Spinal cord injuries result from critical damage to the spinal column and the nerves contained inside it. This damage typically takes place during a sudden fracture, cut, dislocation or compression of your backbone during a traumatic experience, and the injuries may result in life-long restricted mobility and bodily function.
Some common causes of spinal cord injuries include the following:
- Auto accidents: Car and motorcycle accidents are the number one cause of all spinal cord injuries. Injuries may stem from traumatic blows to an individual’s vehicle or being knocked completely off of a motorcycle. Researchers have found that greater than 35 percent of all spinal injuries are due to car crashes.
- Falls: For elderly or disabled individuals, falling can be a life-threatening accident. Falls account for more than 25 percent of all spinal cord injuries nationwide.
- Violent acts: According to research from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, violent acts are responsible for about 15 percent of all spinal cord injuries. These may include sudden cuts to the spinal column from gunshot or knife wounds.
- Recreational activities: Some people may be surprised to learn that sports and recreational activities cause approximately 9 percent of all spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal column typically takes place during impact sports like football, or from accidents such as diving into the shallow end of a pool or falling off a horse.
- Alcohol and disease: Alcohol use and diseases such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and others that cause inflammation may also lead to these injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to another party’s negligence, meet with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh in Bradenton, Florida.