$
0
Billion
Recovered in Verdicts and Settlements
A spinal cord injury at work can change everything—mobility, independence, and long-term health. One moment you are doing your job. The next, you may be facing paralysis, nerve damage, or a lifetime of limited movement.
When that kind of injury happens because your employer ignored safety rules or failed to fix known hazards, the consequences go beyond physical. Legal action may be your best path forward.
Not all firms are equipped to handle spinal cord injury cases. Many steer clients into the workers’ compensation system—even when employer negligence is involved. That is not how we operate.
At Nix Patterson, we take on severe, life-changing cases where safety failures demand full accountability. Spinal cord injuries are complex. They require long-term medical planning, financial forecasting, and litigation strength. We are built for that.
We assume every case could end up in court. That means we begin gathering evidence immediately: medical records, workplace documentation, safety violations, and more. Insurers know which firms fold under pressure—and which do not. We prepare like we mean to win.
You will never pay upfront fees. We cover all litigation costs, from expert witnesses to depositions. Our clients do not bear the burden—we do, because we believe in the case.
The spinal cord acts as the body’s command center—sending signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When that cord is damaged, the results are often life-altering.
Spinal cord injuries are typically categorized as either complete or incomplete, based on how much function and sensation remain below the point of injury.
A complete spinal cord injury involves a total loss of motor control and sensation below the injury site. This type of injury often results in full paralysis of the body parts affected—whether that means paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs and the torso), depending on where the spine was damaged.
An incomplete spinal cord injury means that some nerve signals are still able to pass through the damaged area. The individual may retain some movement or feeling, but the extent of that function can vary significantly. Some people experience partial paralysis or numbness, while others struggle with reduced coordination or strength in specific limbs.
The classification matters not just medically, but legally—because the degree of impairment directly affects quality of life, future earning ability, and the long-term cost of care.
The effects of a spinal cord injury go far beyond limited movement. Many survivors lose control over essential bodily functions, such as bladder and bowel regulation. Chronic pain, muscle spasms, and the loss of sexual function are also common, creating ongoing physical and emotional challenges. For those with high-level injuries, even breathing may require mechanical assistance.
Daily life becomes a series of adjustments. Wheelchairs, braces, and other assistive devices may be necessary for mobility. Tasks that were once routine—getting dressed, driving, or going to work—can suddenly feel out of reach. These are not temporary setbacks. They reshape how you live, how you work, and how you connect with the people around you.
A spinal cord injury does not just affect the body—it alters every part of a person’s life. Many survivors experience deep psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. The loss of independence can be just as devastating as the physical limitations, especially for those unable to return to work or resume the routines that once defined their identity.
The financial strain adds another layer of hardship. Long-term care needs often exceed what insurance will cover. From in-home assistance to specialized equipment and ongoing therapy, the expenses can quickly become overwhelming. Without strong legal support, injured workers and their families may be left facing a future filled with uncertainty—and a system that fails to acknowledge the full extent of their loss.
Workplace spinal injuries rarely come out of nowhere. In most cases, there were warning signs—ignored safety procedures, broken equipment, missing protections.
Falls are one of the most common causes of spinal injury, especially in construction, warehousing and the oil and gas industries. Whether it’s a ladder, scaffolding, or elevated platform, a fall from even a few feet can cause permanent spinal damage—especially when fall protection is missing or inadequate.
Heavy equipment is unforgiving. Forklifts, conveyor belts, and presses can crush vertebrae, damage nerves, or cause fractures when safety guards are missing, equipment is poorly maintained or workers are untrained or overworked. The result? Life-altering injury in an instant.
On job sites, in delivery roles, or at industrial facilities, motor vehicle accidents are a constant risk. When collisions happen, spinal trauma is often one of the most serious outcomes.
Poorly stacked inventory, collapsing shelves, or unsecured tools can strike the neck or back with crushing force. These are preventable accidents—often caused by rushed operations and ignored safety checks.
Not every spinal injury is a single incident. Repeated strain, heavy lifting, or awkward motions over time can wear down the spine—leading to herniated discs or nerve compression that eventually become permanent.
These are not just workplace hazards. They are signals of negligence—of an employer who failed to keep their people safe. When that failure leads to a spinal cord injury, the law allows you to take action. And Nix Patterson is ready to help you do exactly that.
A spinal cord injury at work is rarely the result of chance. In many cases, it happens because safety protocols were ignored, training was inadequate, or management allowed dangerous conditions to persist. These failures are not just unfortunate—they are legally actionable.
Employers are required by OSHA to maintain a safe working environment. That includes proper machine maintenance, fall protection, emergency procedures, and thorough employee training. When they skip inspections, delay repairs, or look the other way on known risks, they break that obligation.
In spinal injury cases, we often uncover issues like:
Negligence is not always a single bad decision—it’s often a pattern. Maybe supervisors pushed workers to meet quotas instead of following safety steps. Maybe complaints about unsafe equipment went ignored. Maybe there was no formal training program at all.
When those choices result in life-altering injury, the employer must be held accountable. And that accountability rarely comes through the workers’ comp system alone.
Workers’ compensation may seem like the obvious first step after a workplace injury—but it’s often the wrong one when serious negligence is involved.
