Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries: Types, Impacts, and Legal Considerations in New Mexico

Spinal cord injuries are typically categorized into two main types: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the site of injury, signifying that there is no communication between the brain and the areas affected. Individuals with a complete spinal cord injury often face a much more significant and longer-term impact on their mobility and daily life, sometimes requiring full-time personal care and assistance with activities of daily living.

An incomplete spinal cord injury means there is still some degree of signal transmission across the site of the injury. Put another way, those with an incomplete spinal cord injury may retain some movement or sensation below the injury level. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, rehabilitation can lead to significant recovery, although most victims still face lasting challenges. The variation in symptoms and recovery potential vastly increases the complexity of medical treatment and legal considerations following an incomplete spinal cord injury.

The physical impact of spinal cord injuries can also vary based on the location of the injury on the spinal cord. A paraplegic injury, which affects all or part of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, usually results from an injury to the spinal cord's thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, results from damage to the cervical portion of the spinal cord and affects all four limbs and the torso. The higher the spinal column the injury occurs, the more severe the potential impact on the body’s sensory and motor functions.

Spinal cord injuries can have devastating and wide-ranging impacts that extend beyond the immediate physical impairments. The loss of independence can dramatically alter an individual's lifestyle and self-identity. Psychologically, individuals with spinal cord injuries are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety as they adjust to a new reality and altered aspirations. Socially, individuals might experience shifts in relationships and community participation, often needing to advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Economically, medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications can be exorbitant and significantly strain individuals and their families. 

The comprehensive nature of these challenges underscores the urgency with which you should seek capable legal representation to secure the resources vital for your long-term support and recovery. Our New Mexico spinal cord injury attorneys recognize what is at stake and can provide the aggressive advocacy you need during this difficult time.

Beyond the immediate and long-term physical impacts, spinal cord injuries can also lead to a range of secondary complications, including pressure sores, respiratory issues, and urinary tract infections, all of which require ongoing medical management. Managing these complications necessitates comprehensive medical care and a proactive legal approach to ensure that all potential costs and future needs are comprehensively addressed within legal claims. Legal representation can help identify potential medical expenses and secure funds for ongoing care and improving quality of life.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in New Mexico

While workers in certain more unavoidably dangerous professions may be at a higher risk of suffering a spinal cord injury in a work-related accident, these catastrophic injuries can also occur in everyday settings. Even a simple fall can lead to a spinal cord injury if you land the wrong way.

Our New Mexico spinal cord injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options in claims involving:

• Slips and falls. When a person slips or falls, the abrupt force exerted onto the spine can compress or twist it beyond its normal range of motion. This can result in fractures, dislocations, or crush injuries to the vertebrae – the bony segments of the spinal column that protect the spinal cord. These injuries can occur in various settings, including at home, at your workplace, or in public spaces, and are usually due to sudden impacts or awkward landings on the spinal column. Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their premises for visitors. This means that if the injury occurred on property that was negligently maintained – such as a wet floor without proper signage, unrepaired walkways, or inadequate lighting – the property owner or manager could be held liable under premises liability law.
• Vehicular accidents. When drivers do not show due care to others on the road, their vehicles can become dangerous projectiles capable of causing severe harm. Examples of negligent behaviors that can cause collisions include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to obey traffic signals, or distracted driving, which includes the use of mobile devices while driving. In a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, the forces involved can cause the body to move unnatural, especially when the collision is at high speeds or involves sudden stops. The violent jarring and twisting of the torso can lead to the spinal column being subjected to extreme stress, potentially causing fractures, dislocations, or compression of the spinal cord. Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents, can be particularly hazardous for spinal injuries due to the direct blow to the side of the body and the proximity of the vehicle’s structure to the occupant. Rear-end collisions, commonly attributed to distracted driving or tailgating, can result in whiplash, a type of neck injury that, in severe cases, can also damage the spinal cord. For motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians who negligent drivers strike, the lack of structural protection compared to a car occupant means that any impact has a higher likelihood of causing catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries. 
• Oil field accidents. The heavy machinery, high-pressure lines, and drilling apparatuses in oil fields can potentially cause serious injuries if they malfunction or are improperly handled. A typical scenario is the sudden release of pressure, known as a blowout, which can result in explosions or flying debris, putting workers at risk of blunt force trauma to the spine. Falls are among the most frequent accidents in oil fields due to the work requiring personnel to operate on elevated platforms, derricks, and drilling rigs. Falls from such heights can result in severe impacts to the spinal column, causing fractures, dislocations, and crush injuries to the vertebrae. Oil field workers may also suffer spinal cord injuries as a result of being struck by heavy equipment, pipe sections, or other large objects being moved around the site.
• Other workplace accidents. Spinal cord injuries are not limited to high-risk environments like oil fields. They can occur across various workplaces due to various hazards and situations. In industrial settings such as warehouses and manufacturing plants, workers are often required to maneuver heavy loads, which can lead to overexertion and spinal cord injuries due to lifting, reaching, or repetitive motions. Forklift accidents, where individuals are struck by or pinned against items, can also cause significant damage to the spinal cord. Even office workplaces, though seemingly less hazardous, have their risks. Slip and fall accidents, which are common in any type of workplace, can occur even in a typical office environment due to wet floors, loose carpeting, or cluttered walkways, resulting in potentially serious spinal cord injuries.
• Medical malpractice. When healthcare providers fail to adhere to the standard of care, patients can suffer devastating outcomes. Medical negligence can cause spinal cord injuries due to errors in surgical procedures or mismanagement of patient care. For example, improper surgical techniques during spinal operations, such as a failure to accurately navigate delicate neurological pathways or inadequate stabilization of the spinal column, can directly damage the spinal cord. Additionally, incorrect administration of epidural injections or anesthesia can lead to inflammation, infection, or direct trauma to the spinal cord.
• Defective products. Defective products, whether they are designed for consumer use, industrial application, or medical purposes, can potentially cause catastrophic spinal cord injuries. Defective design, manufacturing errors, and inadequate warnings or instructions all contribute to the risk of injury. For instance, a poorly designed piece of furniture that collapses under everyday use or a vehicle with an unstable center of gravity prone to rolling over can result in severe trauma to the spine.

Each of these causes requires a distinct legal approach to determine liability and pursue compensation. Understanding the root cause of a spinal cord injury is critical in developing a legal strategy that effectively addresses the unique circumstances of each claim. Our legal team meticulously investigates the injury's facts, consults with industry experts, and builds a compelling case to support your claim. By doing so, we strive to secure the resources and support you need for long-term recovery and well-being.