The Top 6 Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen

Sustaining a spinal cord injury is serious. Not only can a spinal cord injury dramatically change the course of someone’s life, but it can have a severe impact on a victim’s family as well. While spinal cord injuries are not one-hundred percent preventable, knowing the top causes can help you take precautions to lessen the chances of sustaining a spinal cord injury. Read on to learn more about the leading causes.

Spinal Cord Injury Data

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), their latest study from data collected between 2005 and 2011 shows the following as the top causes of spinal cord injuries:

1. Automobile Crashes

Automobile crashes accounted for 31.5% of all spinal cord injuries. A sudden blow to the spinal cord from a severe impact can cause vertebrae to break and dislocate or crush tissues.

2. Falls

Falls accounted for 25.3% of all spinal cord injuries. NCBI found that slipping, tripping, and stumbling were the most common cause of fall-related spinal cord injuries at 20%, followed by falls from buildings at 16%. Falls from stairs and steps also came in at 16%, and ladder falls at 9%. People over 61 had the highest frequency of falls.

3. Gunshot Wounds

Gunshot wounds accounted for 10.4% of all spinal cord injuries. Although penetrating spinal cord injuries are rare, they still list top causes of spinal cord injuries according to collected data. Gunshot wounds often produce permanent and severe disability to the victim.

4. Motorcycle Crashes

Motorcycle crashes accounted for 6.8% of all spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the back and neck are not uncommon in motorcycle crashes. Since motorcyclists have little to no protection, crashing into a car or hitting a stable object can cause a devastating spinal cord injury such as paralysis.

5. Diving Accidents

Diving accidents accounted for 4.7% of all spinal cord injuries. Now that the summer season is here, more people are taking to the swimming pool, and sadly, unsafe conditions such as a broken or unstable diving board can put someone at serious risk.

6.Medical/Surgical Complications

Medical and surgical complications accounted for 4.3% of all spinal cord injuries. Negligent medical care can be the cause of a spinal cord injury. Whether it’s failure to recognize a spine fracture or lack of duty of care during a medical procedure on the spine can have severe and devastating consequences.

Injured in a Car Accident? Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC is Here to Help

Sadly spinal cord injuries are permanent, leaving victims with mounting medical bills with endless doctor appointments and medical procedures that can be mentally taxing. If you or a loved one sustained a spinal cord injury due to the negligent acts of another party, we are here to help you seek justice. Our personal injury lawyers are here to support and guide you through the process so you can receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

It’s Easy With Montesi! Contact us today at (901) 526-2126 to schedule a consultation and learn your rights.