Spinal cord injuries can leave victims lacking even basic mobility. The spinal cord connects the nervous system throughout the body and when it becomes injured there can be serious consequences.
According to The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: “Spinal cord trauma is more than a single event. The initial blunt force damages or kills spinal nerve cells. However, in the hours and days after injury a cascade of secondary events, including loss of oxygen and the release of toxic chemicals at the site of injury, further damage the cord.”
Facts and Causes
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation compiled the following spinal cord injury facts:
- 2 million Americans are living with paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries.
- Approximately four out of five people with spinal cord injuries are male.
- Spinal cord injuries are most commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, followed by sports-related, falls and acts of violence.
Some of the other common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Work environment,
- Direct back trauma, and
- Sports injuries.
Unfortunately, spinal cord injuries can also be the result of medical injuries caused by Doylestown medical professionals acting in a negligent or reckless manner. There are typically two instances where a medical professional’s negligence can cause serious spinal cord injury.
During Operation. Surgeries conducted on or around the spinal cord should be done in a manner that recognizes and protects against injury. Furthermore, operations conducted on the spinal cord should only be done by those medical professionals who are qualified to do so.
Rehabilitation Treatment. The spinal cord may become injured (or re-injured) during treatment after a surgery. Spinal cords that are recovering after a surgery should be protected from stress and quick movement. The medical professionals assigned to your spinal cord rehabilitation should be trained properly and never push a patient beyond what is safe.
Regardless of whatever or whomever may have caused your spinal cord injury, we may be able to help you. Call 888-777-7098 today to discuss your case with one of the Doylestown medical injury lawyers at Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC.
Consequences of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to one estimate, spinal cord injuries cost the American health care system roughly $40.5 billion annually. The cost to those suffering with a spinal cord injury is much greater. A spinal cord injury victim may have to deal with:
- Bowel and bladder management issues,
- Ongoing/permanent pain,
- Respiratory health issues,
- Skin care problems,
- Blood clotting, and
- Decreases in muscle and bone mass.
These are serious medical issues that can impact the victim’s ability to work in Doylestown, have an active life, and enjoy time with friends and family. If the spinal cord injury was caused by the reckless, negligent, or intentional act of another, then that person should be held accountable.
Drake, Hileman & Davis, PC | Doylestown Medical Injury Lawyers Working for You
Contact us immediately if you or a loved one has suffered from a spinal cord injury; we are here to help. Our medical injury lawyers are experienced legal professionals who understand what it takes to successfully get you the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Call 888-777-7098 today.