What Are the Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

The most common types of accidents resulting in spinal cord injuries include motor vehicle collisions, falls, violence, sports-related injuries, and medical or surgical errors. A New York spinal cord injury lawyer has the means to help you determine the cause of your injuries.

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe types of injuries a person can experience, and they often result in permanent disability, paralysis, or chronic pain. These types of injuries can drastically change a person’s life and affect them for the foreseeable future.

When you understand the most common causes of spinal cord injuries, you can keep an eye out for potential issues in your day-to-day life. That way, you can try to prevent situations where your spinal cord might be at risk of damage.

The Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) stem from various types of traumatic events. When you retain a New York personal injury lawyer, your attorney can advise you on the causes that are most relevant to your case. 

However, it may help to look into the most common causes of spinal cord damage on your own in advance of hiring legal counsel. That way, you can get an idea of what you may experience. 

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and truck collisions are the leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. The high-impact forces involved in these accidents can cause severe trauma to the spine, resulting in partial or complete paralysis in many cases.

Falls

Slip and fall accidents, falls from heights, or stair-related incidents may cause spinal cord injuries, especially for older adults. Fall-related SCIs can present themselves in workplace accidents as well, especially in industries like construction.

Violence

Acts of violence—such as gunshot wounds, stabbings, or physical assaults—may result in damage to the spinal cord. In some cases, the violence associated with these attacks may be linked to negligence or a lack of security, both of which can form the basis of your legal claim.

Sports Injuries

Contact sports—like football, wrestling, hockey, and diving—pose a heightened risk for spinal cord injuries. This is especially true in situations when proper safety protocols are not followed.

Medical or Surgical Errors

In rare cases, medical negligence carried out during surgical procedures or included in treatment plans can lead to spinal cord damage. Misdiagnoses, improper care, or surgical mistakes can all contribute to catastrophes that result in spinal cord injuries.

Are Motor Vehicle Accidents One of the Most Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?

If you are concerned that a motor vehicle accident may have caused spinal cord damage, a New York spinal cord injury attorney is the one to call. In fact, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. 

They account for almost half of all SCIs in the United States alone. These types of injuries can occur in several ways during a crash, resulting in damage to your spinal cord:

• Whiplash
• Direct trauma
• Rollovers
• Seatbelt injuries

How Falls Exist as a Common Cause of Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly among older adults and workers in high-risk industries. Here’s how falls typically result in SCIs:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Falls from tall heights
• Accidents involving stairs
• Nursing home negligence

How Can Medical Malpractice Cause Spinal Cord Injuries?

Yes. Medical malpractice is a less common—albeit still just as serious—cause of spinal cord injuries. Negligent behavior on the part of healthcare providers can lead to life-altering damage to your spinal cord. Here are some ways medical malpractice may cause spinal cord injuries:

• Surgical errors: During surgeries involving the spine—such as a laminectomy or spinal fusion—mistakes can result in damage to the spinal cord. In some cases, the improper handling of surgical instruments or the failure to monitor you can also lead to injuries.
• Anesthesia errors: Spinal cord injuries can also occur if anesthesia is improperly given to you, particularly during the administration of an epidural or a spinal block. An incorrect dosage or incorrect placement of the needle can cause permanent damage to the spine.
• Failure to diagnose or treat: If a doctor fails to diagnose or treat conditions—like spinal infections, tumors, or fractures—you may experience worsening damage over time. In turn, your delayed treatment may cause conditions that could have been manageable.
• Post-surgical negligence: In some cases, your spinal cord may be damaged during the recovery process due to a lack of proper care or a total failure to monitor your condition.

Since medical malpractice falls under the category of personal injury cases, the New York deadline for filing a medical malpractice claim is also three years. Make sure you speak with a New York spinal cord injury lawyer at your earliest convenience if you want to seek justice. 

Contact Us For a Free Consultation With a New York Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm Law

If you or a loved one has been hurt due to one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries, you should not have to suffer alone. At the same time, with all the medical exams and procedures you have likely undergone, it can be hard to find the time to pursue compensation. 

At Morelli Law, we are here to help you, and it all starts with you scheduling a free consultation with our New York spinal cord injury attorneys. When we meet for your cost-free, no-obligation consultation, we can tell you more about us and how we can help you seek justice.