What Kind of Accidents Can Cause Spinal Cord Injuries?
Slip and falls, motor vehicle accidents, and medical malpractice are just a few common causes of spinal cord injuries.
Spinal cord injuries occur when the vertebrae, ligaments, or disks in the spinal cord or column become damaged. The spinal cord is a very important part of the body. It sends signals from the brain to the rest of the body. It is also one of the most fragile and so, it is susceptible to injury during many different types of accidents. Below, our Murrieta personal injury lawyer explains the main causes of spinal cord injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. In fact, accidents involving motor vehicles are responsible for38% of these injuries. The force of a crash places an immense amount of pressure on the spinal cord, which can easily damage the spinal column.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Approximately31% of spinal cord injuries are caused by slip and fall accidents. This is particularly true in older individuals. As people age, they develop a number of health conditions that make them more prone to slipping and falling. Slower reactions, poor posture, and bad vision all contribute to slip and fall accidents. It is crucial that property owners maintain their premises and keep it in a safe condition, so no one becomes injured during a slip and fall accident.
Physical Violence
Almost 13% of spinal cord injuries are a result of physical violence. Individuals will face harsh criminal penalties for shooting, stabbing, or assaulting another person. However, victims of these crimes can also file a personal injury claim against perpetrators to recover damages for their losses.
Medical Malpractice
When doctors and other medical personnel are negligent, it can easily result in a spinal cord injury. Doctors may negligently perform an epidural or spinal block, or a surgeon may not use the required standard of care while performing surgery on the spine. To determine if a healthcare professional used the proper standard of care, it must be determined whether another medical professional would have used the same standard of care.
Alcohol Use
Alcohol use is a bigger contributing factor to spinal cord injuries than many people think. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol can easily cause a crash that results in serious injury. Even when a person is not driving, impairment can cause a person to fall more easily, as intoxicated individuals often cannot see properly or walk steadily.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Murrieta Can Help with Your Claim
Spinal cord injuries are caused by many different types of accidents, and even intentional harm. If you have suffered an injury due to the fault of someone else, ourMurrieta personal injury lawyers are here to help. At Gibbs & Fuerst, LLP, our seasoned attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims during such a difficult time, and we want to put our experience to work for you. Call us today at 951-816-3435 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.