Spinal Cord Injuries & Back Pain

Spinal Cord Injuries & Back Pain

Back injuries are among the most common and painful consequences of a car accident. From herniated discs to long-term spinal cord damage, these injuries often require ongoing treatment, limit mobility, and impact every part of daily life. At Universal Law Group, our Houston-based attorneys help injured clients pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a back injury after a car crash, we can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

How Car Accidents Cause Spinal Injuries

The force of a crash can strain, compress, or tear the structures in your back and neck. Even low-speed accidents can cause significant spinal damage, especially if the body is jerked forward or twisted on impact.

Common Types of Spinal Damage in Collisions:

  • Whiplash: Often caused by rear-end accidents, whiplash affects the cervical spine (neck) and can lead to pain, stiffness, and headaches.

  • Herniated Discs: Sudden impact can cause spinal discs to bulge or rupture, pressing against nerves and causing severe pain or numbness.

  • Fractured Vertebrae: A spinal fracture can result in instability, nerve damage, or even paralysis if untreated.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Damage to the spinal cord can affect sensation and movement below the injury site. In severe cases, this leads to permanent disability.

Symptoms to Watch For After a Crash

Some back injuries show symptoms immediately, but others may take hours or days to develop. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention after any accident, even if you feel fine at first.

Common Symptoms of a Back Injury:

  • Localized back or neck pain

  • Tingling or numbness in arms, legs, or hands

  • Muscle weakness or difficulty walking

  • Reduced range of motion

  • Stiffness or spasms

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)

Delaying treatment can make your condition worse and hurt your legal claim. Medical records also serve as key evidence in personal injury cases.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are classified based on location and severity. This classification helps determine treatment plans and compensation value.

Complete vs. Incomplete SCIs

  • Complete SCIs involve full loss of function below the injury site. Paraplegia or quadriplegia may result.

  • Incomplete SCIs allow for some function or sensation below the injury site.

High vs. Low Spinal Injuries

  • Cervical injuries affect the neck and may cause total or partial paralysis.

  • Thoracic and lumbar injuries affect the torso and legs and often limit movement or control in the lower body.

Long-Term Impact of Spinal and Back Injuries

A serious back injury may require months—or even years—of treatment. In the most severe cases, you may need 24-hour care, adaptive equipment, or home modifications.

Common Long-Term Needs

  • Physical therapy

  • Pain management

  • Surgery

  • In-home care or personal assistance

  • Psychological counseling

  • Mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers

The cost of these services can add up quickly. At Universal Law Group, we fight to recover compensation that covers your future medical expenses—not just your current bills.

Proving Liability in a Texas Car Accident

Texas is an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for your injuries. To win your case, your lawyer must prove:

  1. The other driver owed you a duty of care

  2. They breached that duty (e.g., by speeding, texting, or driving drunk)

  3. Their actions caused your back injury

  4. You suffered damages (such as medical bills, lost income, or pain)

We gather crash reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong case.

What Your Back Injury Case May Be Worth

Back injury settlements vary based on the severity of your injury, your recovery time, and how the injury affects your work and daily life.

Factors That Affect Compensation:

  • Emergency care and hospitalization

  • Ongoing medical treatment

  • Time missed from work

  • Impact on earning capacity

  • Permanent disability

  • Pain and suffering

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

At Universal Law Group, we calculate your damages carefully and push for fair compensation. We never recommend accepting a low settlement just to close a case.

Why You Need a Lawyer After a Back Injury

Insurance companies often downplay back pain or delay payments. A personal injury lawyer helps you avoid mistakes and maximize your settlement.

We Can Help You:

  • Get the right medical care

  • Document your injury and treatment

  • Negotiate with the insurance adjuster

  • File a lawsuit if needed

  • Recover full and fair compensation

Our legal team has experience handling complex spinal injury claims and knows how to present strong evidence to support your case.

Contact a Houston Back Injury Lawyer Today

At Universal Law Group, we help injured Texans hold negligent drivers accountable. If you’ve suffered a spinal injury or back pain after a car accident, don’t try to handle the claim alone. We provide honest advice and aggressive representation.

Call Universal Law Group now or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and help you move forward.