Each year, approximately 10,000 people suffer severe spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in the United States. This is in addition to the nearly half a million people in the U.S. who currently live with SCIs. These injuries can change the lives not only of those who suffer them, but also their families and friends.
What Are the Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
The most common causes of SCIs in the United States are falls – such as from a ladder or down stairs – and car accidents. Contrary to what many people may believe, the spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a disability to occur. In fact, a loss of function can result if the spinal cord is damaged by, for example, a broken vertebra. Likewise, a person can suffer broken bones in his back without damaging his spinal cord.
What Are the Effects of A Spinal Cord Injury?
The effects of an SCI depend not only upon the location of the injury, but also whether the injury is complete or incomplete. A complete injury is one where there is no function below the location of the trauma. Someone with an incomplete injury may be able to use one side of his body, but not the other side.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another person, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For more information, contact a personal injury attorney today.