Because spinal cord injuries are so serious, it’s important to understand how they happen. Knowing the primary causes of spinal cord injuries may prevent serious injury. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Motor vehicle accidents. Serious motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. There is a common misconception that paralysis only happens when an injury severs the spinal cord. In fact, that rarely happens. The majority of spinal cord injuries result from swelling and non-penetrating injuries. In a motor vehicle accident, the force of a collision can be so severe that it slams a vehicle occupant’s body against the interior of the car or throws the passenger out of the car entirely. This force can be enough to cause a spinal cord injury.
Pedestrian accidents. Penn Live Patriot-News recently released shocking statistics regarding pedestrian accidents. According to the report, the Keystone State has seen a sharp jump in motor vehicle accidents recently, which has in turn contributed to an increase in pedestrian deaths on Pennsylvania roads. In just one year, the number of pedestrians killed in a motor vehicle accident jumped 34 percent.
Pedestrians face an extreme risk of serious injuries when struck by motor vehicles. The force of impact can send a pedestrian flying or tumbling, causing significant damage to the spinal column upon impact.
Sports injuries. People are starting to get a better understanding of some of the inherent dangers of recreational sports. High-impact sports can cause life-altering injuries. It’s important to recognize this risk when you participate in these activities.
While any sports activity involves risk, sports that statistically carry a higher risk of spinal cord injury include:
- Football
- Combat sports
- Gymnastics
- Horseback riding
- Swimming
Falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries and the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in adults 65 and older. The good news is, most of these falls are preventable. Always use protective gear if you are climbing above the ground. If you are unstable, use support rails to prevent a fall.
Workplace accidents. Workplace accidents can cause serious injuries. The majority of workplace spinal cord injuries are the result of a fall on the job. However, these injuries can also happen during a motor vehicle accident, or as the result of a crush injury or fallen object.
Medical malpractice. Sometimes spinal cord injuries are not the result of a violent injury. Sometimes they are the result of a negligent doctor or medical mistake. The Shepherd Center reports that approximately 5 percent of spinal cord injuries happen as the result of medical or surgical complications. While this may not seem like a lot, considering there are over 17,000 new spinal cord injuries each year, this number is quite substantial. When a doctor makes a mistake that results in a permanent disability, you deserve fair and appropriate compensation.