According to the National SCI Statistical Center, motor vehicle accidents account for nearly 40 percent of all spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the United States. Slip and fall accidents, the second leading cause of these severe injuries, account for 32 percent. Acts of violence, sports injuries, and medical/surgical issues round out the remaining top causes of SCI.
It is important to note that a majority of these causes may be beyond the control of the victim.
Types of SCI
There are two types of SCI:
- Incomplete
- Complete
The Miller School of Medicine’s Miami Project to Cure Spinal Paralysis reports that close to 67 percent of SCIs result in incomplete tetraplegia or paraplegia. In comparison, 32.5 percent result in complete paralysis of the lower limbs or lower and upper limbs combined.
Can SCI be Cured?
There is no cure for SCI, but various treatments may effectively restore some function in cases of incomplete injury. Still, outcomes vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, its location, the age and health of the victim, and how quickly treatment is rendered. Even when successful, it can take months to regain a fraction of previous function, and only a tiny percentage of victims make a full recovery.
Treating SCI requires a team of medical experts, therapists, and support staff. During the initial phases and perhaps for a lifetime, victims of SCI will find working difficult, compounding the financial strain that comes with intensive medical treatment. When SCI results from someone else’s negligence or behavior, victims have every right to hold that party accountable and seek compensation well beyond an insurance settlement.
We Are Here to Help
If you or a loved one has sustained an SCI in a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall accident, an act of violence, or any other issue beyond your control, we are here to help you understand your rights, your options, and what your case is really worth.
Call Kelleher Law at 833-546-3675 today to schedule a free case review. We maintain offices in Naples and Ft. Myers, Florida, as well as Atlanta, Georgia. We serve victims of SCI living throughout these states.
