Many spinal cord injury patients in Homestead and other Florida cities never expect to suffer a devastating injury. Yet, they find their lives forever changed because of a slip and fall accident or car collision in Homestead or their community. Even if you think it cannot happen to you, keep in mind that there are many reasons why you need to be aware of the risks:
•The rate of spinal cord injuries is on the rise, according to new research from Johns Hopkins.
•We may not be aware of what actually causes spinal cord injuries. Many people assume that motorcycle accidents in Homestead and other traffic accidents are the leading cause and while that used to be true, falls affecting the elderly now lead to most spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are also caused by workplace injuries, violence, sports injuries, and child injuries in Homestead and other communities.
•The costs of spinal cord injuries are on the rise. The costs of medical care are growing rapidly and unfortunately some patients who have suffered a catastrophic injury find themselves involved in an insurance dispute in Homestead or their community because insurance companies are very conservative when it comes to paying out large claims. Unexpected medical expenses are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the U.S., in part because of the high cost of treatment.
So what can you do to prevent spinal cord injuries? According to experts, there are several things you can do:
1) Lower your risk of a car accident. Drive a safe car and have it maintained regularly to ensure that it remains safe. If you have had near-misses or fender benders, consider getting additional training with a professional driving instructor to boost your knowledge of defensive driving techniques that could save your life. While falls have overtaken car accidents as the leading cause of spinal cord injury, traffic collisions in Homestead and other cities still lead to devastating injuries each year – including back injuries.
2) Protect elderly loved ones from falls. According to the latest Johns Hopkins research, falls among the elderly are now the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, for the elderly, these types of injuries can prove fatal. If you have an elderly family member, ensure that their home is safe, with no-slip treads on any hard surface floors and garb bars in the bathroom. If your loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, ask about the policies in place to prevent falls.
3) Reduce your own risk of falls. Even if you are a younger adult, slip and fall accidents can still occur. Work to keep your home and workplace free of debris, obstructions, and spills. Take good care of your health and use reasonable precaution to stay safe.
4) Take proper safety precautions when at work or play. If you work in construction or any industry where falls are a concern, be sure to use harnesses or the other safety devices to stay safe. When engaging in any sports, be sure to wear a helmet and other safety gear needed to prevent sports injuries while on your Homestead field. Keep in mind that swimming accidents are also a common cause of spinal cord and head injuries. Before diving into any body of water, make sure that the water is deep enough.
Have you suffered a spinal cord injury? The expenses from this type of accident can be devastating, so it’s important to get legal advice about any compensation you may be entitled to. Flaxman Law Group is a full-service law firm and our attorneys can meet with you to review your options. Your first consultation with us is free of charge.