Spinal cord injuries are devastating events that can change a person’s life forever. They often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are dedicated to providing support and legal assistance to those affected by these traumatic injuries.
Most Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
There are two main types of spinal cord injuries – complete and incomplete. A complete injury results in a total loss of sensory and motor function below the injury level, while an incomplete injury means that there is some remaining function. The severity of the injury depends on the location and extent of the damage.
Long-term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries
The long-term effects of spinal cord injuries are profound and can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Common consequences include paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia), loss of sensation, difficulties with breathing and bladder control, and chronic pain. These injuries can also lead to secondary health problems such as pressure sores, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular issues.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a major public health concern and are responsible for a significant portion of spinal cord injuries worldwide. In fact, they account for approximately 38% of all spinal cord injury cases. This category encompasses a range of incidents, 
including car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents, each of which can result in severe and often irreversible damage to the spinal cord.
In Philadelphia, a bustling urban center with heavy traffic and a high population density, motor vehicle accidents are unfortunately common. The city’s roads are often filled with cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, creating a hectic and sometimes dangerous environment. In such a setting, the risk of accidents resulting in spinal cord injuries is heightened.
Car crashes, for example, can lead to spinal cord injuries in several ways. The impact of a collision can cause fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, which in turn can damage the spinal cord. In severe cases, fragments of bone or foreign objects can penetrate the spinal cord, leading to complete or incomplete paralysis. Similarly, motorcycle accidents are particularly perilous due to the lack of protection afforded to riders. Even with helmets and protective gear, motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries in the event of a collision.
Pedestrian accidents are another significant concern, especially in a city environment. With numerous pedestrians sharing the streets with vehicles, the potential for accidents is high. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the force of the impact can cause serious harm, including spinal cord injuries. Such injuries can range from mild to severe, with some victims experiencing complete loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site.
The long-term consequences of spinal cord injuries are profound and life-altering. Victims often face lifelong disabilities and may require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices to cope with their impairments. The emotional and financial toll on both the victims and their families can be immense. In addition to the immediate medical costs, spinal cord injury patients may need long-term care, home modifications, and adaptive equipment to regain some degree of independence and quality of life.
Falls
Falls are indeed a significant cause of spinal cord injuries and account for a substantial percentage of these devastating injuries. These types of accidents can occur in various settings, from the home and workplace to public spaces and recreational areas.
Among older adults, falls are particularly prevalent and pose a serious risk to their health and well-being. As people age, their bones tend to become more brittle, and their balance and coordination may decline, making them more susceptible to slips, trips, and falls. Such incidents can result in fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, potentially leading to spinal cord damage and resultant disabilities.
At home, falls can occur for a variety of reasons, including slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways. In the workplace, falls can result from unsafe conditions such as wet floors, inadequate fall protection, and poorly maintained equipment or facilities. Public spaces, like shopping malls, parks, and sidewalks, can also be hotspots for falls, especially if there are hazards like uneven pavement, obstacles, or poor lighting.
In any of these environments, falls can have serious consequences. For instance, a simple trip over an uneven sidewalk could result in a person landing on their back or neck, causing fractures or dislocations that damage the spinal cord. Similarly, a fall from a height, such as off a ladder or down a flight of stairs, can have catastrophic effects on the spinal cord and result in long-term disabilities, including paralysis.
It is the responsibility of employers and property owners to maintain safe environments and take necessary precautions to prevent falls. This includes regular inspections and maintenance, proper signage and lighting, and implementation of safety protocols and training. In workplaces, employers must also provide appropriate fall protection equipment and ensure that employees are adequately trained to work safely at heights or in potentially hazardous conditions.
When falls resulting in spinal cord injuries occur due to negligence or unsafe conditions, the victims may have legal recourse to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In such cases, the expertise of a spinal cord injury lawyer can be invaluable in navigating the complex legal landscape and pursuing a claim against the responsible parties.
Violence and Sports Injuries
Violent incidents and high-impact sports are significant contributors to spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is a delicate structure, and any trauma or force that penetrates or impacts the spinal column can cause irreversible damage. Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures to prevent injuries is crucial in these scenarios.
Violent Incidents:
Gunshot wounds and stabbings are among the most severe forms of trauma that can result in spinal cord injuries. The force from a bullet or the penetration of a sharp object can damage the spinal cord tissues, disrupt nerve signals, and potentially lead to partial or complete paralysis.
In urban areas and communities affected by high levels of violence, gunshot wounds are an unfortunate yet common cause of spinal cord injuries. Similarly, incidents of interpersonal violence or assault that involve stabbing can result in spinal cord damage.
Contact Sports:
Contact sports such as football and rugby are known for their high physical intensity and risk of injuries. Athletes in these sports are vulnerable to spinal cord injuries due to tackles, collisions, and impacts that can compress, twist, or otherwise harm the spinal column.
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on player safety and injury prevention in contact sports. Proper training, safety equipment, and adherence to rules and regulations are essential to protect athletes from spinal cord injuries. Helmets, neck braces, and other protective gear are designed to minimize the risk of injury to the head and spinal column.
Furthermore, athletes must be properly educated on the correct techniques and strategies to avoid putting themselves and others at risk. Coaches and trainers play a vital role in ensuring that players understand and adhere to safety guidelines and protocols.
Medical Malpractice
Medical errors can have catastrophic consequences, particularly when they result in spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is a critical component of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Any damage to this vital structure can result in permanent and life-altering disabilities, including paralysis.
Surgery on or near the spinal cord, such as procedures to correct spinal deformities, remove tumors, or treat other spinal conditions, carries inherent risks. Despite the expertise and precautions taken by medical professionals, errors can occur, and these can lead to serious complications, including damage to the spinal cord. The consequences of such errors can be profound, impacting every aspect of a person’s life, from their ability to move and care for themselves to their overall quality of life.
Other medical procedures, such as epidural injections or spinal taps, also carry the risk of spinal cord damage. If the needle is not correctly placed or if there is an adverse reaction to the medication, it can result in injury to the spinal cord. Even seemingly routine procedures can have devastating outcomes if errors occur.
When a medical professional’s negligence results in a spinal cord injury, the victim has the right to seek compensation for their suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. The process of pursuing a medical malpractice claim can be complex and challenging, requiring a thorough understanding of both medical and legal principles. The victim must demonstrate that the medical professional’s actions deviated from the standard of care and that this deviation directly resulted in the spinal cord injury.
Legal Support for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
When spinal cord injuries result from accidents or negligence, victims may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Philadelphia spinal cord injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have the experience and resources to help victims navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Philadelphia Practice Areas
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
