How to Handle Spinal Cord Injuries Resulting from Accidents - Bryan Garrett Personal Injury Attorney

A spinal cord injury can change a person’s life in an instant. These injuries often occur in car wrecks, truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, or falls. Because the spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body, any damage can disrupt mobility, sensation, and vital body functions.

In Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, spinal cord injuries can stem from motor vehicle collisions. The moments after a crash can make a big difference in the injured person’s future health and recovery.

What to Do at the Accident Scene

Handling a suspected spinal cord injury starts at the scene of the accident. Quick and careful decisions matter. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Keep the person still. Even slight movement can worsen the injury. If you suspect a spinal cord injury, avoid moving the person unless immediate danger exists, such as fire or explosion.
Call for emergency help. Dial 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher it may be a spinal injury so medical responders arrive prepared with specialized equipment.
Support the head and neck if possible. If you’re near the person, gently hold their head in the position you find it and wait for help. Professional responders will use rigid collars and backboards for stabilization.

These initial steps help prevent additional harm, preserving as much spinal function as possible before doctors take over.

Immediate Medical Treatment

Once emergency responders arrive, they will stabilize the person and transport them to a trauma center. In Oklahoma City, patients with suspected spinal injuries are often taken to major hospitals equipped with neurosurgical capabilities.

At the hospital, care focuses on breathing, blood pressure, and spine stability. Doctors may order CT scans or MRIs to assess the damage. Some treatments may include:

Medications: Corticosteroids are sometimes administered within hours to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Surgery: If bone fragments, herniated discs, or fractures compress the spinal cord, surgeons might perform procedures like a decompression laminectomy or spinal fusion.
ICU Monitoring: Severe injuries often require intensive care, including ventilator support when breathing muscles are affected.

Quick, coordinated medical attention is critical during this stage. The actions taken in the first few days can help shape long-term outcomes.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Once a patient is stabilized, the next milestone involves rehabilitation. This step is vital for regaining as much independence as possible. A full recovery process touches nearly every aspect of daily living.

Physical therapy: Exercises focus on strengthening muscles, improving balance, and retraining movement patterns to restore function where possible.
Occupational therapy: Therapists help patients relearn essential skills such as dressing, bathing, and transferring safely from a wheelchair to a bed or car.
Mental health support: The emotional toll of a spinal cord injury affects both patients and families. Counseling and therapy can ease adjustment and improve quality of life.
Preventing complications: Early rehabilitation work includes avoiding pressure sores, pneumonia, and other secondary problems that can delay recovery.

Rehabilitation often takes place in specialized centers in and around Oklahoma City, with care teams focusing on long-term progress and adaptation to new routines.

Ongoing Medical Care and Adaptation

Life after a spinal cord injury involves ongoing medical review and planning. Treatments and lifestyle changes help maintain health and mobility. Most patients benefit from regular appointments to monitor issues such as chronic pain, muscle spasticity, and bladder or bowel control challenges.

Many injured individuals also explore assistive technology and community resources. These might include:

Wheelchairs, leg braces, or adaptive devices for daily living
Home modifications such as ramps and lifts
Vocational training to support returning to work or school
Support groups in the Oklahoma City area that connect survivors and caregivers

Ongoing research continues to look at stem cell therapy and nerve-stimulation devices. While these treatments are not yet standard, advancements give hope for improved outcomes in the future.

Legal Rights and Options in Oklahoma

When a spinal cord injury results from another person’s negligence—such as a reckless driver or unsafe property—Oklahoma law allows victims to pursue compensation for damages. These claims can cover medical costs, lost wages, long-term care, and pain and suffering.

Under Oklahoma’s statute of limitations (Title 12, § 95), most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. It’s crucial to talk with an experienced attorney early to preserve your rights and evidence. Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize payouts, and having strong legal representation helps level the playing field.

Law firms in Oklahoma City familiar with spinal cord injury cases know how to gather medical proof, consult experts, and work with rehabilitation specialists to accurately calculate long-term needs. They also understand how to present these injuries to juries and insurers to secure fair results.

Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury

If you or a loved one experiences a spinal cord injury, a few steps can make future care and recovery smoother:

Focus on immediate medical attention and follow all treatment recommendations.
Document all expenses, doctor visits, and therapy progress.
Avoid speaking to insurers before consulting a trusted attorney.
Keep a journal of physical and emotional challenges during recovery.
Reach out for community and legal support early on.

Being proactive and informed helps families move forward while ensuring the injured person receives the resources and care they deserve.

How Bryan Garrett, PLLC Can Help

Spinal cord injuries bring physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can seem overwhelming. Bryan Garrett, PLLC, based in Oklahoma City, helps families face those challenges with compassion and determination. The firm handles personal injury and accident cases throughout Oklahoma.

If you or someone you care about has suffered a spinal cord injury due to another’s carelessness, call Bryan Garrett at 405-839-8424 today. The team can review your case, explain your legal options, and fight to secure the compensation you need for recovery and future care.

Reach out today for a free consultation and start moving toward healing and justice with the support you deserve.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

What are the critical first steps to take at an accident scene if a spinal cord injury is suspected?

The critical first steps are to keep the injured person completely still, call 911 immediately, and gently support their head and neck until professional medical responders arrive.

What types of medical treatment are typically used for a spinal cord injury?

Immediate medical treatment focuses on stabilization, and may include administering corticosteroids to reduce swelling, performing surgery to relieve pressure from bone fragments or discs, and providing intensive care monitoring.

What types of compensation can be sought for a spinal cord injury under Oklahoma law?

Victims whose spinal cord injury results from another person’s negligence can pursue claims for damages, including medical costs, lost wages, long-term care, and compensation for pain and suffering.