If you suffer a spinal cord injury, it can have serious repercussions on your physical and mental health, as well as your finances. If you have sustained a spinal cord injury that occurred because of someone else’s negligence, a compassionate personal injury attorney can help you determine your options for holding that person responsible for your damages.

Symptoms of a Spine Injury

An Injury to the spinal cord or the surrounding nerves most often occurs when trauma fractures the bones in the spine (i.e., the vertebrae) and exposes the nerves. The symptoms of the injury depend on the severity of the damage. A victim may experience pinched nerves, herniated discs, or bruising to the ligaments in the back. These conditions can lead to a great deal of pain and discomfort, and in serious cases, a victim may experience partial or complete paralysis of certain parts of the body.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

According to the World Health Organization, about 90 percent of all spinal injuries are caused by trauma such as a car accident or an act of violence. Approximately 500,000 individuals sustain spinal cord injuries each year, and in the United States, most cases occur as a result of motor vehicle collisions. Depending on the severity of the accident, spine injuries can sometimes occur alongside other injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, which may complicate medical treatments and generate more medical expenses. 

Millions of fans nationwide attend sporting events with the hopes of having a good time, creating memories, and the possibility of going home with a souvenir. A well-known tradition at any event is having the chance to take home a part of the game. At baseball games, foul balls, home runs, and other memorabilia can add an extra incentive for fans to attend the game in person; being shown catching a ball on TV or the jumbotron could be a life-changing experience for an enthusiastic fan. Furthermore, obtaining a piece of history could result in substantial financial gains. Unfortunately, the same events that can be so exciting could also lead to a personal injury, and a dedicated fan may be unsure of how to proceed if they are hurt while at this type of event.

How Injuries Can Occur

Depending on what type of game a fan is attending, different types of injuries could be sustained. One surprisingly common type of injury occurs when a person is struck by a foul ball at a baseball game. Baseballs can be hit with velocities upwards of 100 miles per hour, and with little to no reaction time, fans may be in serious danger from these projectiles. Some MLB teams have extended the protective netting in their stadiums to address the likelihood of a fan being hit by a foul ball. However, even with these nets in place, people in the stands are at risk of being injured by a ball or pieces of a broken bat.

There are a wide range of other potential Incidents that could occur when attending a sporting event. At hockey games, fans may be injured from players crashing into the glass which separates the spectators from the ice. NASCAR fans may be injured by debris from crashes that take place during a race. Fights and riots can take place due to passions running high, the consumption of alcohol, or other factors leading to aggression. Additionally, items thrown into the stands, such as t-shirts, could lead to fans being trampled or otherwise injured when trying to catch them.

Updating statuses, posting pictures, and checking into locations online has become a focal point for people of all ages who love to share their experiences with friends, family members, or others in their social circle. For many people, constant connections with hundreds, if not thousands, of friends and followers is part of their daily lives. While having the ability to upload information almost instantly can seem like a great thing, many individuals do not consider the ramifications that could result. Sharing information on topics such as personal injuries could drastically harm any ongoing or upcoming lawsuits. In an era of technology and communication, sometimes it is best to remain quiet.     

Avoid Posting Anything After the Incident

When a person suffers an extensive injury or is involved in a serious car accident, not being able to share information about the event with others may seem difficult. However, when a post is made available online or a picture is uploaded, this could have significant negative effects on a legal case.

Helpful Tips for Social Media

Social media has become a source for instant gratification, and users will commonly share their thoughts or feelings “in the moment” without considering the potential effects of these posts. Sending a tweet or posting a comment has become a reflexive impulse for many individuals today. Some general practices to consider when using social media while in the midst of a personal injury claim include:

More and more people today are using bicycles as a mode of transportation, especially when traveling to work. This is a great form of exercise in addition to being a more economical way to reach your destination. Plus, since bicycles do not use gasoline like cars, they do not pollute the environment. Some cities across the United States have even taken steps to encourage bicycle use by designating “bike to work” months.

Bicycles are considered the same as other vehicles on Wisconsin roadways from a legal standpoint, so cyclists are required to follow all traffic laws, and other drivers should take care to share the road safely with them. As a bicyclist in Wisconsin, you may run the risk of being hit by a reckless driver or another bicyclist and therefore suffer a personal injury.

A recent transportation trend has seen people of all ages begin to use electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, to travel in cities throughout the United States. An e-scooter is a powered stand-up scooter which uses a small electric motor. This mode of transportation is especially popular in warm weather or mild climates. Electric or motorized scooters are a more efficient way to get around compared to walking. In addition, they can be a great way to see a city if you are a tourist. However, as with any motorized device, people face the risks of serious accidents and injuries that can occur while operating them.  

Injuries While Riding E-Scooters

Riders should pay attention to the terrain where they are riding an electric scooter. If a person accidentally hits a crack in a sidewalk or uneven pavement at any speed, they may lose control and fall, which could result in broken bones, lacerations, concussions, punctured lungs, and more. If the hazards in the roadway are due to maintenance issues by a negligent property owner, victims might be able to pursue compensation for any injuries sustained while operating the scooter.   

If the e-scooter is found to have defective parts that caused an accident, the manufacturer could be liable. Recently, an electric scooter manufacturer announced that a defect in their scooters could cause batteries to smolder or even catch fire, leading to serious burn injuries. The company also urged riders to be extra cautious because of a technical problem that could cause “sudden excessive braking” during rides, which may result in a rider flipping over the handlebars. In these cases, victims could sustain bone fractures or traumatic brain injuries.