Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Spinal Cord Injuries
Every year in the United States, there are about 12,000 new spinal cord injuries (SCI). The most common cause of these injuries is vehicular accident. Motor vehicle crashes, trucks, bicycle or pedestrian accidents in which someone is negligent can all cause spinal cord injuries.
Action Legal Group Encounters Underreported Spinal Cord Injuries
When it comes to statistics, many researchers, personal injury attorneys and organizations are concerned that the numbers reported on spinal cord injuries are incorrect. The total numbers are not widely cataloged due to a variety of different issues and parameters. For example, if someone has suffered a spinal cord injury but dies before reaching the hospital, their case is not included in the SCI reports. Also, if someone suffers a spinal cord injury but does not have lasting issues or if they experience neurological issues that are secondary to that trauma, these numbers will likely not be reported. The sad truth is that if you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it can be a frightening time and people are often overwhelmed and do not to talk to a spinal cord injury attorney.With this understanding, it’s widely recognized that the number of spinal cord injuries and their economic impact in the U.S. every year is, in reality, higher than the reported numbers.
One of the most surprising statistics regarding spinal cord injuries is the rise of violence as one of the main causes of spinal cord injuries. Prior to 1995, falls were the second most common cause but after that, violence has overtaken falls to hold this spot. After age 45, falls overtake motor vehicle accidents as the main cause of SCI.Unfortunately, manyfalls in the United States are due to negligence or human error. Product failure is also a factor in falls that can cause lifelong injuries.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Personal Injury Cases
Currently, in the U.S. there are just around 260,000 people living with a spinal cord injury.Of these, approximately 45% are considered complete injuries. A complete spinal cord injury causes a total loss of sensation and function below the level of the injury. Incomplete injuries (about 55%) suffer only a partial loss of feeling or function. Either of these categories can be quadriplegic or paraplegic depending on where the injury occurs on the spine.
The personal injury attorneys of Action Legal Group stress that it is important to understand that the nature of a spinal cord injury means that it’s not usually localized to one general area of your body.
Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms as Noted in Court Cases
Thankfully in the past forty years, huge advancements have been made in spinal cord injury care. During the 1970’s the hospital and rehabilitation time was more than three times the length that it is today. Depending on the severity of the SCI and the other injuries that may have occurred at the same time, the first year of care can cost anywhere between $300,000 to $1,000,000. After this, the expenses can range from $40,000 to $170,000 a year.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it can be a frightening time. Considering long term care, rehabilitation, and in many instances, life altering changes can be overwhelming. When you add in the medical bills, appointments, and all the opinions you get from experts around you, it can be more than just a little daunting. If someone else is liable for this injury, that adds a whole new level of trauma to work through. This is the time of your life that you need a personal injury attorney who understands the situation, knows what needs to happen, and can help you find your way through this difficult time. Let Action Legal Group help you figure out what next steps for your family must be.
The attorneys of Action Legal Group handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, and are only paid if you receive compensation. Call our spinal cord injury attorneys today. We can help.