Practice Centers

Spinal Cord Injuries

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Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Cord Injuries

Q: What is a spinal cord injury?

A: A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is traumatic injury to the spinal cord resulting in a loss of function, such as mobility and sensation, below the level of injury. The part of the spine that is injured and the severity of the injury will dictate how much function is lost. Most spinal cord injuries do not result in a severance of the spinal cord, but in a fracture of the vertebrae that compresses the cord, causing injury.

Q: What are the most common causes of spinal cord injuries?

A: The most common cause of a spinal cord injury is a motor vehicle accident. Other common causes of spinal cord injuries include deliberate acts of violence (such as a stabbing or shooting), falls and sports-related injuries.

Q: Who is at the highest risk for a spinal cord injury?

A: Of the 10,000-12,000 spinal cord injuries that occur in the United States every year, more than 80 percent of the injuries are suffered by young men between the ages of 16 and 30.

Approximately two million people worldwide, nearly 200,000 of whom live in the United States, live with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Approximately 11,000 Americans sustain a spinal cord injury each year, costing the nation more than an estimated $9.7 billion. More than 80% of these victims are men between 16 and 30 years of age.

Pennsylvania Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Our Pittsburgh spinal cord injury attorneys at Ogg, Cordes, Murphy & Ignelzi, LLP, have won large verdicts and settlements for people seeking compensation for a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries most frequently occur in a car or truck accident, but can also happen as the result of a weapons accident, a diving mishap, or a worksite accident. Spinal cord injuries can result in complete or partial paralysis, inability to breathe or swallow, and loss of body functions. If you or a family member has suffered a spinal cord injury due to the carelessness or negligence of another, you need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact a Pittsburgh spinal cord injury attorney at our firm for a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Spinal Cord Injuries - An Overview

A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to an injury to the spinal cord resulting in varying degrees of loss of function and paralysis, depending on which part of the spine was injured and the severity of the injury. The injury can occur from a traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle accident, or from illness or disease. Over 250,000 people in the United States currently live with a spinal cord injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, there are legal options available to you. An experienced attorney in your area can speak with you about your rights and options for pursuing a case against those responsible for your spinal cord injury.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) due to another person's negligent acts, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. The amount of compensation will depend on the individual circumstances of your case and your state's laws.

Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injuries

The cost of treating and caring for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the US tops over $4 billion ever year. For the thousands of Americans living with spinal cord injuries, current treatment options focus on helping them learn to live with their disabilities and become as independent as their injuries allow.

The Anatomy of a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are serious and it may not be obvious that someone has a spinal cord injury. The treatment immediately given a person with one of these injuries is critical to limiting the amounting of harm done and preventing secondary injuries from occurring.

Spinal Cord Injuries Resource Links

National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA)
Resource for individuals with spinal cord injuries, offering information on current policy initiatives, adjusting to spinal cord injuries, links to state-specific resources and other information.

Spinal Cord Injury and Disease Resources
Gateway resource offering links to other sites with general information on spinal cord injuries, the latest research and treatment options, support and chat groups, reading lists, fact sheets and more.

Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center
Web site maintained by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation providing information on research initiatives, survivor stories, outreach opportunities and other tools for those living with or caring for a person with a spinal cord injury.

Craig Hospital
The Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado is renowned for its treatment and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. The web site has information on both types of injuries, current treatment options and the hospital's programs and services.

Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
The Miller Project is ran by the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami and is the world's largest spinal cord research center. The site provides information on the project's research.