A spinal cord injury is a serious and often life-threatening injury that requires immediate medical care. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports there are approximately 12,500 new spinal cord injury cases every year, typically caused by sudden and traumatic forces such as those involved in a car crash or sports-related collision.
As any experienced personal injury attorney knows, spinal cord injuries often result in long-term and potentially life-threatening complications. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury because of someone’s negligent and reckless behavior, contact a Cicero spinal cord injury lawyer to learn your rights and start pursuing compensation.
Defining Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is a long tube-like structure that runs inside the spine itself from the base of the skull to the lower back. More specifically, the spinal cord is a tubular bundle of nerves that extends from the base of the brain and runs through the spine. The spinal cord, along with the brain, comprises the central nervous system, which means it is responsible for transmitting information from the brain to the rest of the body.
According to the Johns Hopkins Health Library, an acute spinal cord injury is an injury that causes a bruise, partial tear, or a complete teat of the spinal cord. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention and often results in a marked decrease in bodily function below the site of the injury.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically the result of a sudden traumatic force to the spine, and most commonly to the area of the spine is bent or compressed. Some of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Motor vehicle and bike crashes, especially those involving pedestrians
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Birth injuries
- Impacts from falling objects
- Medical and surgical complications
Understanding the Financial Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can cause serious and life-long complications, with paralysis being the most well-known and potentially devastating of all. However, a spinal cord injury can also result in breathing problems, digestive problems, decreased organ functionality, and problems with blood pressure and heart rate.
When a spinal cord injury is caused by another person’s negligence, an injury victim can seek compensation for lost income from being unable to work, loss of enjoyment of life, general pain and suffering, and—perhaps most importantly of all—medical expenses. According to the National Spinal Cord Institute, a spinal cord injury that affects any motor function will cost approximately $342,112 in the first year, and $41,000 every subsequent year. A Cicero spinal cord injury lawyer could devote the time and resources necessary to help an individual recover damages for their injuries.
Get Help Recovering Compensation from a Cicero Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
A spinal cord injury could impact the rest of your life, as well as those of your family members and loved ones. If you suffered a spinal cord injury because of another’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions, it could be important to your future that you discuss your rights with an experienced Cicero spinal cord injury lawyer. Call today to schedule a consultation and start exploring your options.