Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete loss of movement and sensation below the point of trauma or injury. The higher the point of injury on the spine, the more paralysis will be present. Paralysis is a general term used in describing partial or complete loss of body movement and/or sensation subsequent to damage inflicted on the nervous system. Paralysis affecting the arms and legs is known as quadriplegia. Paralysis of the lower half of the body is known as paraplegia.
Spinal cord injuries can include vertebral fractures, chronic compression of the spinal cord due to a tumor, a congenital condition such as spinal bifida, or multiple sclerosis. Sexual functions, urinary and fecal incontinence, digestion and breathing problems are very common with spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries also produce numerous medical complications including bedsores, renal failures, pneumonia, thrombosis, frozen joints, respiratory ailments, infections and other complications.
In the United States, there are approximately 250,000 people living with some form of spinal cord injuries and an additional 11,000 new cases are reported yearly. It is interesting to note that an astonishing 82% are males.
Due to the seriousness of spinal cord injuries, special attention must be placed in accounting for a lifetime of future needs including medical expenses, special equipment, therapies, medications, supplies, transportation, special housing arrangements and care, lost earnings, pain and suffering and other damages.
The main causes of spinal cord injuries are as follows:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents - 37%
- Violence, including Gunshot Wounds - 28%
- Falls - 21%
- Sports Activity - 6%
- Other- 8%
The main types of accidents that cause spinal cord injuries can include:
- ATV, Moped, Scooter or Go-Kart Accidents
- Auto or Car Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Bus, Train or Mass Transit Accidents
- Construction Site Accidents
- Drunk Driver or DUI Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Gunshot Wound
- Negligent Security
- Premises Liability
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Sporting Accident
- Truck Accidents
The costs of spinal cord injuries are very high.
You can reach Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at [email protected].
