Approximately 8,000 spinal cord injuries are diagnosed each year in the United States. There are many causes of spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury that was caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Damage
Any trauma that pulls, pushes or cuts the spinal cord may cause damage. A spinal cord injury can be caused by any of the following things:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents. The leading cause of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents. In fact about 50 percent of all spinal cord injuries are the result of car accidents.
- Slip and Fall Accidents. Approximately 20 percent of spinal cord injuries are the result of slip and fall accidents. This is especially true for individuals older than age 65.
- Acts of Violence. Spinal cord injuries may also result from acts of violence, such as gunshots and knife wounds that penetrate and cut the spinal cord and also by assaults.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Damage
One of the most serious injuries sustained in an accident is damage to the spinal cord. Spinal cord damages can severely impact the life of the victim and the lives of his or her loved ones.
Common symptoms of spinal cord damages may include:
- Weakness
- Poor coordination
- Paralysis
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Pain
If you were involved in an accident and spinal cord injury is suspected, your physicians should request a CT scan, MRI or myelogram as a form of a diagnostic tool. You will need immediate medical treatment to stabilize your spine and limit the damage. You may need surgery to stabilize the spine or to fuse the spine with metal plates or pins. The recovery period includes at least six months of intensive therapy.
Please Call Us
Attorney Kenneth A. Wilhelm is a New York personal injury attorney with over 42 years of experience. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 1-800-967-5496, 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week or visit us at www.work4youlaw.com. We can even come to you. We have recovered many millions of dollars for our clients.