Roswell Spine Injury Attorney
Helping You Seek Compensation for Your Immediate & Future Needs
Spinal cord injuries can profoundly affect an injured person and their family. Extensive or lifelong medical treatment may be necessary, and returning to work may be difficult or impossible. Even everyday tasks such as driving or brushing your teeth can become challenging.
At Crow Law Firm, we understand these challenges. B.J. Crow has represented injured clients for nearly 20 years, and our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients. We represent people in Roswell, New Mexico whose spinal cord injuries resulted from another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct.
Contact us through our online form or by phone at (575) 222-2702. Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential, and virtual consultations are available. You pay attorney fees only if we obtain a recovery for you.
Understanding Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be “complete” or “incomplete.” A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent, irreversible damage to the affected area. It often results in total paralysis, known as paraplegia or quadriplegia/tetraplegia.
An incomplete spinal cord injury causes partial damage. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, an injured person may retain some function and feeling above the point of injury. These injuries can cause temporary or permanent partial paralysis, partial loss of sensation, and other complications.
Identifying Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Many spinal cord injuries result from sudden trauma. Common causes include:
Key Information About the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries information between the brain and the rest of the body. The vertebrae form a protective column around it. The spinal cord runs from the base of the brain down the middle of the back and ends above the waist. A sudden, traumatic blow can dislocate or fracture the vertebrae or damage nerves that don’t regenerate after injury.
According to a 2020 report by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCIS), approximately 17,810 new spinal cord trauma cases are reported annually. Auto accidents and falls are the most common causes of spinal cord injury.
Recognizing Signs & Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
Although the symptoms of many spinal cord injuries are immediately apparent, loss of function can be delayed after the initial trauma. Anyone who suffers a spinal cord injury must seek immediate medical attention after a serious accident.
Common signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:
- Standing, walking, balancing, or breathing difficulties
- Numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, toes, hands, or fingers
- Significant back pain
- Pressure or weakness in the back, neck, or head area
- Partial or complete paralysis
Types of Damages You Can Claim in a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
Because spinal cord injuries may require long-term or permanent medical care, an injured person must account for immediate and future losses. Economic damages address documented financial losses. Non-economic damages address personal losses without a fixed bill or invoice.
Common types of damages in a spinal cord injury lawsuit include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Property damage stemming from the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
New Mexico Deadlines for Spinal Cord Injury Claims
Under NMSA Section 37-1-8, most New Mexico personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within three years of the injury date. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent an injured person from pursuing a lawsuit. Claims involving a New Mexico government entity require written notice within 90 days in many circumstances and follow a shorter filing window.
The applicable deadline depends on the defendant, the type of claim, and any case-specific exceptions. A consultation allows us to identify which deadlines apply and what information must be preserved.
