Managing Partner
A spinal cord injury can instantly change the course of your life. Whether it affects your mobility, independence, or day-to-day comfort, the consequences can be long-lasting. Because the spinal cord sends signals between your brain and the rest of your body, any damage to it can cause serious physical limitations.
We’ve worked with many clients in California who suffered these injuries due to another party’s carelessness. In this post, we’ll look at the most common causes of spinal cord trauma and what you should know if you or a loved one is recovering from one.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Remain the Leading Cause
Collisions are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, more than 37% of new spinal cord injuries from 2015 to 2024 were caused by motor vehicle crashes.
Car accidents can produce sudden, violent movements or blunt trauma to the spine. Even with seat belts, airbags, and other safety features, drivers and passengers are still vulnerable to:
- Whiplash or impact-related fractures
- Spinal compression or dislocation
- Nerve damage from crushed vertebrae
Motorcycles, in particular, offer little protection during a crash. We’ve seen riders suffer serious spinal injuries after being thrown from their bikes or pinned under vehicles. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also at risk, especially in high-traffic areas where drivers aren’t paying attention.
Falls—Especially Dangerous for Older Adults
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a fall is the most common cause of spinal cord injuries for adults over age 65. Bones weaken with age, and something as simple as slipping in the bathroom or tripping over a curb can cause significant damage.
Falls often lead to:
- Vertebral fractures
- Herniated discs
- Nerve compression or bruising
These injuries also happen frequently at construction sites, in retail stores, and in apartment complexes. If someone falls due to a hazardous condition, like uneven pavement, poor lighting, or lack of safety rails, they may be entitled to compensation.
Alcohol as a Contributing Factor
According to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol is involved in roughly one out of every four spinal cord injury cases. That doesn’t always mean the injured person was drinking. In some cases, the at-fault driver or property owner was impaired.
Alcohol can contribute to:
- Poor decision-making during recreational activities
- Increased risk of falls
- Higher rates of drunk driving crashes
Even if alcohol is part of the equation, you may still have a valid claim. We can help you determine who was at fault and how alcohol factored into the accident.
Recreation-Related Accidents
Spinal injuries don’t only happen on the road or at work. They also occur during recreational activities, especially those involving physical impact or off-road vehicles.
Contact sports, such as football, rugby, diving, and wrestling, carry well-known risks. A direct hit to the head or neck can cause the spine to twist or compress, damaging the spinal cord. But we’re also seeing a rise in injuries related to ATVs and UTVs (utility terrain vehicles).
These vehicles are popular in many parts of California. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to:
- Rollovers on uneven terrain
- Ejection during high-speed turns
- Collisions with trees, rocks, or other vehicles
Often, injuries occur when the driver is inexperienced, not wearing a helmet, or riding on unsafe trails. Some accidents are due to mechanical failures or poorly maintained rental vehicles.
Work-Related Accidents
Workplace incidents also contribute to spinal cord injuries, particularly in industries that involve heavy lifting or working from heights. We’ve represented workers hurt on construction sites, in warehouses, and in delivery roles.
Common causes include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops
- Being struck by falling objects
- Improper lifting techniques
While workers’ compensation covers many of these cases, we can also explore whether third parties, such as contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers, played a role in your injury.
We’re Here to Help You Recover After a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering. They can affect your ability to work, care for yourself, or enjoy the activities you once loved. If someone else’s actions caused your injury, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone.
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we help injury victims across California hold the responsible parties accountable. We’ll work with you to seek full compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and long-term care needs. Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you take the next step toward recovery.