Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Life-Altering

Sustaining a spinal cord injury is one of the most severe and life-altering events a person can experience. It can lead to permanent paralysis, loss of feeling and movement, and even death. This blog post will discuss some of the five most common causes of spinal cord injuries.

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Vehicle accidents are a major cause of spinal cord injuries. According to Mayo Clinic, vehicle accidents are responsible for nearly 50% of all traumatic spinal cord injuries in the U.S. annually. Car crashes are the most common cause of those accidents, followed by motorcycle crashes and bicycle/pedestrian accidents.

2. Falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. National Center For Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that falls account for over 75% of all traumatic spinal cord injuries in the United States. People who are elderly or have chronic medical conditions are particularly at risk for spinal cord injuries due to falls.

3. Acts of Violence

Acts of violence can result in significant and life-changing spinal cord injuries. While the immediate effects are devastating, it is essential to note that the repercussions can extend for decades. Acts of violence, primarily gunshot wounds, accounted for 13.% of all SCIs, according to 2019 statistics from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC).

4. Sports Injuries

Sports-related activities also account for a significant number of spinal cord injuries each year, with contact sports particularly dangerous. Mayo Clinic also reports that 10 % of all traumatic spinal cord injuries in the U.S. each year occur during sports activities such as football, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, and diving. Additionally, certain extreme sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, can be dangerous if safety precautions are not taken.

5. Diseases

Living with a spinal cord injury combined with an existing disease, such as cancer, can significantly impact an individual’s health and well-being. Combining both ailments affects the body’s ability to heal and recover from an injury. Not only could this mean slower rates of recovery, but it also may extend the time needed for rehabilitation or even make recovery impossible. A pre-existing condition strains a person’s body, increasing the chances of infection and inflammation.

Additionally, those already living with cancer often undergo treatments that can further weaken their bodies, putting them at risk for more severe injuries. As if living with either one wasn’t already complicated enough, managing both together takes its toll on individuals mentally and physically.

Contact Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact our experienced and compassionate spinal cord injury lawyers right away. We’ll review the facts of your case and discuss the best path forward to obtain justice and maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages. Let us help you understand your rights and provide peace of mind knowing you have experienced legal representation.