Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries & Available Legal Options

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 282,000 people live with spinal cord injuries in the United States, while more than 17,000 new spinal cord injuries are reported every year. Far too often, individuals suffer these debilitating injuries as a result of accidents. When negligence plays a role, it is vital that victims are aware of their legal options. 

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are several causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Among the most common include:

• Motor vehicle collisions: Auto accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all new SCIs annually. 
• Falls: Falls, whether from extreme heights or low falls, are another common cause of these injuries. This is especially true for individuals over the age of 65.
• Acts of Violence: Around 12% of all spinal cord injuries are a result of some type of violence. The majority of violence-caused SCIs are a result of gunshot wounds. However, knife wounds also cause these injuries.
• Sports and Recreational Activities: Around 10% of SCIs in the United States are caused by sports or other recreational activities. This can include diving in shallow water or contact sports like football. 
• Disease: Osteoarthritis, cancer, inflammation, and arthritis are other leading causes of spinal cord injuries.

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury caused by another person’s negligence, you may have legal options.

Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injuries

Filing a personal injury claim after suffering a spinal cord injury due to the reckless, negligent, or malicious actions of another person can provide you with financial relief. Depending on the circumstances of your accident and injury, you may be able to recover money for your immediate and long-term care costs, as well as other damages you face. You should seek help from a personal injury lawyer right away.

Let Our Team Help

At Kelleher Law, we truly understand how devastating it can be to deal with a spinal cord injury. For this reason, our personal injury lawyers are here to help. If you sustained a spinal cord injury in Fort Myers, FL, Naples, FL, or Atlanta, GA, schedule a consultation with our team at 833-546-3675 or submit a contact form online.