An estimated 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States, not including injuries that result in death at the time of the incident.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports that incomplete tetraplegia is the most frequent type of spinal cord injury, accounting for 47.4% of injury cases. Complete paraplegia and incomplete paraplegia each account for around 20% of cases, while 12.3% of incidents result in complete tetraplegia.
Spinal cord injuries are life-changing. If they occur as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have the right to pursue a claim of compensation for your losses. Miller & Steele Law Firm can help. Contact our Carlsbad spinal cord injury lawyers today at (760) 439-2210 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord extends from just below your brain down through your lower back. It’s comprised of a bundle of nerves and fibers that send and receive signals from the brain to the rest of your body.
Unfortunately, the spinal cord could be damaged and it can also be affected by damage to surrounding tissue and bones. Often, this damage occurs as a result of force or impact.
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Motor vehicle crashes account for 31.7% of all spinal cord injuries
- Falls, which account for 31.7%
- Violence, which accounts for 15.4%
- Sports injuries, which account for 8.00%
- Medical or surgical incidents, which account for 3.7%
- Other causes, which make up the remaining 3.8%
In many situations, these injuries could have been prevented if individuals or companies — including drivers, property owners, or medical professionals — had exercised proper care.
When a preventable spinal cord injury happens because of someone’s wrongdoing or negligence, the Carlsbad personal injury attorneys can help the victim recover compensation for the devastating loss that results.
Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries affect your life in profound ways. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains some common consequences of damage to the spinal cord including:
- Paralysis
- Pain or pressure in the neck, back, or head
- Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation
- Weakness in different parts of the body
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Impaired walking
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of sexual function
When the spinal cord injury is incomplete, the spinal cord can still transmit some messages from the brain to the body so the victim may have partial sensation, muscle control, or function below the point of injury. When the injury is complete, there’s no communication below the injury site and all sensation, muscle control, and function are lost.
If a loved one has tragically passed away due to a spinal cord injury caused by negligence or wrongful actions, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. A Carlsbad wrongful death attorney can help you fight for justice against those who have wronged you.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for The Damages In A Spinal Cord Injury?
California Civil Code Section 1714 states that “everyone is responsible, not only for the result of their willful acts but also for an injury occasioned to another by their want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon themselves.”
If any person or entity engages in negligent behavior or intentional wrongdoing and a spinal cord injury occurs as a direct result, the victim can pursue a claim to recover compensation from them. Since spinal cord injuries often require lifelong treatment a lot of money may be at stake.
Get Help from Our Carlsbad Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you love experienced damage to the spine, a spinal cord injury lawyer at Miller & Steele will fight for the compensation you deserve.
With more than 70 years of collective experience and a history of representing clients in over 100 jury trials, we have the experience needed to handle these serious claims. Give us a call at (760) 439-2210 today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the help we can offer.