The 5 Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are more common than most people think. Approximately 18,000 new cases are recorded annually, and roughly 282,000 Americans are estimated to be living with spinal cord injuries from common causes.

These injuries vary in severity, but they could have debilitating and devastating effects on someone’s life. That being said, it’s essential to understand the most common causes of spinal cord injury to prevent them whenever possible. 

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most prevalent causes of spinal cord injuries and discuss what to do if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Read on to learn more about how you can get justice for this life-altering injury. 

What is A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) involves damage to the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers that send and receive signals from our brain. These damages can be caused by direct injury to the spinal cord or tissue and bones surrounding the spinal cord. 

SCI can cause temporary or permanent changes in the feeling, movement, strength, and bodily functions below the injury site. Its symptoms vary depending on the extent and location of the injury.

If the damage is higher up on the spinal cord, the more serious the symptoms will be. Injuries on the higher portion of the spinal cord can cause paralysis in most of the body and affect all limbs. Meanwhile, injuries that occur lower down the spinal cord could only affect the lower portion of the body.

Aside from this, SCI can also cause the following: 

• Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the hands and feet. 
• Paralysis or loss of movement.
• Pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back. 
• Weakness in any part of the body. 
• Unnatural positions of the spine or head. 
• Loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Problems with walking.
• Difficulty breathing. 

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries 

Spinal cord injuries fall into two categories: complete and incomplete.

Incomplete Injury

If a person retains some feeling and control of movement below the injury site, the SCI is categorized as an incomplete injury. 

Complete Injury 

The SCI is categorized as a complete injury if all feeling and ability to control movement are lost below the injury site. 

Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Due to the fragile nature of the spinal cord, its nerves and tissues are susceptible to damage from traumatic events such as:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motorcycle and car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the country, accounting for almost half of the cases recorded each year. 

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries among people aged 65 and over. These incidents include slipping in the bathroom or tripping down a flight of stairs. Other hazards like wet floors and cracked pavements can also cause a person to slip and fall. 

If the slip and fall accident on someone else’s property was among the causes of your spinal cord injuries, you could file a premise liability claim against the property owner.

Violent Acts

Acts of violence like shooting or stabbing can also cause severe damage to the spine. There have been cases where a gunshot or stab wound was able to cut through the spinal cord. As a result, the injuries lead to paralysis and even death.

Medical Malpractice

There have been cases in which a medical professional’s negligence resulted in a spinal cord injury. For instance, they could have misdiagnosed a medical condition, causing their patient to suffer from spinal cord damage. 

High-Impact Sports 

High-impact recreational activities like football, rugby, and diving can cause traumatic spinal cord injuries. Statistics reveal that out of all of them, diving is the leading cause of sports-related SCI. 

Filing A Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit

If someone else’s negligence is the primary cause of your injury, you have the right to file a spinal cord injury lawsuit. However, before you proceed, you must consider these factors:

Statute of Limitations

In California, victims of spinal cord injury have two years to file a claim against the negligent party. This time limit starts from the date of the injury or reasonable injury. 

However, if medical malpractice caused the injury, the statute of limitations extends to three years. In cases where the injury led to wrongful death, the deceased’s family has two years from the date of death to file their claim.

Damages You Can Claim in A Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit

The damage that spinal cord injuries could cause to a person’s life can be extensive and profound. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims will need significant medical treatment and may suffer from permanent disability. 

As a result, you may be eligible for compensation for the following damages:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Future long-term care
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Do I Need A Spinal Cord Injury Attorney?

One of the questions that injured victims often ask when filing lawsuits is whether they need the help of a lawyer. 

While it’s true that you can pursue legal action on your own, finding an attorney who specializes in spinal cord injury lawsuits would be best. 

Spinal cord injury attorneys bring invaluable expertise to the table. Not only can they help you navigate the complexities of the legal system, but they will ensure that you have your rights protected every step of the way.

These specialized lawyers have a deep understanding of the medical aspects of spinal cord injuries, including the long-term consequences and necessary treatments. In addition, they will determine the true value of your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Lastly, working with a spinal cord injury attorney eliminates the mental and emotional toll that typically comes with litigation.

File A Claim Today

If you want to file a lawsuit for your spinal cord injury, Adamson Ahdoot is here to assist you. 

Adamson Ahdoot is a premier civil litigation firm located in Los Angeles. 

Our personal injury attorneys have a combined legal experience of over 100 years. We have handled various cases ranging from car collisions to complex spinal injury claims.

To learn more about our services, Call us at (800) 310-1606 today to schedule your free consultation with our legal counsel.