A spine injury changes your life in an instant. Whether you are dealing with a herniated disc from a car crash or a severe spinal cord injury from a workplace accident, the physical pain and financial stress can feel overwhelming. You may be facing expensive surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and the inability to work.

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you do not have to face this burden alone. A Houston spine injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. At The Super Lawyer, we understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in catastrophic injury cases. We are here to listen to your story and guide you through the legal process.

Understanding Spine and Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine is the central support structure of your body. When it is damaged, it affects everything from your movement to your ability to feel sensation. In legal cases, we often see two main categories of injuries: damage to the vertebrae (the bones) and discs, and damage to the spinal cord itself.

Types of Spine Injuries

Spine injuries can range from painful soft tissue damage to permanent paralysis. Common injuries we see in Houston personal injury claims include:

• Disc Herniation and Bulging Discs: This happens when the soft cushion between your vertebrae slips out of place or ruptures, pressing on nerves and causing severe pain.
• Fractured Vertebrae: A break in one of the bones of the spine, often caused by high-impact trauma like a truck accident.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Damage to the bundle of nerves that carries signals between your brain and body. This is a catastrophic loss that can lead to permanent disability.
• Paralysis: Depending on where the injury occurs, victims may suffer from paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).
• Whiplash: A common neck injury where the head is jerked backward and forward, damaging muscles and ligaments in the cervical spine.

Common Symptoms and Long-Term Complications

Spine injuries often require long-term medical care. Victims may experience chronic pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of bladder and bowel control. In severe cases involving an incomplete or complete spinal cord injury, a person may require a wheelchair, home modifications, and lifelong assistance with daily tasks.

Common Causes of Spine Injuries in Houston

Houston is a busy city with heavy traffic and major industrial zones. Unfortunately, this creates many opportunities for serious accidents. To have a valid legal claim, we must prove that another party acted with negligence.

Motor Vehicle and Truck Accidents

Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal injuries. The force of a collision can easily damage the delicate structures of the back and neck. Accidents involving 18-wheelers and commercial trucks are particularly dangerous because the massive weight of the truck often results in catastrophic damage to smaller vehicles.

Falls and Premises Liability Incidents

Property owners in Texas have a duty to keep their premises safe. Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors, uneven pavement, or broken stairs can lead to severe back injuries. If a business owner knew about a hazard and failed to fix it, they may be liable for your injuries.

Workplace and Industrial Accidents

Houston has a large industrial workforce. Construction sites, refineries, and warehouses are common sites for spinal injuries. Falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, or heavy machinery accidents can cause fractured vertebrae and nerve damage. While some of these are covered by workers’ compensation, others may involve third-party liability claims.

Your Legal Rights After a Spine Injury in Texas

Understanding Texas injury law is vital for your case. The legal system allows you to seek justice, but there are specific rules that must be followed.

Negligence, Liability, and Comparative Fault

To win a personal injury lawsuit, your attorney must prove that the other party had a “duty of care” and breached it, directly causing your injury. Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule (often called the 51% bar rule). This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Texas Statute of Limitations for Spine Injury Claims

Time is limited. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue. It is crucial to speak with a spinal cord injury attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence.

Compensation Available in Houston Spine Injury Cases

The cost of living with a spine injury is incredibly high. A settlement or verdict should cover not just your current bills, but the lifetime cost of your injury.

Medical Bills and Future Medical Care

You can seek compensation for emergency room visits, surgeries (like spinal fusion or laminectomy), MRI and CT scans, and physical therapy. Crucially, your lawyer will work with medical experts to calculate the cost of future care, including pain management and rehabilitation.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If you missed work while recovering, you are owed those lost wages. If your injury results in a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your old job—or working at all—you can claim damages for loss of earning capacity.

Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Enjoyment of Life

These are known as “non-economic damages.” They compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of ability to enjoy hobbies or family time. In cases involving severe paralysis, you may also claim loss of consortium.

How a Houston Spine Injury Lawyer Can Help You

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts for back and neck injuries. They may argue that your injury was pre-existing or not as severe as you claim. Hiring a specialized lawyer levels the playing field.

Investigating the Accident and Proving Fault

We start by gathering evidence. This includes police reports, camera footage, and witness statements. We investigate the accident scene to reconstruct what happened and identify every liable party.

Working With Medical and Economic Experts

To maximize compensation, we must prove the full extent of your damages. We work with life care planners and vocational experts who can explain to a jury exactly how much money you will need for medical devices, home health aides, and lost income over your lifetime.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies and Going to Trial

Most cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. We handle all communication with the insurance adjusters so you don’t have to. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial in Houston courts.

Our Process: What to Expect When You Call

Free Consultation and Case Evaluation

We offer a free consultation to review your case. You can tell us what happened, and we will explain your legal options. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Contingency Fees and Case Costs Explained

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. We cover the costs of the investigation and filing the lawsuit. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you.

Timeline of a Typical Spine Injury Case

Every case is different. Some settle in a few months, while complex cases involving catastrophic loss may take a year or more. We will keep you informed at every step, from the initial demand letter to the final resolution.

What To Do After a Suspected Spine Injury in Houston

Immediate Medical Steps and Safety

If you suspect a back or neck injury, do not try to move. Call 911 immediately. Moving incorrectly can turn a minor fracture into a complete spinal cord injury. Follow all instructions from emergency responders and doctors.

Protecting Your Legal Claim

Once you are medically stable, try to document the accident if possible. Take photos of the scene or ask a friend to do so. Do not give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company until you have spoken to a lawyer. They can use your words against you later.