Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries is important. No matter the severity, they are life-altering. For one, people affected by a spinal cord injury have cited a decline in their quality of life due to the physical limitations this injury has posed on their mobility. Those affected by a severed spine also reported that it negatively impacted their mental wellness overall. With these things in mind, precautions need to be taken by everyone to reduce their chances of getting a severed spine.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke claims that motorcycle and vehicle collisions are the leading causes of Spinal Cord Injury. Catastrophic falls have also been cited as a leading cause of SCI. These types of falls usually happen in ill-managed apartment complexes, office spaces, restaurants, etc. Whether or not you are on the road, or inside unkempt locations, there is a definite possibility that you could severely injure your spine.
By the end of this blog, readers will be given some actionable advice on how to prevent —or at the very least reduce their chances of — getting injured in the spine. First, the definition of Spinal Cord Injury will be unearthed to the readers. Afterwards, they will learn some practical advice on increasing road safety and preventing falls.
Spinal Cord Injury Definition
Spinal Cord Injuries, depending on how severe, can be classified into two: complete and incomplete. A complete transection of the spinal cord could render someone paralyzed. Incomplete SCIs, on the other hand decreases sensitivity and reduces muscle control as the slight transection of the spine hinders or slows down communication from the brain and body.
One is clearly worse than the other, but the newly-imposed limitations on one’s physical mobility nevertheless alter different facets of their lives negatively. It affects their mood and the way they interact with the world around them. For this reason, it is in your best interest to watch out for any blips on the road as well as in places of business.
Preventing Spinal Cord Injuries
Navigating Roadway Safety
Since car collisions are the leading causes of Spinal Cord Injury, road safety must be heeded by everyone. Pedestrians, the most vulnerable groups on the road, must do everything in their power to protect themselves from cars. After all, they don’t have heavy metal protecting them in the event of a car accident. But the onus of responsibility really falls on the drivers as they are the ones driving thousands of pounds of heavy metal. Drivers must continuously practice the tenets of safe driving, and reduce any distractions that may affect their driving performance. They need to put their phone on “Do Not Disturb” or “DND” to avoid texting and driving — arguably the most dangerous type of distraction.
Bicyclists on the road must practice road safety on the streets as well. Like pedestrians, they don’t have heavy metal surrounding them on the road, so they have to do their due diligence and be extremely cautious as they’re cruising alongside bigger vehicles. They need to wear their helmets as well as other gears to protect themselves from a possible accident.
Premise Liability
As a tenant, there are numerous ways you can do to reduce your chances of getting a spinal cord injury. As soon as you see an injury hazard, put in a maintenance request immediately. That way, your landlord can fix it as soon as they can. Here are some injury hazards to look out for in your apartment complex:
- Inadequate lighting
- Water on the floor
- Broken staircases
- Cracked walls
- Exposed wires
If your landlord refuses to attend to your maintenance request, at least there’s a written record of their negligence. You can use this as leverage for when you file a case against them. If you are climbing up and down the stairs, make sure that you’re also using handrails for added support. Be mindful of wet areas as well, as slip and falls are common causes of SCI.
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Unfortunately, not a lot of people are cognizant of injury prevention when they are on the road. Don’t be surprised if you come across aggressive drivers on your way to the destination. Any effort you make to be safe on the road does not completely eliminate the chances of acquiring a spine injury. It merely reduces it. Moreover, a lot of business owners and landlords are also just not that proactive in repairing their facilities. They are more worried about earning profit than maintaining the premises, no matter the dangerous conditions they breed for customers and tenants. If you so happen to have gotten injured in the spine, do not hesitate to call Omega Law Group.
The award-winning Spinal Cord Injury lawyers at Omega Law Group operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that their quality legal services will come at no upfront cost to you! Their team of empathetic and highly-skilled attorneys have acquired millions of dollars on behalf of their clients. Garnering accolades from industry experts like SuperLawyers.com, features from Los Angeles Business Journal and the Los Angeles Times, as well as the respect from their peers in the industry, Omega Law Group is the right firm if you want justice served.
Schedule a free consultation with our elite legal team now to learn more!
