SCI in the United States
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. According to data collected by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCSC), there are approximately 249,000 to 363,000 Americans currently living with SCI-related injuries and disabilities, and about 17,320 new cases reported each year.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) claims that most spinal cord injuries can be linked to:
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Acts of intentional violence
- Medical malpractice incidents
- Sporting accidents
Sadly, the average life expectancy for a person with a spinal cord injury has not changed or improved since the 1980s. In America, an individual’s survival rate tends to range between 1.5 to 50 years, depending on their age, injury type, and if the accident resulted in cognitive/neurological impairments.
September is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
Everyone knows that a spinal cord injury can affect a person’s career, social life, and standard of living. However, many people don’t realize just how common spinal cord injuries are, let alone the struggles and triumphs a survivor can experience.
For this reason, Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida drafted and introduced U.S. Senate Resolution 533 to the United States Senate in 2014. The Senators, unanimously and without hesitation, passed this Resolution and agreed to designate September as National Spinal Cord Awareness Month.
Per U.S. Senate Resolution 533, the purpose of National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month is as follows:
- Recognize and support research that aims to develop better treatments and therapies for people living with paralysis and other spinal cord-related injuries.
- Support and fund clinical trials that could result in a cure for paralysis.
- Commend the efforts of researchers, doctors, and organizations who are working to improve the lives of spinal cord injury survivors.
This year, many awareness organizations, including The Miami Project and the Triumph Foundation, are participating in National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month to educate the greater public, end pervasive and damaging stereotypes, and inspire survivors of all ages to live their best and happiest lives.
Are you interested in supporting or participating in National Spinal Cord Awareness Month? You can take part in the following ways:
- Share inspiring stories and/or personal experiences.
- Spread awareness through your social media accounts (#morethanmychair).
- Learn more about paralysis and spinal cord injuries.
- Donate to a relevant organization or start a fundraiser.
- Share educational videos about recent advancements in spinal cord therapies.
How Is The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC Participating?
Over the years, the personal injury attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC have helped many accident survivors pursue justice and damages through civil litigation. We are passionate supporters of National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month because we are familiar with the legal, financial, and medical hardships that a spinal cord injury survivor is likely to face in the years following an accident.
We plan to do our part by posting interesting and informative blog posts about spinal cord injuries throughout the month of September. Please check our blog on the following days to learn more about spinal cord injuries and the civil procedures an accident survivor may experience in the immediate aftermath of an accident:
- Understanding the 5 Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries (9/19/2019)
- FAQ: Spinal Cord Injuries (9/18/2019)
- The Hidden Costs of Living with a Spinal Cord Injury (9/30/2019)
If you require legal representation after an accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC by calling (512)271-5112.
