The spinal column is an integral part of the body. It is also one of the most delicate. The main function of the spinal cord is to send signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The spinal cord can become injured in a number of different ways. Damage to the ligaments, vertebrae, or disks in the column can cause a very serious injury and even greatly limit the motion of anyone who suffers from one. Just as there are many different ways the spinal cord can become injured, there are also many different causes of these injuries. Below, our spinal cord injury lawyer in Miami explains these in further detail.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents such as motorcycle crashes, truck accidents, and collisions between passenger vehicles are some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. In fact, traffic accidents make up 38 percent of spinal cord injuries. This is because any collision on the road will create a lot of force, which is often too much for the spinal column to bear.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Second only to auto accidents, slip and falls are also responsible for a large majority of spinal cord injuries. According to one study, slip and fall accidents account for 31 percent of spinal cord injuries. The elderly are at particular risk of becoming injured during a slip and fall accident. As a person gets older, they often suffer from health conditions that make a slip and fall accident more likely. Poor posture, slowed reactions, and poor vision are just a few of these. Not only are slip and falls more common among the elderly, but they are also more likely to be fatal for individuals in this age group.
Medical Malpractice
There are a number of ways medical negligence can result in a spinal cord injury. A doctor may not perform a spinal block or epidural in a careful manner. Or, a surgeon may accidentally sever an important part of the column during spinal surgery. Whatever the reason, medical negligence is never an excuse for a spinal cord injury.
Physical Violence
Perhaps surprising to some, 13 percent of spinal cord injuries are caused by physical violence such as stabbing, shooting, or assaulting another person. While people can be charged with a crime for engaging in these actions, the only way victims can hold their assailant accountable is by filing a personal injury claim against them.
Consuming Alcohol
There are a number of ways alcohol consumption can cause a spinal cord injury. Impaired drivers can easily cause a crash when they get behind the wheel while drunk. Even when a person is not operating a motor vehicle, alcohol consumption can still cause a person to fall more easily because intoxication can make it more difficult for a person to walk or see properly.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Miami Can Help After an Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, our Miami personal injury lawyers at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein can help you claim the full financial compensation you are entitled to. Call us now at; (786) 504-7874 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.