A Houston paraplegia injury lawyer can help you and your family pursue the compensation you deserve for your serious accident. If you were paralyzed in any accident, whether it happened in an auto accident, a slip and fall, or in a work accident, the seasoned paralysis injury attorneys at Schecter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P. are ready to fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Unlike some other law firms, we are not intimidated by the most prestigious organizations or their insurance companies. We will stand up to oil refineries, government agencies, hospitals and more. Contact us today to book your free consultation.
About Paraplegia Injuries in Houston
It is difficult to tally the total number of paraplegia injuries sustained by Houstonians in a given year. Still, severe spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are known to affect 18,000 Americans per year, on average. Of them, 80% of these victims are males aged 16 to 30.
Auto accidents are the most common cause of paraplegia injuries. However, severe spinal trauma can also happen when a victim slips and falls at work, when someone is struck while riding a motorcycle, or even being hit by a drunk driver while walking through an intersection.
What is Paraplegia?
Paraplegia is characterized by a loss of sensation and paralysis of the lower half of the body, including the legs, feet, and lower abdominal areas, resulting from damage to the spinal cord.
After a traumatic spinal injury, many of these accident victims still have use of their arms and much of their upper body, and their respiratory system may or may not be affected. It all depends on where the spine is damaged. The higher up on a spine (closer to the head) a trauma happens, the more a person’s body may be affected. Injuries to the highest vertebrae can cause quadriplegia and complete paralysis.
Paraplegia Treatments
Medical professionals still have a lot to learn about these types of injuries. Paraplegia is generally considered a long-term if not permanent, paralyzing injury. However, physical therapy, neurosurgery, stem cell treatments, and other treatments are available.
More treatment options and experimental treatments also become available to victims from time to time. A skilled Houston paraplegia injury lawyer can help victims and their families research potential therapies and understand the ongoing costs associated with them. These possible future costs should be considered when an insurance company offers a settlement.
What to Do if An Insurer Offers a Settlement
Shortly after a serious accident, most victims of severe spinal cord injuries are approached by an insurance company with a settlement offer. Do not accept this initial offer without speaking to an attorney who has experience with Houston paraplegia claims and lawsuits.
That initial offering may seem enticing, especially for families enduring extreme emotional and financial hardship after an accident. However, once a settlement is agreed upon, victims and their families cannot sue for additional compensation, and the cost of medical care will be substantial.
Consult with a Houston Paraplegia Injury Lawyer Immediately
We have amazing personal injury attorneys, paralegals and support staff at Schecter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., and have been helping injured people since 1964. We have helped many families just like yours, and we look forward to meeting you and hearing your story. Book your free consultation today to get started with a Houston paraplegia injury lawyer.
