Spinal cord injuries are typically caused by a blow to the spine, fracturing or dislocating the vertebrae. These fractured vertebrae can tear into cord tissue or put pressure on the nerve parts that carry signals, making it impossible for the spinal cord to transmit messages below the level of the injury and resulting in paralysis. Although spinal cord injuries can occur under a variety of circumstances, two of the most common causes of this type of injury are falls and motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle injuries involving the spinal cord typically result from one of the following types of trauma: excessive spinal pressure, spinal bruising (contusion), or lacerations. Falls account for approximately 21% of spinal cord injuries, causing tearing, crushing or severing of the spinal cord.
Eighty-one percent of motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver negligence. Negligent drivers are often inexperienced, distracted, speeding, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Slips and falls can occur under any number of circumstances, as can other spinal cord injury-related accidents. Unfortunately, many spinal cord injury victims are offered low settlements by insurance companies, looking to pay out the lowest possible amount in damages. The only way to fight an unfair or denied insurance claim is to hire an accident lawyer to represent your case.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a spinal cord injury caused by an accident, contact an accident attorney as soon as possible. Only an experienced accident lawyer has the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively fight for your case. As a spinal cord injury victim, you are not at fault; you should not be held responsible for the expenses involved in your long-term treatment and medical care. An accident attorney can successfully represent your case, working toward fair settlement or damages for your injuries.
