a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at (281) 801-5617
The Ammons Law Firm: Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s fault, you may have the right to be compensated for what happened to you.
A spinal cord injury can turn your life upside down overnight. You may be facing hospital bills, time away from work, ongoing care needs and you are not sure yet what your recovery will look like. On top of all of that, you are being asked to make important decisions while you are still going through the hardest time of your life.
You should not have to deal with the legal side of this on your own.
Our personal Injury Attorneys represent people who were seriously injured due to someone else’s actions. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you. No upfront costs and no fees unless you win.
If someone else caused your injury, you deserve to know what your options are. Call us today at (281) 801-5617 for a free consultation. We will listen to what happened, answer your questions and tell you honestly what we think your case is worth.
Your initial consultation with The Ammons Law Firm is free. Call us at (281) 801-5617 to get started.
“I found Mr. Ammons and his associates to be highly qualified ethical attorneys. Mr. Ammons reached out to us often to keep us informed on how our son’s case was proceeding. Mr. Ammons worked to attain the best settlement for us while keeping the best interest of our son in his legal recommendations. Mr. Ammons and his associates are good people, and I am very satisfied with the results he attained for our son.”
– David M., Former Client
“We had a wonderful experience working with the Ammons Law Firm. The office staff was always courteous and prompt in responding. Rob’s expertise in our case was quickly evident, and our trust in him was rewarded. He was always open and direct with us and always respectful of our goals and priorities. We are so grateful for all that you have done for us!”
– Anne P., Former Client
“They have been angels. They were committed to the case, they worked hard, and they were very respectful and professional. They were amazing!”
– Mike G., Former Client
“Thank you for everything, this [incident] has been the worst thing that can ever happen to anyone. But thank God we have a great support system. Again thank you sooo much from the bottom of our hearts.”
– Monica S., Former Client
“Rob fought for me like no man has fought for me. The Ammons Law Firm is a law firm that seeks out justice and righteousness for those who have suffered and I can now move forward in my life.”
– Joe C., Former Client
“I just want to thank you for all the hard work on my case. The case moved efficiently, and everyone involved made sure my every need was met. I have a new lease on life now because of what you and The Ammons Law Firm achieved for me. Thank you, that’s all I have to try and explain how grateful I am. Thank you for fighting as hard as I fought to stay alive. – God Bless!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries and Legal Rights
How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit in Texas?
Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for spinal cord injury claims is two years from the date of injury. If the deadline is missed, you may lose the right to pursue compensation.
Is recovery possible after a spinal cord injury?
Some individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries can regain function with rehabilitation. However, complete spinal cord injuries typically result in permanent paralysis below the injury site. Prognosis depends on injury type, location, and response to therapy.
What age groups are most affected by spinal cord injuries?
NSCISC data shows the average age at the time of injury is now around 43. Younger adults are often injured in vehicle accidents, while falls are the leading cause among older adults, especially those over 65.
Can a spinal cord injury get worse over time?
Yes. Secondary conditions such as infections, blood clots, or unmanaged pressure sores can worsen the effects of a spinal cord injury. Ongoing medical supervision is critical to prevent further health complications and maintain stability.
What is the average life expectancy after a spinal cord injury?
Life expectancy varies by injury type and medical access. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, individuals with incomplete injuries generally live longer than those with high-level complete injuries. Medical care, rehabilitation, and prevention of secondary complications significantly impact outcomes.
Do all spinal cord injuries start as back injuries?
While spinal cord injuries occur within the spinal column, they represent a different type of trauma than typical back injuries. For information about other types of back trauma, see our back injury legal guide.
Joseph’s Story After a Life-Changing Spinal Cord Injury
Joseph shares how a serious accident in Pasadena, near Houston, Texas, left him paralyzed and facing immediate uncertainty about his future, his ability to support himself, and what life would look like moving forward. In those early days, he describes feeling overwhelmed until he met the personal injury lawyers at The Ammons Law Firm, who provided steady guidance, handled the details of his case, and helped restore a sense of control during a difficult time. What stayed with him most was the way he was treated throughout the process, with patience, professionalism, and respect, and he explains that knowing his future and his grandchildren’s well-being were protected gave him peace of mind.
Our Firm Will Fight for Your Right to Compensation
We Wrote the Book on Tire Defect Litigation
Attorney Rob Ammons has not only handled some of the most complex tire defect cases but also wrote the book on how to properly litigate these types of cases.
Team Approach to Handling Each & Every Case
Unlike smaller law firms, we have the resources necessary to tackle even the most complex cases. To ensure our clients get the best possible results, we hire industry experts and other professionals to advise on any complex legal issues.
Over a Billion Dollars Recovered for Our Clients
Our seasoned legal professionals have handled some of the largest personal injury claims nationwide and have a strong track record of favorable outcomes.
Let Us Help You
Request Your FREE CONSULTATION Today! Call (281) 801-5617 or fill out the form below to contact our team.
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s actions, our 
