There are countless different causes of spinal cord injuries. However, no matter how a spinal injury occurs, the cost of treatment and physical therapy could overwhelm the injured person with debt for years to come. If these injuries occur due to the negligence of another person, the negligent party may be responsible for the financial burden they caused.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation–and we can help.
Understanding Spinal Injuries
Understanding how spinal cord injuries occur is only possible by first understanding the spine in general. The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves encased by vertebrae stretching from the base of the skull to the bottom of the spinal column. The spinal cord allows the brain to send and receive signals to the rest of the body. These signals control what you feel, how you move, and what your body is able to sense.
When the spinal cord is impinged, severed, or otherwise damaged, the brain’s ability to send or receive these signals can be diminished or even cut off permanently. When this happens, a condition known as paralysis sets in. Paralysis is the loss of motor control or sensation in parts of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, the brain is often unable to send or receive signals beyond the damaged point in the cord.
In other words, an injury to the part of the spinal cord that lies in the lower back could cause you to lose control or lose feeling in your legs. An injury to the neck could lead to paralysis from the head down.
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Common Causes of Spinal Injuries
Spinal cord damage typically results from an injury to the head, neck, or back. While these injuries could occur in a vast number of ways, there are certain circumstances that are more likely than others to result in a spinal injury.
Car Accidents
According to the Asian Journal of Neurosurgery, nearly one out of every three spinal cord injuries occurs during a car accident. This figure includes motorists struck by other drivers or commercial trucks. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists also routinely suffer these injuries in a crash. A spinal cord injury is especially common in motor vehicle accidents where the vehicle rolls over during the crash.
Sports Injuries
Sporting accidents also frequently result in spinal cord injuries. This is true particularly of contact sports like football. However, even sports that are not known to be as violent—including basketball—can lead to spinal injuries if a player lands the wrong way.
Violent Assaults
Some spinal cord injuries occur as the result of a violent assault. It is possible that a physical assault could lead to head or neck damage that ultimately injures the spine. Spinal cord injuries are particularly common following shootings, as well.
Diving Accidents
Recreational swimming and diving can also lead to spinal cord injuries. The risks are greatest when a person dives head-first into shallow water and strikes their head on the ground underneath. This impact can compress the spine and sever the cord.
Falls
Another of the most common factors in a spinal cord injury is a slip and fall accident. Slips, trips, and falls can lead to spinal damage when a person lands on their head, neck, or back. Falling from a significant height is also a common cause of these injuries. These falls are most common in workplace accidents.
Trampoline Accidents
Similar to swimming pools, trampolines are a recreational tool that can result in neck trauma. When a person loses control while bouncing, they could flip over and accidentally land on their head or neck.
Discuss a Spinal Injury Claim With an Attorney
While there are many different causes of spinal cord injuries, the reality is that they could happen almost anywhere. While some of these accidents are unavoidable, many spinal cord injuries would not have occurred but for the negligence of another person or entity. What’s more, these injuries often leave victims with major changes to their lives and their ability to work. You could seek compensation for these losses.
If you are living with a spinal cord injury, the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers is ready to help you seek justice. We have experience pursuing spinal cord injury claims and winning. To learn more about how we might be able to help with your case, call (404) 888-8888 for your free consultation today.
If you or a loved one are living with a spinal cord injury due to an accident, we can help.
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