Spinal cord injuries are complicated to treat. Once the spinal cord becomes bruised, torn, or otherwise injured, the body typically cannot repair the damaged cells. Once the damage has occurred, patients can work toward developing more motor skills, but they may never regain their body’s full function below the spinal cord injury site. Researchers have tried to reconnect the severed neural connections below and above the spinal cord injury for decades.
Recently, scientists have been able to spur neuron growth in mice with chronic spinal cord injuries. The new study found that when scientists activate the CREB-binding protein (CBP) and another protein called p300 can promote the regeneration of axons at the lesion site. They found that regeneration can occur even when the mice were treated long after the initial spinal cord injury.
Unfortunately, the student did not find that the effects led to mobility improvements for the mice. Nonetheless, the study did lead to a significant increase in excitatory synapse plasticity. The results of this study do provide hope for patients with long-term spinal cord injuries who are at the chronic stage of the disease.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can happen because of traumatic and non-traumatic events. Traumatic events stem from external forces, such as a hit or a blow to the spine. A non-traumatic force occurs internally, such as an infection or disease that leads to spinal cord damage. Any amount of damage to a person’s spinal cord can cause severe and permanent personal injuries. Determining the cause of your spinal cord injury can help you identify whether another person is financially liable for your economic and non-economic damages.
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Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are among the most common causes of spinal cord injuries. In a motor vehicle accident, the force on a person’s body can lead to their spine fracturing or severing. Seat belt functions can also cause spinal cord injuries. In addition to the force of the accident causing spinal cord injuries, they can also be caused by debris during the accident.
Sports and Recreation Accidents
A violent impact during a contact sport such as boxing, football, or wrestling can cause a fracture to the player’s back or neck. Diving accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries. When a recreational or sports accident is caused by someone’s negligence, such as a sports program’s failure to give athletes proper safety equipment, victims may be able to recover compensation.
Intentional Acts of Violence
Intentional violence, such as knife wounds or gunshots, can also tear or puncture the spinal cord, leading to lifelong injuries. In addition to prosecuting the criminal for assault, victims can pursue financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Bad Slip and Falls
Bad slip and fall accident scan results in spinal cord injuries. For example, Falls from roofs, escalators, ladders, and scaffolding can all cause injuries. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their properties reasonably safe. Additionally, construction employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment and the necessary safety equipment to prevent slip and fall accidents.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice involving a negligent surgeon severing a person’s nerve can cause spinal cord injuries. In these cases, the patient may be able to prove that the doctor’s medical malpractice caused their spinal cord injury and recover compensation from the doctor, hospital, or both.
Can I Recover Compensation For My Spinal Cord Injury?
If another party’s negligence or intentional behavior caused the accident that resulted in your spinal cord injury, you might be able to recover compensation for your injuries. If you are not sure whether you are entitled to compensation, you can best reach out to an experienced attorney. You only have a limited amount of time to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the sooner your attorney can be in gathering evidence.
Contact an Alabama Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Spinal cord injuries can result in millions of dollars in medical expenses. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the more time your attorney will have to investigate your case. Contact Heninger Garrison Davis today to schedule your initial consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
