Each year spinal cord damage accounts for thousands of injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 11,000 spinal cord injuries every year in the U.S. Sometimes disease causes spinal cord damage, but most cases result from some type of accident or injury.

A spinal cord injury can be devastating to the victim and their family. Even though I interact with people that suffer from spinal cord injuries, I can hardly imagine what it is like to be incapable of walking or even feeding myself. I think people have a tendency to take for granted these commonplace tasks that are performed without even a second thought.

The main causes of spinal cord injuries are car accidents, falls, violent attacks and sports injuries. Approximately 52 percent of those with spinal cord injuries are paraplegic and 47 percent are quadriplegic. Any type of severe trauma to the spine can cause it to fracture or can cause the dislocation of the vertebrae. The bones in the spinal column comprise the vertebrae, which surrounds the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is an essential part the nervous system. The brain, along with the spinal cord, work in conjunction to control the body's movements. While spinal cord injuries are either complete or incomplete, a complete injury is not typically caused by the severance of the spinal cord. Most complete spinal cord injuries lead to incapacitation or restrained movement below the injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury leaves the patient with some feeling and movement.

Spinal cord injuries lead to tremendous medical care costs. The stress of trying to pay for the medical care that their loved one needs to survive is overwhelming. Oftentimes these types of severe injuries require long-term medical care. Typically, this type of personal injury settlement results in a life care plan. Life care plans provide for the cost of future medical care for the person's lifetime.

Are you or a loved one a fallen victim to a spinal cord injury? If so, I can help you obtain the life care plan you deserve. Don’t hesitate. If you are looking for a caring, compassionate attorney, call me today.