Learn about 5 common causes of spinal cord injuries and when they may be actionable
According to researchers at the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center at University of Alabama at Birmingham, 125,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year. In many cases, these injuries were incurred in accidents that were not the victim’s fault, meaning the victim may have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Here are some common causes of spinal cord injuries that may be compensated through a personal injury claim:
Traffic Accidents: Injuries caused by vehicular accidents make up almost 40 percent of all spinal cord injuries. Included in these accidents are car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Also included are single vehicle accidents and accidents between a vehicle and a pedestrian or bicyclist. Any time you or a loved one suffers an injury at the hands of a negligent driver it is important to consider what can be done to compensate the person who was injured.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Spinal cord injuries caused by slips and falls represent 30 percent of spinal cord injuries. Senior citizens are particularly prone spinal cord injury due to a fall. Often a slip or fall could be due to an unsafe surface that someone else had a responsibility to make safe.
Violence: Approximately 15 percent of spinal cord injuries were caused by violence. Depending on where the attack occurred and what responsibilities the property owner may have had to safeguard the premises from violence, you may be able to pursue a claim against them for negligent security.
Sports Accidents: Close to 10 percent of spinal cord injuries are sports injuries. Although contact sports can be a source of a sports injury, non-contact sports (for example tennis or running) can also be a source of a sports related spinal cord injury. It is important to review the circumstances surrounding such an injury to determine if the harm was caused by the actions of another.
Medical Errors: Medical and surgical injuries represent 5 percent of spinal cord injuries. Most medical professionals work hard to help their patients, but if you or a loved one was injured while under the care of a medical professional it is a good idea to determine if it is reasonable to expect some assistance in recovering from the damage that was done.
Some spinal cord injuries are more life altering than others, but all spinal cord injuries stemming from personal injury accidents should be addressed in a way that is fair and equitable.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we can help you or a loved one determine if the circumstances surrounding a spinal cord injury warrant pursing a fair amount of help in the healing process. Call us at 800-333-0000 now for a free consultation
