People generally associate spinal cord injuries with extreme physical trauma. A fall from a significant elevation or a high-speed car crash could potentially cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. People hurt in such incidents often recognize that they have the right to pursue compensation either by filing an insurance claim or pursuing a civil lawsuit.
There are other, less common potential causes of spinal cord injuries that people may find surprising. The five types of incidents briefly outlined below could all lead to complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries and a host of challenging medical complications.
1. Major infections
Some infections can damage the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis, for example, causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, severe infections can cause permanent spinal cord damage and lasting medical challenges.
2. Violent altercations
Sometimes, an altercation with another person could lead to a spinal cord injury. A blow to the face or head could cause violent motions that pinch or tear the spinal cord. Particularly in scenarios where the person struck has pre-existing medical conditions, such as spinal stenosis, arthritis or osteoporosis, a blow to the head could be enough to cause permanent spinal cord damage.
3. Same-level falls
If people only fall to the ground on the same level, they may not anticipate developing severe injuries. It is possible to sustain a spinal cord injury in a same-level fall. Factors such as low bone density or violent twisting motion during the fall could increase the risk of a spinal cord injury.
4. Surgical errors
Surgeries are invasive medical procedures, and things can go wrong with little warning. Especially in scenarios where doctors operate on the spinal column, errors and complications that lead to spinal cord injuries are possible. Cutting the wrong location or putting pressure on the spinal cord could cause permanent damage.
5. Unmarked shallow pools
Some pools look much larger and deeper than they actually are. Factors including the chemicals used in the water or the color of tiles lining the pool could give people an inaccurate impression of water depth. Especially when there are no signs warning people that the pool is relatively shallow, they could dive into the water, resulting in permanent injuries.
In scenarios where illegal or negligent behavior has caused or contributed to the cause of a spinal cord injury, an injured person may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages can be helpful for those adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury accordingly.