One of the worst injuries that a person can sustain is a spinal cord injury. Depending on the location and severity of these injuries, spinal cord damage can cause varying levels of paralysis and loss of bodily function. While the unexpected can always happen, there are several precautions you can take to reduce your risk of suffering a spinal cord injury.
Drive Defensively
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, with more than 35% of all new annual spinal cord injuries resulting from a vehicle collision of some kind. For this reason, it is imperative that you remain aware of your surroundings when driving and anticipate hazards before they occur.
The following tips can all help you avoid an accident:
- Check your blind spots
- Do not exceed the speed limit
- Do not tailgate
Possibly the most important step is to always wear a seatbelt when driving or riding in a vehicle. If you have young children, make sure they are secured in a weight-appropriate safety seat.
Watch Your Step
Slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for just over 25% of all yearly spinal cord damaging incidents. This risk is especially prevalent in seniors age 65 and over. If you are reaching for a high object, use a step stool. Grab onto handrails when walking up and down stairs. Slips can easily happen in the shower, so be sure to install a nonslip mat in your shower.
Wear Protective Gear
Sports injuries are another leading cause of spinal cord damage. Contact sports such as football and hockey can cause spinal cord damage if you do not wear the appropriate padding. Always wear a helmet and avoid leading with your head when attempting to make a tackle or check. If you are attempting a dangerous gymnastic stunt, make sure you have a spotter and exercise extreme caution.
Check Water Depth Before Diving
Diving into shallow water can cause a person to strike their head on the bottom, fracturing vertebrae in the neck and damaging the spine. If you are a swimmer, do not dive into shallow water or into water that you do not know the depth to. It is recommended that swimmers only dive into water that is at least 9 feet deep.
Injured? Contact Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence, the San Jose personal injury lawyers at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys are prepared to represent your interests in court and help you pursue a fair settlement for your suffering. With 100+ years of collective experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of our clients, our attorneys have the skills and passion necessary to maximize your chances of securing a desirable outcome for your case.To discuss your case with a skilled legal professional, contact our firm online or call our office today at (800) 900-0863.