Spinal cord injuries are usually painful, physically debilitating, and, in long-term patients, psychologically damaging. Nearly half of all spinal cord injuries occur during car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, and another 22 percent happen during falls.
Victims who do not protect themselves by retaining a Maryland personal injury lawyer may find themselves financially ruined. Annual medical bills for treatment can be as much as $30,000. For the most serious long-term injuries, treatment may cost more than $3 million over a lifetime.
Who suffers from spinal cord injuries?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- About 200,000 Americans suffer from traumatic spinal cord injuries
- 80 percent are male
- Half to two-thirds of new serious spinal cord injuries occur in 15- to 35-year-olds
- 12,000 to 20,000 new patients are expected each year
Many spinal injuries can be prevented
The CDC’s fact sheet on spinal cord injuries is quite clear. Although 46 percent of all spinal cord injuries are caused in motor vehicle accidents, the odds of sustaining such an injury can be reduced by 80 percent simply by using the combination of a seat belt and airbag. Even more upsetting is the CDC’s finding that alcohol was a major factor in a quarter (25%) of all spinal injuries.
In addition to motor vehicle injuries, other causes include falls (22%), violence (16%) and sports (12%).
Be sure to protect yourself if injured due to the negligence of another
Everyone knows that insurance companies attempt to pay out the least amount possible. Considering the huge expenses that a traumatic spinal injury may cost, it is important to contact experienced Hunt Valley, MD personal injury attorney Gary Miles to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
