Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves in the human body that runs from your brain down a portion of your spine. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), most spinal cord injuries are caused by fractured or dislocated vertebrae - the individual bones that make up your spine. The spinal cord may become injured when a piece of bone fragment bruises or tears the spinal cord tissue.

The spinal cord carries signals that dictate the body's ability to move and feel. When these signals are interrupted, the body may lose its motor ability and sensory abilities. Spinal cord injuries may result in complete or incomplete paralysis. Immediate spinal cord injury treatment can reduce serious, long-term effects. Thus, it is imperative that spinal cord injuries receive immediate emergency medical care.

How do spinal cord injuries happen?

Most spinal cord injuries are the result a sudden, traumatic injury. They are immediate and usually involve displaced pieces of bone. The vast majority of spinal cord injuries do not completely severe the nerves. However, even a bruised nerve could result in serious, long term side effects. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 24% of spinal cord injuries are caused by automobile accidents. 28% of spinal cord injuries are suffered at work. Physically demanding jobs, such as construction work, place employees at a high risk of suffering a spinal cord injury. At work, construction employees are required to operate heavy equipment and climb tall scaffolding. Workers can easily suffer a serious fall injury or be crushed by a heavy object and injure their spine.

Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

The medical expenses associated with serious spinal cord injuries can be overwhelming. Depending on the severity of the injury, serious spinal cord injuries can cost anywhere between $321,720 and $985,774 in the year immediately following the accident. Subsequent years can cost between $39,077 and $171,183. Spinal cord injury victims usually spend an average of 12 days in the hospital following their accident and more than a month in a rehabilitation. Most individuals are able to return home. Approximately 6.2% of individuals suffering form a spinal cord injury are released from rehabilitation into nursing home centers.

Paralysis Injuries

In the United States, recent studies have shown that one in 50 individuals live with some form of paralysis. Simply put, paralysis involves lost muscle function. 23% of paralyzed individuals lost movement ability after suffering a spinal cord injury. Paralysis can be devastating. After a serious injury, paralyzed individuals may suffer from enduring physical, emotional and psychological scars. Adjusting to life after a serious spinal cord injury can be difficult - not only for the injured person but his/her family and loved ones, too. According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, it is important for individuals who have suffered a paralysis injury to find a community of people with similar experiences.

Seeking Financial Compensation

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal cord injury, you probably have a lot of questions. Medical bill, medical expenses, missed wages and other financial obligations may seem overwhelming and intimidating. At Habbas & Associates, we understand. Was your accident the result of someone else's carless or negligent actions? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Money recovered in a personal injury case can be used to pay for your medical bills and other expenses. Not sure if you want to file a claim or lawsuit? Contact us anyway! We are ready to give you a free case consultation so you can make an educated decision about your legal future.