Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Every year many people in Iowa, as well as thousands of people across the United States, sustain spinal cord injury. Did you know that there are approximately 11,000 to 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injury in our nation each year? Sadly, there are over 200,000 Americans living with a disability related to a spinal cord injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Research shows that spinal cord injury is caused by the following activities:

• 40% - car, motorcycle, truck crashes

• 28% - falls

• 15% - acts of violence

• 8% - sport injuries

• 9% - other

These approximate percentages prove that the main cause of spinal cord injury occurs from motor vehicle accidents in Iowa and throughout the nation. Falls account for the second highest cause of this injury, and studies indicate that falls are more frequent after the age of 65. Violence is the third cause of spinal cord injury, and typically includes knife or gunshot wounds. Sporting injuries and recreational activities account for the fourth highest cause of spinal cord injuries. Because all these injuries are caused from some sort of sudden blow to the back, neck, or spine, it is considered to be a traumatic spinal cord injury. 

Nontraumatic spinal cord injuries generally account for the "other" category. These injuries are typically brought about from diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, disk degeneration, infection, or inflammation of the spinal cord. 

Many victims of spinal cord injury live with some form of paralysis that affects their ability to perform routine activities. They will need ongoing medical care and assistance in order to live with their disability long-term. If you or someone you love has been injured and suffered spinal cord injury, contact the Iowa personal injury lawyers of Brady & O'Shea today at (319) 866-9277.