One of the most important parts of the human body is the spinal cord. The spinal cord protects nerves that run from the brain throughout the body and are a crucial element of a body’s mobility. Damage to the spinal cord can result in serious injuries which could result in long-term or life-long permanent disabilities.
Nerves are protected by vertebrae that run down the spine. When an injury occurs to the nerves, it may affect a victim’s mobility below the spot of the injury, rendering them without movement below that spot. When injury occurs in this form, it is called a complete injury. When limited mobility is still possible, it is called incomplete.
There are several common ways spinal injuries occur, including industrial accidents, sports injuries, motor vehicle crashes and slip and fall accidents. Illnesses such as polio and spina bifida can also cause a spinal cord injury. Additionally, other conditions such as arthritis may weaken the spine, leaving a victim at an increased risk of a spinal injury.
Spinal cord injuries are often very serious and could lead to long-term or even life-long conditions requiring significant therapy and rehabilitation. If the condition is severe enough that it is expected to last at least a year or end in death, you may be entitled to SSDI benefits for spinal cord injuries. The application process is not always easy, especially for someone already suffering from the debilitating injury. However, speaking with a local law firm familiar with Social Security disability to learn how to proceed can be helpful.
