Second to the brain, the human spinal cord is the body’s most intricate and delicate system. Each year, hundreds of people suffer spinal cord injuries that have devastating consequences, as even the smallest spinal injuries can often lead to physical, emotional, and financial devastation.
If you or someone you know suffered a spinal cord incapacity as a result of another’s carelessness, there may be an opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit can help alleviate the burdens associated with suffering from a spinal cord incapacity. Before filing a claim, however, there are important factors you should consider.
Causes Behind Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord incapacity can be caused by a number of different incidents. Some of the most devastating include traumatic injuries that are caused by negligent car crashes or personal assault. Although every spinal cord incapacity case will be different and complex, a majority of injuries will affect a person’s ability to move certain regions of their body.
When a spinal cord incapacity affects a person’s ability to move, the injury will typically be categorized in one of two categories:
- Complete spinal cord incapacity
When a person suffers a complete spinal cord incapacity, he or she will not have sensory and motor function below the location of the injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord incapacity
A person that has sustained an incomplete spinal cord incapacity will usually retain some form of sensation and motor function after the injury.
Any of the two categories of spinal cord injuries can be devastating, not only for the victim but his or her entire family as well. Spinal cord injury victims typically face costly medical bills, a loss of quality of life, and psychiatric repercussions.
Spinal Cord Injuries – Figures at a Glance
According to a 2018 report published by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, there are approximately 17,700 new spinal cord incapacity cases each year. This astronomical figure does not include victims that pass away at the time of the incident. Presently, the number of individuals living with a spinal cord incapacity in the U.S. is estimated to be 288,000 people.
According to the report, the prevailing factor in causing spinal cord injuries is vehicle crashes. Second to this factor is falls followed by an act of violence, such as a gunshot. Finally, another prevalent cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States is sports and recreational activities.
The Aftermath of a Spinal Cord Incapacity
Spinal cord injuries have the potential to affect a person for the rest of his or her life. According to findings published by NSCSC, the costs associated with having a spinal cord incapacity average at $74,509 per year. These costs do not include a person’s loss of income, benefits, or productivity. It should also be noted that the costs could be higher depending on the type of injury and the age of the victim.
Fight for Your Rights; Obtain the Legal Support of a Qualified Spinal Cord Grievance Attorney
At SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, we are relentless in the pursuit of helping spinal cord incapacity victims obtain the maximum amount of restitution following an accident caused by negligence. Our law firm has many years of dedicated experience in the field of spinal cord incapacity cases and we fight for the best interests of our clients.
