Maryland Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Every year, spinal cord injuries affect thousands of Americans. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), up to 12,500 cases are reported each year with nearly 4 out of 5 cases occurring among men.
Spinal cord injuries occur when there is trauma to the nerves or when there is damage to the soft tissue and bones near the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury should not be confused with a back injury, which is typically caused by spinal disks being ruptured or herniated. In most spinal cord injury cases, the spinal cord remains intact.
The following is a brief guide on the causes and types of spinal cord injuries.
Flexion
Flexion injuries can occur in a car or other motor vehicle accident. In these cases, the victim suffers a forcible and sudden movement of the head in the forward direction causing a whiplash injury. This can damage the vertebrae in the neck region and also result in torn spinal ligaments.
Compression
These injuries often occur in diving accidents where a substantial force goes to the head, or flows through the lower limbs or spinal area. This results in the vertebrae of the lower back or neck area to shatter into pieces and the spinal disks to protrude into the spinal canal area.
Hyperextension
With hyperextension, the victim experiences his or her neck to be forcibly pushed backwards. This stretches the spinal cord and causes injury. Even if the ligaments have only been stretched a small amount, if the spinal disks have been opened, it is enough for the victim to face a spinal cord injury.
This type of injury more frequently occurs among older people or young children, and with those people who are victims of assault and battery, as well as other types of common accidents.
Rotation
Rotation injuries are similar to flexion injuries in that the spinal column is rotated, particularly in the lower back area. This can cause spinal ligaments to be torn, and can result in spinal cord injury. Injuries associated with rotation of the spinal column are commonly found in motor vehicle accidents and specifically among those who wear lap seat belts.
Penetration
In this, a victim can face a spinal cord injury when a bullet or knife penetrates the spinal cord.
Other types of spinal cord injuries
In addition to the aforementioned causes of spinal injuries that most commonly result from motor vehicle accidents, diving accidents, and sports related injuries, there are other causes such as cancer, arthritis, inflammation, and blood circulation problems.
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident that has caused a spinal cord injury, or any other personal injury, you can rely on the lawyers at Altmark, Rotter & Trock, LLP, for more information on how to get compensation for your injuries. Please call us for a free consultation at (410) 783-9230, or toll-free outside of Baltimore at 1-(888) 966-5566.