5 Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

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The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include traffic accidents, falls, recreational accidents, and violent altercations. The severity of spinal cord injuries can range from mild to completely paralyzing. 

If you have spinal cord injuries from an accident due to another’s wrongdoing, you need a Richmond spinal cord injury lawyer. An attorney can assist you in filing an injury claim to recover financial compensation for your injury-related losses.

Classifications of Spinal Cord Injuries

Medical professionals primarily classify the types of spinal injuries based on their location on the spine:

• Cervical: Cervical injuries occur in the upper spine and neck. Cervical spinal cord injuries are typically the most severe and can cause motor dysfunction from the neck down. 
• Thoracic: Thoracic injuries affect the mid-spine and can cause issues from the arms and torso down. 
• Lumbar: Lumbar spinal cord injuries are located in the lower back and can impact mobility from the legs down. 

Doctors also group spinal cord injuries by their severity, or completeness:

• Complete: A complete injury leaves no sensation or motor control below the site of the injury. 
• Incomplete: An incomplete injury leaves partial sensation or motor function under the injury site. 

In other words, a complete thoracic spinal cord injury would be an injury to the mid-spine that leaves no sensation or motor function below the injury site. 

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Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerve fibers that controls communication and coordination across the whole body, so injuries can have far-reaching consequences. Spinal cord injuries are known for being extremely painful and for creating a number of sensory and motor symptoms, including:

• Pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Weakness
• Headaches and neck pain
• Limited mobility
• Loss of coordination
• Lack of muscle control (spasms)
• Difficulty breathing
• Changes in sensory perception (e.g., heat, cold, etc.)
• Difficulty walking and balancing
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Paraplegia or quadraplegia
• Partial or total paralysis

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What Are the 5 Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

Below are the five most common causes of spinal cord injuries.

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries and are responsible for nearly half of all new spine injuries annually. The force generated during motor vehicle accidents is often directed right at the spine and torso, especially in rear-end accidents. Even low-speed vehicle accidents can cause lasting complications. 

2. Falls

Falls are another common cause of spinal cord injury, and a major cause of spinal cord injury in individuals over the age of 65. The damage from a fall depends heavily on the body’s orientation, so even falls from short heights can cause major spinal injury. Falls can be caused by wet flooring, unstable footing, and a lack of safety systems (e.g., handrails). 

3. Violent Altercations

Violent altercations are responsible for over a tenth of spinal cord injuries, particularly gunshot wounds and knife wounds. Violent altercations are often a result of negligent or insufficient security at business venues. 

4. Recreational Accidents

A significant portion of spinal cord injuries is due to recreational accidents, like sporting injuries. High-contact sports, like football and hockey, and other dangerous activities like rock climbing, carry an elevated risk of back injury. 

5. Medical Complications

Medical complications from disease or surgical errors can also cause spinal cord injury. Diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis can increase the risk of damage to the spine. Certain infections can also target spinal cord tissue. If your spinal cord injury was the result of a medical error, you could potentially file a medical malpractice lawsuit. 

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Compensation You Can Recover After a Spinal Cord Injury

The complications from spinal cord injuries can result in extensive medical treatment and leave you unable to work and earn a living. A Richmond personal injury lawyer can pursue the following forms of compensation for any financial or psychological losses you suffered due to your injuries:

• Emergency medical costs and continuing medical expenses
• Lost work income and other forms of employment compensation 
• Differences in pre- and post-injury projected lifetime earnings
• Miscellaneous and one-time injury-related expenses
• Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
• Diminished capacity to enjoy life and activities

The long-term costs associated with spinal injuries mean that insurance companies scrutinize claims heavily. An attorney can calculate your losses and persuasively present your case to maximize your recoverable compensation. 

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Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers in Richmond Today

The pain and functional limitations from a spinal cord injury can change your life forever, but there are options for relief. The Pendleton Law Team understands your pain and can help you find justice and closure for your injuries. Virginia’s statute of limitations gives you a limited time to file, so don’t delay proceedings. 

If you have more questions about the most common causes of spinal cord injuries or would like to schedule a consultation with a spinal cord injury lawyer in Richmond, contact us today. 

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