Falls replace car accidents as main cause of spinal cord injuries
More people are being treated for serious spinal cord injuries in recent years, but falls have replaced car accidents as the leading cause of those injuries.
March 05, 2014
Falls replace car accidents as main cause of spinal cord injuriesArticle provided by Nix Law Group, PLLC
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Serious spinal cord injuries are on the rise throughout the United States, recent data shows, but the primary cause of these injuries has shifted. According to a study released recently by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, falls are now the leading cause of serious spinal cord injuries in the United States. Previously, motor vehicle accidents were the single biggest cause of injuries to the spinal cord.
By analyzing the emergency room records of more than 43,000 adults treated for spinal cord injuries in the U.S. between 2007 and 2009, Johns Hopkins researchers determined that about 36 percent were caused by car accidents, while about 42 percent were caused by falls.
Older adults in particular were likely to be injured by falls; during the study period, falls increased from 24 percent to 30 percent of all injuries among the elderly. Researchers say the exact reasons for the changes remain uncertain, but that several factors may be involved -- including the aging of the overall population, improved vehicle safety and increased activity levels among older adults.
Spinal cord injury basics
Housed within the bones of the spinal column, the spinal cord is a bundle of delicate nerve fibers that are responsible for relaying signals between the body and the brain. When these nerve fibers are damaged by a fall, car crash or other trauma, a wide range of body systems may be affected.
Depending on the severity and precise location of the trauma, the consequences of a spinal cord injury may be catastrophic and life-altering. Some of the most common long-term complications of serious spinal cord injuries include paralysis and numbness, as well as problems with the respiratory, digestive and excretory systems. As with any severe, long-term injury, some people with serious spinal cord injuries may also face an increased risk of developing psychological conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Compensation for spinal cord injuries in Oklahoma
In addition to the physical and emotional consequences, spinal cord injuries typically carry a hefty price tag. Over the course of a lifetime, the cost of medical care alone can be anywhere from $500,000 to $3 million or even more, according to data cited by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Oklahoma, people who suffer spinal cord injuries as a result of another person's negligence have a right to seek monetary compensation through the legal system. If you or a loved one has been hurt by someone else's carelessness -- for instance in a crash with a reckless driver or in a fall on poorly maintained property -- you may be able to obtain a financial settlement to offset the costs of medical care, lost income and other damages relating to the injury.
To learn more about the legal options that are available after a spinal cord injury in Oklahoma, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in your area.