Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are most often a result of physical trauma to the spine, but they can also be the result of medical conditions like arthritis. Below are some of the most common causes that our spinal cord injury lawyers see in our practice:- Traffic accidents. Traffic accidents are the single most common cause of spinal cord injuries in the US. The sudden impact during a car crash can cause debilitating spinal injuries.
- Falls. Falls are another common cause of spinal cord injury, particularly among seniors. Even a fall from a small height can cause spinal cord damage.
- Recreation activities. Dangerous recreational activities, like contact sports, are also responsible for a large number of spinal cord injuries.
- Violent altercations. Violent altercations can cause spinal cord injuries, particularly stab and gunshot wounds.
- Work injuries. Workers in dangerous industries like construction or manufacturing are at a high risk of suffering injuries in the workplace.
Spinal Cord Injury Classifications
Medical professionals primarily classify spinal cord injuries by their location on the vertebral column:- Cervical injuries occur in the top part of the spine and base of the neck. Injuries to the cervical spine cause complications in the entire body.
- Thoracic spinal injuries occur in the middle of the spine and impact function below the chest, shoulders, and arms.
- Lumbar injuries are localized in the lower spine and cause issues with the legs and lower extremities.
Long-Term Complications After a Spinal Cord Injury
One of the most difficult aspects of managing a spinal cord injury is the lasting effects. The spinal cord communicates with the rest of the body, so damage can cause systemic dysfunction in the arms, legs, torso, and neck. Physical disability from a spinal cord injury can require you to switch jobs or stop working entirely. Spinal cord injuries can also cause cognitive problems affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making. Chronic pain from a spinal cord injury also impacts sleep quality and overall mental well-being.Financial Compensation You Can Recover for a Spinal Injury
Depending on the circumstances of the accident and your resultant medical condition, a Bakersfield personal injury lawyer can pursue financial compensation for the following types of losses:- Emergency medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost work income and employment compensation
- Reductions in your lifetime earning capacity due to disability
- Miscellaneous or one-time injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life and inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment and capacity to engage in hobbies
