 What is a spinal cord injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage sustained to the spinal cord that, as a result, leads to a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. A person can suffer from a broken back or neck without incurring a spinal cord injury if only the vertebrae (bone) around the spinal cord are damaged.
Such an injury is normally the result of a sudden, traumatic blow (such as a car accident) to the spine that contuses, compresses, or lacerates the spinal cord. The spinal cord, however, does not need to be severed for a loss of functioning to occur.
Spinal cord injuries fall under 2 categories:
- Complete: there is no function or sensation below the point of injury (paralysis)
- Incomplete: there is some functioning and sensation below the point of injury (recovery possible)
How can a spinal cord injury be sustained?
36% of spinal cord injuries are the consequence of a motor vehicle accident. There are a number of scenarios in which they can occur. Some examples are:
Rollover Accidents: When a vehicle is subjected to a severe roof crushing due to weakly constructed pillars, support structures and windshield headers occupants are at a much higher risk of sustaining a SCI.
Malfunctioning Seatbelts: When functioning properly the seatbelt is without doubt the most important safety feature in a car. However, automatic seat belt systems and door-mounted seat belts can have safety problems that lead to malfunction and injury.
Tire Blowoutss: Tire-shredding or blowouts can result in a loss of control of the vehicle, which can lead to serious accidents, including rollovers, and subsequent SCI.
Treatment and prognosis The effects of a spinal cord injury can be emotionally and financially devastating for the victim and family. Depending on the severity of the injury some will allow for a complete recovery with physical therapy, skill-building activities, and counseling. However, some will end in the complete paralysis of the victim with no hope of rehabilitation. People who survive a SCI are also prone to secondary medical problems such as chronic bladder and lung infections, bowel discomfort, with an increased risk of respiratory and heart problems.
Your next step If you or a loved one has suffered spinal cord injury because of a poorly constructed vehicle, seek help from one of our lawyers at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg and Jeck P.C.
Call our toll free number, (866) 569.3400 to discuss your legal rights and options at no cost. |
