The spinal cord is vulnerable to many different types of injuries. In a traumatic accident, such as a car crash, something could strike or impact the spine and damage its nerves, discs or vertebrae. The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are often preventable. If you or your loved one suffers a spinal cord injury in any type of accident in Vancouver, contact our Vancouver spinal cord injury lawyers for a free case consultation. You may be eligible for compensation.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the National Institutes of Health, motor vehicle accidents are one of the top causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States. Car, motorcycle, truck, bicycle and pedestrian accidents can lead to significant spine injuries if something impacts the spine in the collision. If the spinal cord suffers too much pressure in a car accident, for example, it could sustain bone fractures, nerve damage or soft-tissue injuries, such as muscle tears or strains.
If the muscles that keep the spinal discs in place are damaged, a disc could bulge or slip out of where it should be. This could cause chronic back pain and a loss of mobility. The upper portion of the spine (the cervical spine) that is located in the neck could also sustain serious injury in a motor vehicle accident. In the most severe cases, cervical spine injuries can lead to permanent paralysis from the neck down. This condition is known as quadriplegia, and there is no known cure.
Falls
A harmful slip and fall accident can twist the spine, causing discs to rupture or the inner portion to herniate. This could lead to chronic pain, tingling or numbness in the back or spine. The muscles and soft tissues around the spine can also sustain damage, leading to painful sprains or strains. If the victim falls from a height, the spinal cord could be fractured or compressed upon impact with the ground. Compression fractures can lead to severe back pain, trouble walking or standing, and spinal deformity.
Acts of Violence
Assaults or acts of violence can cause damage to a victim’s spine in multiple ways. If a victim suffers a gunshot wound to the back, for example, it could penetrate or even sever the spinal cord. This could lead to a complete spinal cord injury, where the victim has permanent paralysis Blunt-force trauma to the back, such as a kick or punch to the spine, could lead to bruising, contusions or spinal concussion. Injuries from assaults or domestic violence could lead to back or neck pain, weakness, incoordination in any part of the body, or loss of sensation.
Sports Incidents
Playing sports can put an athlete at risk of injuring his or her spine during practice, training or a game. For example, contact sports such as tackle football can lead to serious physical injuries from impacts with other players, while divers could suffer neck fractures and spine injuries on dives. These risks can be exacerbated by a negligent coach who pushes players too hard or fails to provide proper safety equipment to help prevent neck and back injuries.
Workplace Accidents
Many workers in Vancouver are at risk of suffering life-changing back and spine injuries while on the job. Employees in construction, for example, may fall from a scaffold or get crushed beneath a collapsing structure and sustain serious spinal cord injuries. Industrial accidents involving heavy machinery and equipment could also lead to back and spine injuries. Even if a traumatic accident at work does not cause a back injury, a worker could suffer soft-tissue damage from stress or repetitive motions, such as constant bending, lifting or twisting.
If you or a loved one has a spine injury from an accident in Vancouver, contact us to request a free consultation with an attorney.