Author Image

By: Ricardo A Garcia

The experienced McAllen spinal cord injury lawyers at the Law Firm of Ricardo A. Garcia will fight to protect your rights and maximize your compensation after an accident. Schedule a free consultation today.

Table Of Contents

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in loss of function or mobility. Approximately 270,000 people in the U.S. are living with a SCI, and 12,000 new incidents of SCI occur each year according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Personal injury lawyers typically categorizes these types of injuries as catastrophic injuries. When SCI is caused by another individual’s (or organization’s) negligence, it can result in a personal injury lawsuit and in the case of a surgical error, a medical malpractice claim. These injuries can also lead to product liability lawsuits, if they were caused by defective products, such as faulty seat belts.

Different Types of SCI

Complete SCI Complete SCI is one in which the victim has no sensation or voluntary motor movement on either side of the body below the level of the injury. Incomplete SCI If the victim has some feeling or partial movement, it is called an incomplete SCI. Unlike other, less severe, personal injury claims, damages for SCI claims can exceed recovery of medical expenses and pain and suffering. The damages may include compensation for long-term effects, such as rehabilitation and home aid, cost of wheelchairs and other devices and the expense of adding ramps and stair lifts to the victim’s home and vehicle. In addition, the spouses of SCI victims may also sue for loss of household services, loss of consortium and loss of spousal intimacy.

Signs of Serious Injury

Auto accidents are the primary cause of SCIs. Falls and sports accidents also cause significant amounts of SCIs each year. Though many of the activities associated with SCI are voluntary, a spinal cord injury lawyer will help you learn if another’s negligence entitles you to monetary damages. An SCI typically involves spinal cord swelling, which affects the entire body. As the swelling decreases, the victim may regain function months or years after the injury, but regaining complete functioning is sadly rare. Treatment presently consists of stabilizing any broken vertebrae, maintaining the patient, preventing movement to the injured area and reducing swelling. Although stem cell research has shown some promising signs for the future, there is still no cure for SCI.

Protect Your Rights

The McAllen spinal cord injury lawyers at the Law Firm of Ricardo A. Garcia can help answer all of your legal questions. We recognize that everyone is an individual and that not every case is the same. We start by listening, gathering evidence and fighting hard to make sure our clients obtain the justice they deserve so that they can get back to feeling a sense of normalcy and get back to living their lives. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another party, please contact our McAllen spinal cord injury lawyers here at the Law Firm of Ricardo A. Garcia. Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll sit down with you and discuss the particulars of your individual case, and help you determine the next, best step for you and your family.

Our Mcallen Law Office Location

Mcallen Office

Address:

820 South Main St., McAllen, Texas 78501

Phone:
(956) 630-2882

Fax:
(956) 630-2882

Call

(956) 630-2882

For A Free Legal Consultation

    Request a Free Consultation

    By checking this box, I verify that this is my mobile number and consent to receive text messages via automated technology to this number on behalf of Stewart J Guss & Associates, PLLC. I also agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy. Message and Data rates may apply. Text STOP to unsubscribe.

    Testimonials





    "Want real justice they are the ones to go. Professionalism excellence!! They really do exceed!"
    Yvonne Rodriguez




    "Awesome people to work with very prompt in return calls and getting stuff done💪💪"
    Jeffrey Pate




    "The place is beautiful and everyone is very nice! Two thumbs up!"
    Laura Perez

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When you hire a personal injury lawyer to help you get money for an injury, you’re getting someone who fights for you, deals with paperwork, and talks to insurance companies.

    Just know that insurance companies try to pay as little as possible for your injuries. Hiring a lawyer helps make sure you get the money you deserve.

    Usually, we start by trying to agree on a payment without going to court. It’s better because it’s cheaper, less stressful, and faster. Even if we do go to court, we might still settle there.

    People often ask, “How much money will I get?” It depends on a few things:

    1. We add up your bills and lost wages (that’s called economic damages).
    2. Then we increase that number depending on how bad your case is (if someone really messed up).
    3. We also think about the most money the insurance will give (like $30k/$60k in Texas).

    Since this is a common question, we’re sharing this info to help you understand better how we figure out how much you’ll get.

    After you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s crucial to seek out a Texas personal injury lawyer immediately. This is vital to safeguarding important evidence for your case.

    Understanding the statute of limitations is also essential. If you delay filing a lawsuit for personal injury, your case could be dismissed due to these time limits. Typically, you must file a claim within two years of the accident or injury, though there are exceptions.

    The statute of limitations usually begins counting from the date of the accident. For instance, if you were injured in a car crash, the two-year countdown starts from that day.

    In most cases, you can’t pause or extend the time limit. Once it’s up, you can’t make a claim anymore.Sometimes, especially with accidents involving government entities, you have even less time to act or risk forfeiting your right to seek compensation for your injuries. To ensure you’re protected and can still pursue a claim, it’s crucial to consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

    Negligence refers to failing to exercise reasonable care in a situation where a prudent person would do so. It can occur by either doing something incorrectly or by failing to act when action is necessary. For instance, not providing assistance when required could be deemed as negligence.

    In legal terms, proving negligence typically involves demonstrating several key elements:

    • Duty: Showing that the person responsible for the action owed a duty of care to the injured party.
    • Breach: Establishing that the responsible person failed to meet that duty of care.
    • Causation: Demonstrating that the breach of duty directly resulted in harm to the injured party.
    • Harm: Providing evidence that the injured party suffered actual harm or damages.
    • Proximate Cause: Establishing that the actions of the responsible party were the primary cause of the harm suffered by the injured party.

    Most personal injury cases in McAllen are typically settled before reaching trial. About 90 to 95% of these cases are resolved through negotiation or settlement agreements. However, whether your case proceeds to trial depends on several factors

    • -Severity of injuries: If your injuries are severe, such as brain or spinal cord damage, insurance companies may be more inclined to settle to avoid potentially higher payouts at trial.
    • -Strength of evidence: If you have compelling evidence that supports your claim and makes it difficult for the other party to dispute, they may choose to settle rather than risk an unfavorable outcome at trial.
    •  -Negotiation skills: Having a skilled negotiator on your side can significantly impact whether your case goes to trial. A capable attorney can often negotiate favorable settlements without the need for litigation.

    While most cases settle out of court, having a proficient legal team like ours in the Texas Rio Grande Valley ensures you’re prepared for either scenario. We have a proven track record of successfully resolving personal injury claims through negotiation and, if necessary, litigation.

    If you’re considering legal action after an accident like a car crash or getting hit by a truck, it’s crucial to have a skilled negotiator on your side. Our team of attorneys in Texas Rio Grande Valley has a successful track record of resolving personal injury claims through negotiation and, if necessary, litigation.

    Here’s What Our Clients Say





    "Want real justice they are the ones to go. Professionalism excellence!! They really do exceed!"
    Yvonne Rodriguez




    "Awesome people to work with very prompt in return calls and getting stuff done💪💪"
    Jeffrey Pate




    "The place is beautiful and everyone is very nice! Two thumbs up!"
    Laura Perez
    McAllen Injury Lawyers