Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) include any type of damage to an individual’s nerves that run along their back, up to their neck and into their skull. Common impairments associated with this type of injury include a decrease in sensation or strength and even paralysis. Six common incidents frequently result in spinal cord injuries and certain types of people are affected by them more than others.
The type of event that causes the most SCIs are motorcycle and other automobile crashes. At least half of all of them are caused by these types of incidents every year. Although it’s unclear if it’s related, an individual’s consumption of alcohol can be attributed to at least a quarter of all SCIs that occur.
Osteoporosis, arthritis, inflammation and cancer are all diseases that can result in an SCI. Falls, and more specifically those that involve those 65 and older can result in this type of injury. In fact, data published by the Mayo Clinic shows that falls result in at 15% of this populations’ SCIs.
Recreational or sports injuries result in at least 10% of all SCIs that occur in Michigan and around the country. Individuals who dive into shallow water or engage in high-impact sports are generally the ones most affected by these types of injuries.
Violent crimes such as stabbings and gunshots often result in SCIs. In fact, the Mayo Clinic’s data shows that at least 12% of all of these incidents result from this type of event.
Individuals who are male and between the ages of 16 and 30 or older than 65 are most apt to suffer an SCI. Those who have joint or bone disorders or engage in risky activities are more apt to end up with one than others as well.
Anyone who has suffered an SCI is likely to experience a diminished quality of life. They’re also likely to amass significant medical costs during their lifetime. A catastrophic injury and wrongful death attorney can help you make sense of whether you need to file a lawsuit for compensation in your Rochester case.
