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Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

On Behalf of | Nov 18, 2016 | Catastrophic Injury, Firm News

The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of the body when it comes to movement and motion. A spinal cord injury can be extremely painful, and can also lead to physical limitations, up to and including paralysis. Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries are much more common than most people imagine. Some accidents can leave victims with debilitating spinal cord injuries. Even what seems like a simple slip or fall could lead to severe spinal cord damage.

At Bowles & Verna LLP, our personal injury attorneys have represented many spinal cord injury cases. To learn more about spinal cord injury causes, contact our Walnut Creek, CA practice. No matter the cause of the injury, our legal team will gather the necessary evidence and work to prove liability so that our clients can be justly compensated for damages suffered.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury describes damage that occurs to the spinal cord itself, or to any of the vertebrae, disks, or ligaments in the spinal column. This damage may be caused by a sudden blow or traumatic force, or by a penetration wound. There are many different situations that can result in spinal cord injuries. Below are some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are the single largest cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Statistics indicate that some type of vehicular accident causes more than 35 percent of new spinal cord injuries each year. This includes accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles. More serious accidents are likely to cause severe spinal cord damage, which may result in temporary or permanent physical disability.
  • Slips and falls: Most people don’t think of a slip or fall as a serious accident, but they can cause severe injuries. Slips and falls are responsible for roughly 25 percent of spinal cord injuries each year. The risk of a spinal cord injury from a fall is especially high for seniors, whose bones are more fragile.
  • Assault: Assault is the third most common cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Acts of violence such as stabbings and shootings can penetrate the spinal cord and cause severe damage.
  • Sports injuries: Nearly 10 percent of spinal cord injuries are the result of sport or recreational accidents. In most of these cases, the spinal cord is damaged by excessive force or a blow that injures the ligaments within the spinal column.

Spinal Cord Injury Damages

Spinal cord injuries can cause a wide range of damages, including pain, temporary or permanent loss of mobility, and a lower quality of life. Some spinal cord injuries can be effectively treated, while others lead to lifelong complications. Because the losses can be so severe, it is especially important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney, such as those at Bowles & Verna LLP, following the accident. We can ensure that just compensation is provided by the person or party responsible for the injury.

Contact Us

If you are suffering from a spinal cord injury that was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another person or party, our attorneys can help you fight for just compensation for damages suffered. Contact our personal injury attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case.