The spinal cord is a delicate column of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the brain down the back. It is housed between bones known as vertebrae that protect the spinal cord from injury. When those bones are broken, the delicate spinal cord beneath can sustain injury that often leads to lifelong and permanent disability.
Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries an accident victim can endure. Each year approximately 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries are reported throughout the United States, due to car accidents, traumatic falls, and blunt force trauma. The severity of these spinal cord injuries depends largely on the location of the injury and the type of injury to the spinal cord. A complete break in the spinal cord will result in permanent paralysis and complications below the break. An incomplete injury will result in partial paralysis and symptoms below the injury.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Colorado
Any type of blunt force trauma to the neck or back can cause a serious spinal cord injury. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistic Center, 41.3% of all spinal cord injuries are the result of a motor vehicle crash, 27.3% of spinal cord injuries are the result of a slip and fall, and 15% are caused by acts of violence.
While anyone can experience a spinal cord injury, statistics show that males are at a higher risk and account for 80.8% of all spinal cord injuries. In addition, males between the ages of 16 and 41 are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries, partly because of their active and possible risk-taking lifestyles.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
When the spine is damaged, injury victims can experience a complete or partial loss of bladder function, sexual function, and bowel function. In addition, they can lose the ability to walk, move their arms, or even breathe. If the spinal cord injury is not complete, accident victims could experience pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in their extremities throughout their lives.
Estimated Costs for Spinal Cord Injuries are Staggering
If you or someone you love sustains a spinal cord injury in Colorado, the cost of caring for them is staggering. The estimated lifetime cost of caring for a 25 year old that sustains a high tetraplegia injury is nearly $2 million dollars. This does not include the costs of medical supplies, wheelchairs, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and other caregiving expenses.
Colorado Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
If you or someone you love has sustained a spinal cord injury after an accident in Westminster, Northglenn, Denver, or anywhere in the State of Colorado, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. From the moment you are injured, the lawyers at Reisch Law Firm go to work for you. We understand the costs of living with a spinal cord injury and fight aggressively to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation. Call the Westminster personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm today at 1-303-291-0555 for a FREE initial consultation.
