Spinal Cord Injury in Memphis: What We Know From the Data
As a Memphis spinal cord injury attorney, I know how catastrophic spinal cord accidents can be. It’s hard to understand how things like this even happen, let alone what we can do to stop it. Fortunately, we now have some excellent data about spinal cord injury in Memphis and around the country to help.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) has released some figures detailing how these injuries occur, who is most at risk, and how much the injuries impact our communities. Here are some of the interesting things we noticed from this data:
Which Demographics Are Most at Risk
Over the last few decades, there has been a shift in the average age at injury for spinal cord injuries. The number rose from 29 years old in the 1970s to 43 years since 2015.
The majority of new spinal cord injury (SCI) cases in recent years have affected males, with 78% of cases being male. This is due to a number of likely factors, including dangerous sports activity, higher rates of physically demanding work, and more.
In terms of ethnicity, non-Hispanic Black men have been disproportionately affected by SCI. Black Americans account for 25% of recent injuries, which is noticeably higher than their proportion in the general population (13%).
How Spinal Injury Impacts Employment
According to the NSCISC, the employment rate of individuals with SCI goes up over time. In the first year following injury, only 18% of SCI patients are employed. However, this number increases up to 31% after 30 years or more post-injury.
Without a doubt, SCIs make it very difficult to work or find gainful employment, especially early on. Hopefully with more technological advancements, we might make it easier to work, travel, and enjoy life even earlier after an accident.
The Causes of Injury
In the United States, vehicle crashes are the most recent leading cause of injury. Falls follow closely behind.
Acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds) and sports/recreation activities are also relatively common causes, at 15% and 8% respectively.
Medical malpractice and medical accidents round out the list.
The Lifetime Costs of Spinal Injury
The cost of spinal cord injury, whether in annual healthcare and living expenses or the estimated lifetime expenses, varies a lot from person to person. It depends on factors like education, neurological impairment, and pre-injury employment history.
So with that in mind, the NSCISC data doesn’t include indirect costs like lost wages and benefits. Those average around $82,329 per year in 2021 dollars.
That said, the lowest lifetime cost the NSCISC estimated was $1.2 million for someone with a lower-level injury later in life. For a younger person with a serious spinal injury, the costs go as high as $5.4 million.
No wonder it often takes the courts to decide who will pay for all of this.
Getting a Lawyer for Spinal Cord Injury in Memphis
If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury that wasn’t your fault, you’ve come to the right place.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the complex legal landscape of spinal cord injury cases.
With a deep understanding of the law, access to cutting-edge research and technology, and a commitment to providing you with the best possible outcome, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Our award-winning team will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you need for such a serious injury. From negotiating with insurance companies to advocating for your rights in court, we have the experience and expertise necessary to get you the results you need and deserve.
We will treat you and your family with compassion and respect, including always working with our clients’ physical abilities and limitations. And we don’t get paid a thing unless and until you do.
Don’t wait another day to take control of your future. Contact us today and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
Call me personally at 901-327-2100 or fill out the form below to have me contact you.