Although Christopher Reeve gave national attention to the injury, most of us rarely consider the extraordinary ramifications that would occur if we were to become the victim of a spinal cord injury.
Imagine if you suffered a "complete" (meaning both sides of the body are affected equally and both sides are rendered useless) spinal cord injury. You would have NO function, NO feeling, NO sensation, and NO movement below the site of the injury. You could also suffer bladder or bowel problems, as well as sexual dysfunction and breathing problems. Needless to say, it would dramatically change your life and the lives of your loved ones who would have to care for you.
Why is a spinal cord injury so serious? Because the spinal cord and the brain make up the central nervous system in the human body. The spinal cord is a "superhighway" of sorts, on which nerve impulses travel from the brain down through the body. It is surrounded by a protective column of bones called "vertebrae." You can suffer injuries to your vertebrae (such as a broken back) that are less serious than a spinal cord injury.
The degree of seriousness of a spinal cord injury usually is related to the place on the spinal cord where the injury occurs-the higher up your back and spinal cord, the more damage you will suffer because everything below the injury will be affected. "Paraplegia" results from an injury to the middle of your spinal column which renders the lower part of your body paralyzed. "Quadriplegia" results in total paralysis of your body and is caused by damage to the cervical portion of the spinal cord located near your neck.
Statistics
More than 450,000 Americans live with a spinal cord injury. Statistically, young males are more likely to suffer such an injury. (In fact, over 80% of spinal cord injuries happen to males between the ages of 16 and 30.) Approximately 10,000 new spinal cord injuries occur every year. Many of these injuries are caused by the negligent conduct of others. If you are the victim of a spinal cord injury, there is an 85% chance that you will be alive 10 years after the injury.
Impact
Obviously, the financial impact of a spinal cord injury can be catastrophic. In addition to medical costs that will be incurred over the lifetime of the victim, there will be lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional damage, and pain and suffering. All of these can add up to a considerable amount of money. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else's negligence, contact our firm immediately.
CAUSES
A spinal cord injury can be linked to several different causes. Some spinal cord injuries are the result of a disease or a birth defect, such as polio or spina bifida. Medical mistakes and medical malpractice can also cause spinal cord injuries. However, most spinal cord injuries are caused by a physical trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. In fact, 36% of these injuries are the result of a motor vehicle accident.
In some cases, the trauma that causes the injury is the result of someone's negligence. For example, if a big‑rig truck driver falls asleep and runs into your car and you suffer a spinal cord injury, that truck driver and his trucking company could be liable to pay you damages for your injuries. Or, if your gynecologist makes a mistake when delivering your baby and your baby is partially paralyzed, that doctor and the hospital may have to compensate you for your child's injuries.
We never charge a legal fee until we obtain an award on your behalf. Expenses are payable at the conclusion of the case.
For a free initial consultation with Don A. Carlos, Jr., Attorney at Law about an auto accident, slip and fall case or other act of negligence, call 212-631-7442 or send us an e-mail page.
Don A. Carlos, Jr., Attorney at Law
352 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1202
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-631-7442
Fax: 212-631-7452
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