Spinal Cord Injuries Require a Paralysis Injury Lawyer
A spinal cord injury occurs when the bundle of nerves inside the spinal column is damaged explains a New York City paralysis injury lawyer at the F&A accident law firm in Manhattan. The brain can no longer communicate with the body below the point of injury. Generally, the higher on the vertebrae that damage occurs, the more devastating the injury.
An incomplete spinal cord injury results in partial paralysis. These victims often have trouble breathing, eliminating waste, digesting food and more. A complete spinal cord injury results in total and complete paralysis. Victims are often unable to speak, breathe on their own or use their arms and legs. They may need 24-hour a day personal care.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis have many causes. These include:
- Traffic accidents
- Sports and recreation injuries, including football collisions, gymnastic falls and shallow water dives
- Falls
- Violent acts, including knifings and gunshots
Of these causes, traffic accidents are by far the most common. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, car and truck accidents cause 35% of the spinal cord injuries in the United States each year. Falls, particularly among people age 65 or better, come in a close second, causing 25% of spinal cord injuries. Violent acts cause 15% of injuries, and sporting and recreation accidents cause 9% of these injuries.
Negligence is sometimes a contributing factor in spinal cord injuries and their resulting paralysis. This might include being hit by a drunk driver, falling off a staircase with a defective hand railing and more. If another party is legally responsible for the situation that caused the injuries, then the victim might be entitled to compensation for his injuries.
Defective products can also be the reason for a spinal cord injury. These might include faulty brakes on a car, a tall ladder with loose steps and more. If the product manufacturer is found at fault, then the victim might be entitled to compensation.
Have you suffered a spinal cord injury as a result of a faulty product or someone else’s negligence? If so, then contact us. You need to talk to a paralysis injury lawyer. We will review your case to see if you might be due damages for your injuries. We are here to protect your rights.