A trip, slip and fall accident can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. And while most trips, slips and falls result in nothing more than dirt on your outfit and a moment of embarrassment, some can result in devastating injuries.
One of the most devastating injuries you can suffer following a slip-and-fall accident is an injury to the spine. Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering. If you trip, slip and fall while on another person’s property, you deserve justice.
How slips and falls lead to spinal cord injuries
Basically, injuries to the spine happen when the vertebrae, discs or ligaments surrounding the spinal cord are subjected to trauma following the fall. Depending on the location of impact, you are likely to suffer one of these spinal cord injuries:
Complete spinal cord injuries
These injuries lead to total loss of function (paralysis) below the point of injury. This is definitely the most devastating type of spinal cord injury you can suffer following a slip-and-fall accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may suffer paralysis of all limbs (quadriplegia) or paralysis on the lower half of your body (paraplegia).
Incomplete spinal cord injuries
These injuries are caused by mild trauma to the spine during a fall. Even after an injury, you may still have some sensation and movement below the injured spot. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may lose sensation and movement of limbs, a condition referred to as triplegia.
Protecting your rights after the slip-and-fall
If your slip-and-fall injury is attributable to someone else’s negligence, you may pursue the liable party for damages through a premises liability claim. Learning how West Virginia negligence laws work can help you pursue the damages you are entitled to following a slip-and-fall accident that was not your fault.