Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe types of injuries a person can suffer, often leading to lifelong disabilities. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), approximately 296,000 people in the United States are currently living with spinal cord injuries. Each year, about 17,810 new cases are reported. These injuries are not only physically debilitating but also financially and emotionally devastating for victims and their families.
That’s why, in 2018, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. This resolution was more than just a gesture; it was a call to action to improve treatments, increase resources and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of spinal cord injuries (SCI).
Common causes of spinal cord injuries
The causes of spinal cord injuries are varied, but certain types of accidents are top the long list of possible contributors. They are:
- Vehicular accidents: Unsurprisingly, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for nearly 38.2 percent of all incidents.
- Falls: Falls, particularly among older adults, are the second most common cause, responsible for 32.3 percent of spinal cord injuries.
- Violence: Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds, contribute to some 14 percent of spinal cord injuries, but that figure may soon rise. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics’ latest National Crime Victimization Survey shows a 44 percent increase in crime and figures from the U.S. Justice Department show violent crime against young people (ages 12-17) more than doubled.
- Sports and recreation activities: High-impact sports also are a primary culprit. The sports activities that have the highest risk of catastrophic spinal injuries are football, ice hockey, wrestling, diving, skiing, snowboarding, rugby and cheerleading.
- Medical and surgical complications: Though accounting for a smaller percentage, just over four percent, a highly concerning contributor to spinal cord injuries are mistakes or complications in surgeries or medical treatments.
Types and effects of spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be classified into two main categories: complete and incomplete injuries.
- Complete spinal cord injury: In a complete injury, there is a total loss of sensory and motor function below the injury site. This means that the injured person cannot feel or move any part of their body below the injury. Complete injuries often result in either paraplegia or tetraplegia.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia affects the lower half of the body, including the legs. It occurs when the spinal cord injury is below the first thoracic spinal nerve.
- Tetraplegia (formerly known as quadriplegia): Tetraplegia affects all four limbs, the torso, and the pelvic organs, and occurs when the injury is in the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: In incomplete injuries, there is some level of preserved motor or sensory function below the level of injury. The extent of disability can vary greatly from one person to another, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Incomplete paraplegia: Some movement or sensation remains in the legs and lower body.
- Incomplete tetraplegia: Some motor or sensory function remains in the upper and lower body. This is the most common neurological category for spinal cord injuries, accounting for about 47.6 percent of all cases.
The effects of spinal cord injuries extend far beyond the physical challenges. Victims often face significant emotional and psychological burdens, as well as financial hardships due to medical expenses, loss of income and the need for long-term care.
Legal recourse for spinal cord injuries
When a spinal cord injury results from another person’s negligence, whether in a car accident, a fall or a medical procedure gone wrong, victims have the right to seek compensation to help cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. However, litigating these cases is complex and requires a deep understanding of both the medical aspects of the injury and the legal principles involved. The highly experienced personal injury attorneys at Farrar, Hennesy and Tanner understand the unique challenges of brain and spinal cord injury cases and work diligently to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait! Contact Farrar, Hennesy & Tanner at 912-384-2287 or request a free case review online today. Our team is here to help you understand your legal options and take the first step towards securing the compensation you need for your recovery.