What are the main causes of spinal cord injuries? The main causes of spinal cord injuries include motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, occupational injuries, acts of violence, and sports injuries.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, speaking with a North Charleston spinal cord injury lawyer to understand your rights is a good place to start.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Are a Leading Cause of Spinal Cord Injuries
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are consistently the number one cause of spinal cord injuries. The force of a collision can jolt the spine, crush vertebrae, or cause severe damage to the spinal cord. Common crash types that cause spinal cord trauma:
- Rear-end collisions causing whiplash or cervical spine injuries.
- Rollover accidents leading to spinal compression or ejection injuries.
- High-speed motorcycle crashes without body protection.
- T-bone impacts that twist or shear the spine on contact.
No matter the main cause of your spinal cord injury, it often results in long-term pain, paralysis, or loss of sensation. Victims may require extensive medical care, including surgery, therapy, and mobility aids. Even a minor accident can leave someone with a life-altering spinal condition.
Falls Frequently Lead to Spinal Cord Damage
Falls are another major spinal cord injury cause, especially in older adults. A hard landing on the back or neck can instantly cause vertebral fractures, disc herniation, or direct spinal cord damage. Spinal cord injuries from falls often occur in:
- Grocery stores, malls, or restaurants with slippery surfaces.
- Nursing homes without safety rails or fall prevention protocols.
- Construction sites with elevated platforms or unstable ladders.
- Apartment complexes with poor lighting or broken handrails.
In many cases, these falls occur due to unsafe environments, such as broken stairs or slick floors. Employers, businesses, or landlords may be held responsible, and speaking to a South Carolina premises liability lawyer can help you understand your rights. Even one careless oversight can turn an ordinary day into a medical emergency.
Work-Related Injuries Often Involve Spinal Trauma
Many on-the-job spinal cord injuries occur in physically demanding industries like construction, manufacturing, or transportation. Falls, machinery malfunctions, or heavy lifting without support can all lead to long-term damage. Employers are legally obligated to provide safe working environments, and when they don’t, serious consequences follow.
Examples of workplace hazards that lead to spinal injury:
- Falling from heights without proper fall protection.
- Being struck by machinery or collapsing structures.
- Operating forklifts or cranes without adequate training.
- Lifting heavy materials without ergonomic equipment.
Workplace safety violations or improper training can expose employees to unnecessary risk. Some injuries are immediate, while others develop over time due to repetitive strain. A South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer can help determine if you are entitled to damages from a workplace injury.
Acts of Violence Can Severely Damage the Spine
Gunshots, stabbings, and physical assaults are another common cause of spinal cord injuries. Violent acts can result in fractured vertebrae, severed spinal nerves, or swelling that compresses the cord. Unlike accidental injuries, these are often intentional and may lead to both criminal and civil legal action.
Victims of violent injury may face long recovery periods and deep emotional scars. Many of these cases involve domestic violence or assaults in public spaces like bars, nightclubs, or parking lots. Victims may also suffer psychological trauma that makes physical recovery even harder.
Sports and Recreational Activities Pose Significant Risk
Sports are a source of joy and exercise, but they can also result in catastrophic spinal cord injuries. High-contact sports, extreme sports, and diving accidents are particularly dangerous. Spinal trauma in sports is often linked to:
- Football tackles that compress the neck or upper spine.
- Gymnastics falls during vaults or uneven bar routines.
- Diving into shallow pools or natural bodies of water.
- Mountain biking or snowboarding crashes at high speeds.
Without proper coaching, safety gear, or supervision, athletes are vulnerable to high-impact collisions or awkward landings that compress or dislocate the spine. Injury prevention in athletics requires education, protective equipment, and awareness, especially among young athletes.
Medical Negligence Can Result in Spinal Injuries
Although less common, spinal cord injuries caused by medical malpractice can be especially devastating. A single surgical error or misdiagnosis can leave a patient with permanent impairment. Examples include botched back surgeries, failure to treat spinal infections, or incorrect injection techniques. These cases often require testimony from medical experts to prove the injury should have been preventable.
Unlike trauma-based injuries, medical malpractice spinal injuries can be harder to identify right away. Some symptoms may develop over weeks or months. Victims often face skepticism from insurers or medical providers and may need strong legal representation.
Every Day Negligence Is a Hidden Threat
Not every spinal cord injury is caused by a dramatic moment. Some occur slowly over time or in situations where a reasonable person failed to act responsibly. Negligence-related spinal cord injuries may involve:
- Unsafe premises or lack of property maintenance.
- Distracted or impaired driving in traffic.
- Improper use of medical devices or medications.
- Failure to supervise children or vulnerable adults.
Even simple acts, such as leaving a wet floor unmarked, can result in serious injuries if the spine is involved.
The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 15 million people are living with spinal cord injuries, and they can be life-altering. It is widely known that they can cause pain and mobility issues, but bladder function, respiration, and emotional well-being can be affected as well. Common long-term consequences of spinal injuries:
- Partial or complete paralysis below the site of injury.
- Use of wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices.
- Chronic pain, muscle spasms, or nerve dysfunction.
- Modifications to home and vehicle accessibility.
Many individuals with spinal cord injuries face major barriers to their independence, and treatment for these injuries is rarely short-term. Victims may need multiple surgeries, long-term rehab, and assistance with daily living.
Why Choose Shelly Leeke Law Firm
With over 30 years of experience, Shelly Leeke Law Firm has helped countless clients navigate the aftermath of a spinal cord injury. These are not ordinary injuries. They are life-changing events that demand serious legal and medical support.
If your injury was the result of someone else’s careless behavior, you deserve to explore your options. Our team can help you fight for accountability and pursue the recovery you need. You did not choose to be injured, but you can choose the right legal team to help make things right.