Workers’ comp provides basic coverage: medical bills, some wage replacement, and disability benefits. But it does not offer compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or the full financial impact of a catastrophic injury.
It also shields employers from being sued in most cases, meaning negligent behavior often goes unchallenged—and unchanged.
There are exceptions under the law that allow injured workers to file a lawsuit outside the workers’ comp system:
A civil lawsuit opens the door to real accountability and full financial recovery. And when the injury is this severe, that difference matters.
Spinal cord injuries come with enormous costs—financial, physical, and emotional. A civil lawsuit offers the chance to recover compensation that reflects the full scope of what you have lost and what you will need to move forward with stability and dignity.
Treatment for a spinal cord injury is rarely short-term. Many individuals require multiple surgeries or spinal fusion procedures just to stabilize the damage. But recovery doesn’t end there. Long-term physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, and pain management are often necessary to preserve function and quality of life.
In many cases, spinal injury survivors must rely on in-home medical care or 24-hour support. They may need mobility aids such as wheelchairs, lifts, or braces just to navigate everyday spaces. For some, returning home requires major changes—widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, ramps, or stair lifts. These modifications are essential for independence but come with significant expense.
At Nix Patterson, we work with medical experts and life-care planners to estimate these costs accurately and ensure they are fully accounted for in your legal claim.
The impact of a spinal cord injury on your ability to earn a living can be devastating. Some people are forced to leave their jobs permanently. Others may return to work in a limited capacity, often in roles that offer lower wages and fewer opportunities for advancement.
We pursue compensation for lost income—both immediate and long-term. That includes time away from work during recovery, as well as the diminished earning capacity you may face in the future. If your injury disrupts your career path, we also account for missed promotions, lost bonuses, reduced retirement contributions, and the overall trajectory of professional growth that was cut short.
Spinal injuries affect every part of how you live—from how you move to how you sleep, interact with others, or even perceive yourself. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for constant assistance can lead to profound psychological distress. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are common among spinal injury survivors.
A civil claim recognizes these invisible injuries. It allows you to pursue damages for the mental and emotional cost of your trauma—not just the bills and lost wages, but the stolen joy, diminished independence, and lasting changes to your identity and relationships. These are not secondary concerns. They are central to your recovery and should be treated as such.
In situations where an employer’s conduct was especially reckless—such as knowingly violating safety rules or removing protective equipment—a court may award punitive damages. These are not meant to cover your personal losses. Instead, they serve to punish the employer and send a message that putting workers in harm’s way will not be tolerated.
Punitive damages are rare, but when they apply, they reflect the seriousness of the misconduct—and they can significantly strengthen the overall impact of your case. We pursue them aggressively when the facts justify it.
Spinal cord injury cases are not routine. They demand experienced trial lawyers, credible experts, and a strategy built for high-stakes litigation. That’s what we bring to the table.
The strongest cases start with the fastest action. We move quickly to:
We know how fast employers try to clean up after a major injury. We get there before they do.
We partner with spinal surgeons, life-care planners, workplace safety engineers, and economic experts. These professionals help us:
Our opponents know we don’t bluff. We prepare every spinal injury case as if it’s going to trial. That readiness puts pressure on employers and insurers to offer real settlements—or face us in court.
And while we work, you don’t pay a thing. We cover every cost: experts, filings, travel, and investigation. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us.
You didn’t ask for this injury. You didn’t choose to be in pain, to lose your independence, or to face an uncertain future. But you do have a choice about what happens next.
At Nix Patterson, we help injured workers reclaim control. We don’t back down from employers who cut corners. We don’t let insurers off the hook. And we don’t stop until we’ve uncovered the truth and pursued every dollar the law allows.
If you or someone you love suffered a spinal cord injury on the job—especially due to unsafe conditions, poor training, or broken safety systems—contact us today. Your consultation is free. You won’t pay unless we win.
You’ve been through enough. Let us fight for the accountability, answers, and compensation you deserve.
Nix Patterson only works on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay us nothing unless we win. Schedule a free consultation today. Call 512.328.5333 or complete the form below.
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The information on this site is for informational purposes only. Though it deals with legal issues, it should not be taken as legal advice for any specific case or situation. The law changes rapidly, and we make no warranty or guarantee about the accuracy or reliability of the content or links on this site. Every case and legal issue is different. Speak with a lawyer for specific advice.
This site is not intended to create, and viewing it does not create, an attorney-client relationship. The verdicts and settlements shown on this site are intended to be representative of cases Nix Patterson handles. These listings are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other cases or claim. Results in litigation can never be guaranteed.
La información contenida en este sitio tiene únicamente fines informativos. Aunque trata de cuestiones jurídicas, no debe tomarse como asesoramiento jurídico para ningún caso o situación específicos. La legislación cambia rápidamente y no garantizamos la exactitud o fiabilidad de los contenidos o enlaces de este sitio. Cada caso y asunto jurídico es diferente. Hable con un abogado para obtener asesoramiento específico.
Este sitio no pretende crear, y su consulta no crea, una relación abogado-cliente. Los veredictos y acuerdos mostrados en este sitio pretenden ser representativos de los casos que maneja Nix Patterson. Estos listados no son una garantía o predicción del resultado de cualquier otro caso o reclamación. Los resultados en litigios nunca pueden ser garantizados.