Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Workplace and Auto Accidents

Spinal cord injuries are very serious and can change a person’s life in an instant. Every year in the United States, about 18,000 people suffer a new spinal cord injury. Car crashes are the leading cause, making up about 38% of new cases, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. Workplace accidents are also a major cause.

In fact, injury data shows that a significant percentage of spinal cord injuries are work-related, often resulting from falls or other on-the-job accidents. If you were in a car accident or hurt at work and now feel pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness, you should seek medical care right away and contact a skilled Chattanooga spine injury lawyer as soon as possible.

How does the spinal cord work?

Your spinal cord is a group of nerves that runs from your brain down through your back. It sends messages between your brain and the rest of your body. It is one of the most important parts of your anatomy. If it is hurt, you may feel pain, weakness, numbness, or other problems in different parts of your body.

Your spine has three main sections. Your upper back and neck are called the cervical spine. Your middle back is called the thoracic spine. Your lower back is called the lumbar spine.

If one of the bones in your spine is severely damaged, it usually affects the parts of your body below that injury. When the injury is high up on the spine, especially in the neck area, it can be very serious. It may cause paralysis in all four limbs, called quadriplegia, and in some cases, it can even be fatal.

How do spinal cord injuries happen in workplace accidents?

Industrial job sites are places where workers often get hurt. Some workplace accidents that can cause spinal cord injuries include:

Slips-and-falls

One of the main causes of spinal cord injuries at work is slip and fall or trip and fall accidents. These accidents often happen when floors are wet, slippery, or uneven. They can also happen when tools, cords, or other objects stick out into walkways or block the path.

Poor lighting can make the risk even worse. If workers cannot clearly see the floor or other hazards, they are much more likely to fall. Not being able to see where you are walking can be very dangerous and can lead to serious injuries.

Climbing up high surfaces, such as using stairs or a ladder, can also put workers at risk of slipping, tripping, and falling.

Improper lifting and overexertion

Lifting and moving heavy objects can put a lot of pressure on your back. This can cause strain and injuries to your spine. Bending at the waist instead of bending your knees when lifting can make strain even worse and increase the risk of injury.

Unsecured objects

In many workplaces, items are stored on high shelves. If they are not properly secured, they can fall and hit workers or visitors below. This can cause serious head and spinal injuries. When something falls from a high place, it can hit with a lot of force and cause severe injuries right away.

Forklift accidents

Forklifts are useful machines that help move heavy items. But they can also be dangerous. A forklift can tip over or crash into something, especially if the driver cannot see clearly because the load is blocking their view. When this happens, workers can suffer serious injuries, including damage to the spinal cord.

Workspace designs

When tools and work areas are not set up properly, workers can hurt their backs over time. Doing the same movements again and again, sitting or standing in awkward positions, or using too much force can strain the spine. This can cause ongoing pain and long-term health problems.

Lack of awareness and safety training

Good safety training helps workers understand the dangers on the job. It also teaches them how to lift safely and follow other basic safety rules so they can do their work without getting hurt. Without proper training, workers may not recognize hazards, which can lead to injuries to themselves or even to guests in the workplace.

Failing to use PPE

Hard hats, safety harnesses, back braces, and other types of personal protective equipment are very important for keeping workers safe from spinal cord injuries on the job. When workers don’t have the right safety gear, they are more likely to get hurt in an accident that causes serious spinal cord injury.

What is the filing deadline for Tennessee personal injury cases?

In Tennessee, you usually have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, the one-year period begins on the date of the accident, although certain exceptions may apply under Tennessee’s discovery rule. If you do not file your case within that year, you may lose your right to recover money.

There are additional exceptions as well. For example, different rules can apply if the injured person is a minor or if the case involves medical malpractice. A knowledgeable Chattanooga spine injury lawyer can help you determine the correct statute of limitations as it applies to your case.

Note that workers’ compensation claims often have much shorter notice requirements than personal injury cases (you likely need to notify your employer within 15 days under Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-201). Never hesitate to reach out to a lawyer to discuss your claim and learn how to proceed.

What’s the difference between workers’ comp and a lawsuit?

Workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits are two different ways to deal with injuries. In most situations, Tennessee law requires injured workers to go through the workers’ compensation system instead of filing a regular lawsuit.

Workers’ comp is usually faster and does not require you to prove that your employer was at fault. It pays for medical treatment and part of your lost wages, but the benefits are limited.

A personal injury lawsuit is different. In that type of case, you must prove that someone else’s carelessness, or in rare cases, intentional actions, caused your injury. If you win, you may be able to recover money for pain and suffering, your full lost income, and other losses that workers’ compensation does not pay for.

The main difference is simple: workers’ comp is usually automatic, but the benefits are restricted. A lawsuit may allow you to recover more money, but in cases of workplace injuries, you must meet certain legal requirements. In most cases, you cannot sue your employer. If, however, someone other than your employer, such as another company or driver, caused your injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit against that third party.

Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers

A serious spinal cord injury can change your whole life, from your health to your ability to work and take care of your family. You shouldn’t have to deal with the stress and medical bills on your own.

Call Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers. If you have a spine injury in Chattanooga, you need to talk to an experienced Chattanooga spine injury lawyer who can explain your rights and help you figure out what to do next. Call us today or reach out online to schedule a legal consultation.