What are the most common causes of spinal injuries?

The spine is designed to be a protective structure that prevents injuries to the vital spinal cord within. The spinal cord is essential for carrying signals between the brain and the body, and spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or other loss of function. Unfortunately, there are many circumstances in which the bones of the spine are not strong enough to protect the spinal cord.

The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
• Motor vehicle accidents, which account for more than 40% of spinal cord injuries. The energies involved in motor vehicle accidents simply overwhelm the strength of the spinal cord.
• Falls are a significant contributor to all spinal cord injuries, but especially for persons over age 65, where weakened bone structure makes the spine vulnerable. Falls account for about a quarter of all spinal injuries.
• Acts of violence unfortunately account for about 15% of all spinal cord injuries.
• Sports and recreation injuries, such as contact sports and diving in shallow water, account for about 8 percent of all spinal cord injuries and are the leading cause of spinal injuries among preteen males.

Alcohol, although not technically a cause of spinal injuries, is a major contributor to spinal injuries. It is a factor in as many as 1 in 4 spinal injuries.

If you have suffered a spinal injury as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. To learn more about your legal options, please contact Findlay Law Offices, with offices in Hamilton and Brantford.