Spinal Cord Injuries and Commercial Truck Accidents

Traumatic spinal cord injuries can have life-changing consequences. For those who have been injured in commercial truck accidents and other vehicle collisions, the long-term physical and emotional effects make it essential to seek financial compensation. The medical bills for traumatic spinal cord injuries can be staggering; and, for those who are unable to work or enjoy spending time with loved ones, the costs extend far beyond the direct financial toll.

In Texas, all forms of traumatic spinal cord injuries are potentially eligible for compensation. The question is not the nature of your injury, but rather the cause. If you were injured and another person (such as a distracted driver) or company (such as the manufacturer of a defective vehicle) is to blame, Texas law entitles you to seek full and fair compensation for all of your accident-related losses.

Common Spinal Cord Injuries Resulting from Trucking Collisions

Traumatic spinal cord injuries can be classified in two primary ways: (i) by the location of the injury in the spinal cord, and (ii) by the severity of the injury.

For purposes of classifying injuries, doctors divide the spine into five regions:

• Cervical
• Thoracic
• Lumbar
• Sacral
• Coccygeal

The cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions are each made of several vertebrae, which help protect the nerves in the spinal cord and are separated by discs that provide support and mobility. The coccygeal and sacral regions are located in the pelvis, and collectively consist of a single vertebra and the roots of the nerves that travel from the spinal cord to other parts of the body.

In terms of severity, spinal cord injuries can be broadly classified as either “complete” or “incomplete.”  A spinal cord injury is considered complete if it results in a total loss of function below the level of the injury on both sides of the body. Incomplete spinal cord injuries are those that result in partial loss of sensation or movement or impairment on just one side of the body. Both complete and incomplete injuries can occur in any region of the spinal cord.

Consequences of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries

Depending on the severity of the injury, damage to the spinal cord can cause short-term or permanent:

• Bladder, bowel and digestive issues
• Chronic pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rate and blood pressure issues
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of sexual function
• Muscle spasms
• Paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia or tetraplegia)

With the extreme forces involved in accidents involving tractor trailers, 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks, it is not unusual for victims to suffer traumatic spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a spine injury, you should see a doctor promptly. If you have already been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, you should speak with a lawyer about your right to financial compensation.

Speak with a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer for Free

For more information about your rights after a commercial truck accident in Texas, contact the Houston law offices of Morrow & Sheppard LLP. To speak with an experienced attorney in confidence, call (800) 489-2216 or request a free consultation online today.