What Causes Spinal Injuries? The Forces Behind Life-Changing Damage

Spinal cord injuries can change lives. Mobility can be lost, independence compromised, and daily routines upended. If you or a loved one have suffered a spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers. You deserve justice. Most importantly, you deserve compensation that can help rebuild your life. 

Spinal injuries are not just painful; they are often permanent. You have every right to seek legal action to determine what causes these injuries, and how can the negligent parties that caused them be held accountable? 

Spinal Cord Injuries 

The spinal cord is one of the most vital structures in the body, but it’s not invulnerable. It runs from the base of the brain down to the lower back and is encased in the vertebrae for protection. This bundle of nerves is the body’s main communication highway, transmitting signals between the brain and every other part of the body.

Unlike other tissues, the spinal cord does not regenerate. Damage to it can be permanent, leading to partial or total paralysis, chronic pain, loss of sensation, and other severe complications. The severity of the injury depends on where along the spine the damage occurs. Higher injuries like those in the cervical spine (neck area) can result in quadriplegia. Lower injuries can cause paraplegia, impacting movement and sensation from the waist down. 

A spinal cord injury doesn’t just affect movement. It can disrupt bladder and bowel function, impair breathing, cause chronic pain, and lead to secondary health conditions such as pressure sores, infections, and depression. The reality is that even with modern medicine, spinal cord damage often means a lifetime of medical care and personal adjustments. 

The Forces That Cause Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries don’t just happen, they are caused by immense forces acting on the body. The spine is strong, but it has its limits. When those limits are exceeded, the consequences are catastrophic. 

One of the most common forces behind spinal cord injuries is axial loading, which occurs when force is applied along the spine’s length. This happens when someone lands directly on their head or feet after a fall. The vertebrae compress, potentially fracturing or dislocating and damaging the spinal cord. 

Another dangerous force is hyperflexion or hyperextension, which happens when the neck or back bends too far forward or backward, often in car accidents or blunt force injuries. These movements can stretch or tear ligaments and sever the spinal cord’s connection. 

Rotational forces can also lead to spinal trauma. Twisting the spine beyond its natural range (like a violent collision). This can cause fractures, dislocations, and nerve damage. Similarly, direct impact, like a blow to the back in an assault or a heavy object falling onto someone, can shatter vertebrae and puncture the spinal cord itself. 

Catastrophic Accidents That Lead to Spinal Injuries 

Spinal injuries don’t happen in a vacuum. They are almost always the result of a traumatic event. Some of the most common causes include: 

Motor Vehicle Accidents 

Car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The sheer force involved in a collision can twist, crush, or sever the spine. Whiplash injuries in high-speed crashes can be just as devastating as direct impact injuries. In some car accident lawsuits, defective seatbelts or airbags can also contribute to the severity of a spinal injury. 

Slip and Falls 

Falls are another major cause of spinal cord injuries, particularly among older adults and workers in high-risk industries. A fall from a ladder, a wet floor in a supermarket, or an unsafe construction site can lead to a catastrophic spinal injury. Property owners and employers who fail to maintain safe environments can be held accountable. 

Workplace Accidents 

Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial job sites pose significant risks for spinal injuries. Falls from scaffolding, being struck by heavy equipment, or being crushed between machinery can all lead to severe spinal trauma. Employers who neglect safety protocols or fail to provide proper training put workers in harm’s way, and they can be sued in a workplace accident case. 

Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors 

A spinal injury doesn’t always result from a dramatic accident. In some cases, medical negligence can cause permanent spinal cord damage. Botched surgeries, errors during spinal injections, and misdiagnosed conditions can all lead to irreversible harm. When doctors fail their patients, they should be held accountable. 

You and Your Family Deserve Justice

A spinal cord injury isn’t just a medical condition, it’s a life-altering event. The costs associated with such an injury are astronomical. From hospital stays and surgeries, to rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and long-term care, the financial burden can quickly become overwhelming. 

But the financial toll isn’t the only consequence. A spinal injury robs a person of their independence, career, and quality of life. It affects families, relationships, and mental well-being. When this happens due to someone else’s negligence—whether a reckless driver, an unsafe workplace, or a negligent property owner—the victim should not have to bear the burden alone. 

Seeking legal action isn’t just about securing compensation, it’s about holding the responsible parties accountable. A successful personal injury lawsuit can provide the financial resources needed for ongoing medical care, lost wages, home accommodations, and pain and suffering. It also ensures that the negligent party is brought to justice, preventing similar harm from happening to others. 

Get Help with Your Spinal Injury Today

No amount of money can undo the damage of a spinal cord injury, but financial compensation can provide the means to regain stability and independence. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal injury due to negligence, you have the right to seek justice. At Morelli Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Don’t wait. The road to recovery starts with holding the right people accountable. If you believe your spinal injury was caused by negligence, reach out for a consultation today. Your future depends on the action you take now.