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.