What is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that run from the brain down to the lower back. The spinal cord is protected by 33 bones called vertebrae. If a person’s neck or back is injured, it can result in a spinal cord injury (SCI).

A spinal cord injury is caused by some form of trauma to the spinal cord which results in either a short-term or permanent sensory or motor deficit. SCIs would not include degenerative disc diseases which are non-traumatic.

How Common Are SCIs?

Each year, it is estimated there are about 17,000 new Spinal Cord Injury cases in the United States. It is estimated there are 282,000 people living with a SCI. Four out of 5 SCI cases occur among men, and the average age at injury is 42 years.

What Causes SCIs?

(Source: National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 2016)

SCIs can be caused by many factors, but the two leading causes of SCIs are motor vehicle crashes and falls, which account for just over 2 out of 3 injuries.

There Are Significant Costs Associated With SCIs

Persons with SCIs have significant health care costs and living expenses associated with their injury. These costs vary according to the severity of the injury. The table below provides estimates of the average annual health care and living expenses for people with an SCI. Loss of wages and fringe benefits are not included, and these were estimated at $72,047 per year in 2015, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.

What You Should Know About SCI Cases

SCIs are serious, life-changing injuries. A person could experience a SCI as a result of a motor vehicle crash, workplace injury, medical error, or a premise liability case. Although you may already have a general practice attorney, you will want to hire a lawyer who has experience with handling complex cases which require an understanding of medicine and the law.