It is true that car accidents are the top cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States but they are not the only cause. No matter how this injury is suffered, one thing is almost always true: It is a very expensive injury to live with. If you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury then we strongly recommend you contact a personal injury attorney to request a free legal consultation.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
There is no question that spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries a person can experience. There are 33 vertebrae, many ligaments, and the spinal cord all within the vertebral column. Even a seemingly minor injury can result in numbness, tingling, paralysis, and more.
Medical professionals refer to spinal cord injuries as one of two types: Complete or incomplete. An incomplete spinal cord injury is one in which the spinal cord was not entirely severed and the injury victim has some amount of motor and/or sensory function below the site of their injury. On the other hand, a complete injury involves a total loss of sensory and motor control below the injury location.
Some of the Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are many potential causes of spinal cord injuries. As mentioned above, car accidents are one of the most common causes. This is because car accidents involve high speeds and force, which can result in the vulnerable spinal cord being injured. Falls are another common cause of spinal cord injuries – especially in workplace accidents.
The Potential Costs of Spinal Cord Injuries
There can be considerable financial costs associated with spinal cord injuries. This can include but is not limited to:
- Emergency room bills
- The cost of hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Loss of benefits at work such as retirement
- Rehab costs
- Loss of ability to return to their previous job
- Medical equipment such as wheelchairs
- Costs of hiring a caregiver
Many of these costs happen shortly after the injury is suffered but as the years go on, the costs can continue to add up. This is why you should never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without talking to a personal injury attorney. We can assure that both your short-term and long-term costs are taken into consideration in any settlement you accept.
If you are ready to talk to an attorney who can help you find the best way forward, then we welcome you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have suffered.
