Statistics on Spinal Cord Injuries in California Personal Injury Accidents

The spine is one of the most efficient multi-taskers in the human body, delivering support and structure where needed – while also enabling flexibility and movement. The vertebrae also take on a very important task: Protecting the spinal cord, which powers all of these functions and more. Unfortunately, the strong bones of the spine cannot always withstand extreme trauma, so injuries are common in accidents. The National SCI Statistical Center (NSCISC) publication on Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Figures at a Glance reveals that there are approximately 249,000 to 363,000 individuals currently living in the US with varying degrees of spinal cord injuries. Every year, another 17,810 victims are added to the total.

Losses from spinal cord injuries can be devastating, at times even more extreme than the physical pain. As such, you should consult with an Oakland spinal cord injury attorney about your remedies and recovering compensation from the responsible parties. Some additional statistics and information on long-term costs should convince you to pursue your legal options. 

Additional Statistics on Spinal Cord Injuries: To understand the gravity of these injuries, you may find it useful to review other NSCISC data.

• The number one cause of spinal cord trauma in the US is motor vehicle collisions, including those involving pedestrians and bicycles. These incidents are behind 39.3 percent of spinal cord injuries.
• Falls take the number two spot, at 31.8 percent, while intentional assault, sports-related accidents, and medical malpractice also rank high for spinal cord injuries.
• More than 47 percent of victims will experience incomplete tetraplegia, which is a form of paralysis that affects both arms and legs. Almost 40 percent of individuals sustain paraplegia, paralysis of the lower body, after a spinal cord injury.
• On average, a person who suffers a spinal cord injury will be in the hospital for 11 days. Victims usually spend another month in rehabilitation centers for maximum possible recovery.
  

Long-Term Expenses and Complications: These statistics reveal the gravity of spinal cord injuries, but you can also assume the financial impacts victims and their families face. A day in a California hospital averages more than $5,000; intensive care, surgery, x-rays and radiology, and many other costs also add up. In addition, NSCISC notes:

• A person could incur medical costs up to $1.1 million in just the first year after an accident that causes spinal cord injuries.
• Depending upon the level of paralysis, if any, additional medical expenses may range from $44,000 to $196,000 in subsequent years.
• The average age of a victim at the time of suffering a spinal cord injury is 43. Over this hypothetical individual’s lifetime, he or she could be hit with $1.2 to $2.8 million in costs, lost income, and other losses.
  

Our Oakland Spinal Cord Injuries Attorneys Will Fight for Your Rights 

Since the long-term costs and complications of a spinal cord injury affect entire families, it is critical to pursue those responsible for causing you harm. Our experienced Oakland spinal cord injury attorneys at Venardi Zurada, LLP can help with the process to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. Please contact our offices today to set up a free consultation.

Resource:

nscisc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf