September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: Advocating for Safety and Support
September is Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month, a time to highlight the challenges faced by individuals living with SCI and to promote education about injury prevention, treatment, and the resources available to improve quality of life. The Corson & Johnson Law Firm is committed to supporting spinal cord injury survivors by advocating for their rights and helping them receive the compensation and care they deserve when their injuries are caused by wrongful conduct or defective products.
The Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), about 18,000 people suffer a new spinal cord injury in the United States each year. Motor vehicle collisions, falls, and acts of violence are the three leading causes. These injuries can result in permanent physical impairments, including loss of motor function, sensation, and independence. For many, SCI is a life-changing event that not only affects physical health but also has profound emotional, financial, and social consequences.
The extent of damage from a spinal cord injury varies, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Injuries can result in paraplegia (generally, paralysis affecting the legs and lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis affecting all four limbs; also called tetraplegia). While medical advancements continue to improve treatments, there is currently no cure for SCI, making prevention critical.
Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries
Promoting awareness about common causes of spinal cord injuries, such as vehicle crashes, workplace accidents, and sports injuries, can help. Some practical safety measures include:
- Wearing seat belts, and encouraging others to do the same.
- Following traffic laws and driving defensively.
- Ensuring workplace safety, including through adherence to OSHA standards.
Educating the public about these precautions can decrease the likelihood of accidents that result in spinal cord injuries.
Legal Advocacy and Support
When spinal cord injuries result from the irresponsible conduct of others—whether from a car crash, defective products, or unsafe premises—survivors and their families can face overwhelming financial and emotional burdens. The attorneys at the Corson & Johnson Law Firm do personal injury law, and have helped spinal cord injury survivors for decades.
We fight to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable, and that injury survivors receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing rehabilitation and care.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
- Assistive care.
- Mental and emotional suffering.
- Loss of independence and loss of quality of life.
- Home modifications and specialized equipment.
In the courts, the voices of injury survivors are critical in enforcing safety rules that protect everyone in the community. By holding negligent corporations and people accountable, we not only seek justice for the people we represent, but also encourage safer practices to help prevent similar injuries from occurring to others.
Raising Awareness and Offering Support
During Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, individuals, advocacy groups, and professionals are encouraged to raise awareness about spinal cord injury prevention and the rights of those affected. Public education efforts include sharing personal stories, promoting safety measures, and advocating for more research funding to improve SCI treatment and rehabilitation options.
We recognize and respect the courage and resilience of spinal cord injury survivors and their families. We remain dedicated to providing legal support and compassionate guidance, helping to ensure that the people we represent have the resources needed to navigate the complex journey toward recovery and justice.
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by SCI survivors, as well as the responsibility we all share in fostering safer communities. Through prevention, education, or legal advocacy, together we can work toward reducing the number of spinal cord injuries and improving the lives of those affected.
Contact us today to learn more about how we may be able to support your legal needs after a catastrophic or serious injury.