How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Affect Children?

Spinal cord injuries are one of the worst types of bodily injuries a person can experience. As one of the most delicate parts of the body, damage to the spinal cord can lead to a variety of debilitating conditions that can alter how a person is able to live their life and perform daily functions. For a child, such an injury can be especially impactful. Children’s bodies are not fully developed so they are much more prone to sustaining spinal cord damage. If your child has suffered a traumatic injury due to a person’s negligence that has resulted in a serious spinal cord injury, a respected and highly skilled personal injury attorney such as one from David & Philpot, P.L. can assist you with urgent legal support.  

What are the Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Many types of incidents can lead to a spinal cord injury occurring. Children who are 18 years old and under are vulnerable to these injuries because of the fragility of their bodies. Some of the most common incidents include:

  • Car accidents. Children involved in car accidents often suffer from spinal cord injuries. 
  • Bicycle accidents. Drivers may not see children riding on bicycles due to their smaller size and accidentally hit them. 
  • Pedestrian accidents. Children are often hit by vehicles while playing in the street or neighborhood park. 
  • Amusement park accidents. Though rare, children can suffer accidents while on a ride at an amusement park. 
  • Sports accidents. Many children engage in school or recreational sports such as football and gymnastics, which puts them at risk of spinal cord injuries. 

Many spinal cord injuries that children experience are neck injuries. This is mainly due to distinct anatomical differences (children have a larger head size compared to their body). 

Common Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries

Common symptoms that children experience because of spinal cord injuries can vary depending on the degree of injury. These symptoms can include: 

  • Chronic nerve or muscle pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle spasms
  • Bouts of pneumonia
  • Increased infections
  • Trouble breathing
  • Trouble with bowel movements or bladder function

If you have a child who has suffered a spinal cord injury because of the negligent actions of another individual, you have the legal right to file a claim and take action. A seasoned personal injury lawyer will pursue the responsible person aggressively so that you can recover compensation for the costs and expenses of your child’s care and treatment. Contact a lawyer today to get started.