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Spinal cord injuries can be among some of the most devastating, as this form of physical damage is often irreparable. Whether from a directly traumatic event or a gradual deterioration, spinal cord injuries occur at an astounding rate across the United States—most frequently affecting young, and otherwise healthy, individuals. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reports that approximately 12,000 people across the county suffer spinal cord trauma each and every year, which does not include the victims that have died at the scene of an accident.

For this reason, it is becoming increasingly important for those at risk of such an injury to take precaution when engaging in potentially dangerous activities. In order to understand what types of activities should be carried out with a sense of precaution, we will further explore the most common causes of spinal cord injury.

Spinal Cord Injuries from Car Accidents

According to Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of spinal cord trauma is motor vehicle accidents which account for more than 40% of all related injuries. Whether getting behind the wheel of a car or jumping on the back of a motorcycle, it is important to be aware of potentially hazardous conditions while out on the road. Although not all collisions can be prevented—as drunken and distracted driving accident rates continue to climb—there are ways to exercise a reasonable amount of caution every time you get behind the wheel.

First and foremost, you should always wear a seatbelt. Studies show that less than 14 percent of all drivers wear a seatbelt on a regular basis and that, not surprisingly, nearly 50 percent of all traffic fatalities could have been prevented by utilizing this necessary form of protection. As such, you may be able to avoid the possibility of sustaining a catastrophic injury if you take the right preemptive measures.

Spinal Cord Injuries from Slip and Falls

Secondly, slip and fall accidents and falls from a height account for a large percentage of spinal cord injuries, as well. In fact, statistics show that nearly one-fourth of all such injuries can be attributed to a fall, especially among victims that are 65 years old or greater. These types of accidents can occur on the premises of a negligently maintained restaurant or even while on the job, so it is it crucial that you watch your step when navigating your way around a potentially hazardous walkway and/or when at any measurable height.

Finally, acts of violence and recreational activities account for a percentage of the spinal cord injuries that are suffered each and every year in the US. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, around 15 percent of all spinal cord injuries are caused by violent encounters—including gunshot wounds and knife wounds—and another 8% are caused by high-impact sports and other athletic activities.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation

Unfortunately, not all accidents can be prevented. For this reason, if you have sustained a spinal cord injury at the hands of a reckless or careless individual, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether you have been involved in a drunken driving accident or a slip and fall accident on someone else’s poorly maintained property, you should not hesitate to explore your legal options immediately.

With the help of an experienced attorney from our firm, you may be able to recover a substantial amount of damages for the harm that you have suffered—which may be necessary in the face of unmanageable medical expenses and your inability to earn a living. For more information about pursuing legal action against the responsible party, call our office toll-free to speak directly with a lawyer.