The spinal cord plays an important role in a number of different body functions, including movement, temperature regulation, and breathing. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a spinal cord injury is defined as a break or dislocation in the bones of the back (vertebrae) that results in pressure on the spinal cord and the tissue inside it. Damage can occur anywhere along the entire length of your spine.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reports that the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States is car accidents, which are responsible for about 38% of the 17,000 new spinal cord cases that are reported in the country every year. Men account for over 80% of all cases, and close to 300,000 people residing in the United States currently live with some form of spinal cord injury.

The NSCISC further reports that only 1% or so of all patients completely recover and fully regain all of their neurological function after suffering a spinal cord injury.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Causes and Effects

Trauma to the spinal cord can be caused by assault while playing physical sports, car accidents, slips and falls, or gunshots, amongst other causes. They can also occur during medical procedures.

An injured spinal cord can lead to complete or partial loss of motor control and/or sensation in different parts of your body, and if you’ve suffered spinal cord damage, you may experience a wide range of other health issues as well, including:

● Respiratory problems and lung infections
● Paraplegia
● Tetraplegia
● Fertility issues
● Paraparesis
● Quadriparesis
● Sexual dysfunction
● Muscle spasms
● Bed Sores
● Bladder infections

Depending on the cause and extent of the injuries that have been suffered, spinal cord damage can also render a patient either partially or fully paralyzed. It all depends on where spinal cord damage has been sustained and how extensive the damage is.

Furthermore, while some SCI cases are genuinely accidental and unavoidable, others can be the result of negligence and recklessness, as is the case with drunk drivers, someone texting and driving or over speeding, or even a manufacturer that produced a faulty vehicle part.

SCIs can lead to substantial losses over the long run, including:

● Lost wages
● Loss of enjoyment in life
● Pain and suffering 
● Exorbitant medical bills
● Loss of consortium

Types of SCI

Spinal Cord Injuries are generally classified in one of the four categories below.

Contusions

These occur when the spinal cord becomes bruised as a result of trauma.

Lacerations

These occur when the nerve fibers of the spine become torn or severed and are most commonly seen with gunshot wounds and invasive injuries.

Compression

Compression injuries result from inordinate pressure being placed on any part of the spine.

Central Cord Syndrome

This type of injury involves damage specifically to the corticospinal tracts of the spine in the cervical region.

Talk to a Spinal Cord Specialist Today

We understand the challenges a victim of spinal cord injury can face, and we are here to help you get back on your feet after suffering a life-altering SCI. If you are looking for a spinal cord injury lawsuit, call us today for legal representation for your spinal cord injury case.