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Spinal Cord Injuries

It’s hard to give an approximate number of how many spinal cord injuries occur around the world; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 250,000 and 500,000 people per year suffer a spinal cord injury (SCI). The majority of spinal cord injuries are due to preventable causes such as car crashes, violence, or falls.

If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury caused by another person’s neglect or harmful actions, the spinal cord injury attorneys at Gemma Law can help.

We have years of experience helping injured people throughout Rhode Island recover money for their pain and suffering. Call Gemma Law at 401-467-2300 to speak to one of our injury attorneys, or contact us online.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can occur from disease and degeneration, such as cancer, but the most common cause of spinal cord injuries is trauma.

Up to 90 percent of spinal cord injury cases are traumatic. In traumatic cases, the vertebrae in your spine are fractured or dislocated. Pieces of vertebrae can press down on the nerves in the spinal cord or cut the cord tissue, causing permanent damage.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury, making up nearly 39 percent of cases since 2015. Falls make up around 32 percent, while acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds) make up 14 percent. Other causes include sports and recreation injuries, or medical and surgical reasons.

Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury causes paralysis below the level of the injury. An incomplete injury allows for some movement and sensation. In either case, a spinal cord injury is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. 

Medicines, health aids to stabilize the spine and surgery can help reduce the long-term effects of a spinal cord injury. Mobility aids, assistive devices, and rehabilitation therapy may be recommended later to help you get around.

Unfortunately, the risk of mortality increases the more serious or severe the injury is. If not treated immediately after the injury occurs, the risk of mortality can increase further.

People who suffer from spinal cord injuries are two to five times more likely to die prematurely than people who have not.

Risks and Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries

Serious secondary conditions can develop after spinal cord injuries. Deep vein thrombosis, osteoporosis, respiratory complications, and chronic pain can be debilitating and even life-threatening.

Mental health may be affected — up to 30 percent of people with spinal cord injuries show clinically significant depression symptoms, which can affect health and recovery.

The effects of a serious injury include, but are not limited to physical, emotional, and mental health. People who suffer spinal cord injuries may face social and economic consequences, as well.

Adults with spinal cord injuries may have trouble working and participating in society; the global unemployment rate for adults with SCI is more than 60 percent.

Similarly, children with spinal cord injuries are less likely than their peers to start school. Once enrolled, they’re less likely to advance. Basic mobility issues, depression, and chronic pain from the injury can negatively affect other areas in an injured person’s life.

Spinal Cord Injury Cases in Rhode Island

If your spinal cord injury is the result of a car accident, slip and fall, or a result of another person’s recklessness, you may be able to seek monetary compensation in a lawsuit.

A car accident attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit. Should you win your case, the driver responsible for causing the accident will pay for both your physical injuries and vehicle damage. Many cases settle out of court with insurance companies, but some cases do progress to trial.

Slip and fall accidents fall under a legal category known as premises liability law. If a property owner knew or should have known about dangerous conditions on their property, and they failed to do anything about it, they can be held liable for their negligence in a personal injury case.

Dangerous snow and ice, broken or uneven surfaces, poor lighting — all of these hazardous conditions can lead to a slip and fall, and in turn, a serious spinal cord injury.

In either type of lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Visits to your doctor, the hospital, or clinics
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost income if you’re unable to work now or in the future
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional anguish

Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Today

A spinal cord injury is a serious, life-changing event. Not only can it cause immediate bodily injuries, it can also take a toll on your mental and emotional health, finances, and quality of life.

Obtaining justice and monetary compensation can help you recover physically and begin moving forward again.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident or a slip and fall, and you’re suffering from a spinal cord injury, allow the spinal cord injury attorneys at Gemma Law to help.

Call our office in Providence at 401-467-2300 or fill out an online form. We’ve been helping clients in Rhode Island for nearly 50 years, and we’re ready to help you, too.

Stay up to date on the latest legal news and events relevant to Rhode Island. Follow Gemma Law on Twitter and Facebook.


Serving the Greater Providence metro area, including WarwickCranstonPawtucketNorth ProvidenceSouth KingstonCoventryCumberlandWoonsocket, and East Providence.

Gemma law is the best and helped and guided me threw everything … highly recommended thank you so much
ellen almgren
ellen almgren
2023-02-09
5 stars all the way. They did exactly what was expected. Good Job
Keith Ruggiero
Keith Ruggiero
2023-02-04
Very efficient and very good with communicating with me. I received updates about my case without having to call and request them. Very good law office! Very satisfied.
Bethania Herrera
Bethania Herrera
2023-01-19
Mark Gemma has been absolutely amazing. He was helpful and answered all concerns and questions I’ve had. Him and his team are beyond incredible, supportive, and sweet. I would like to thank them all for everything they’ve done.
Samantha Argus
Samantha Argus
2023-01-19
very professional and honest, what I liked the most is whenever you call the lawyer returns your call with every concern I had. It was my first time and I would not hesitate to trust them again.
Diana Palacio
Diana Palacio
2023-01-17
This team is extremely helpful and kind. Mark Gemma was a great help in guiding me through this whole process and was a huge help. I would recommend this team to anyone seeking legal counsel
Zachary Dustin
Zachary Dustin
2023-01-16
I am so happy with the turnout of my case. Both Sarah and Peter kept me up to date on everything and worked very hard on my case. The whole staff is friendly and diligent with their work. 100% recommend!
Chelsie Abatiello
Chelsie Abatiello
2022-12-28
Managed to get my money before Christmas...in just days after settling! Great communication and always helped with my needs, and always gave good advice. Would definitely recommend.
Trini Luckey
Trini Luckey
2022-12-23
Always professional and always checking in on their clients. Excellent atmosphere.
Susan Hallam
Susan Hallam
2022-12-17
After spending 8 hours in a hospital overnight to get stitches in my lip because of a drunk driver’s negligent decision to get behind the wheel, the last thing I wanted to do was think about it all. I sent an email to Gemma Law, and Mark Gemma quickly called me back with an empathetic approach to listening to my story and helping me figure out the next steps. When he told me I wouldn’t have to have any contact with the insurance companies, I was HOOKED! When he pointed out how unfortunate it was I might have to miss out on a lip modeling career from a potential scar from the stitches, I was SOLD! And when I finally received my settlement check after letting him do all the leg work while I just focused on recovering, I was and am eternally GRATEFUL! Mark Gemma helped me turn a near death experience into a new start in life and I highly recommend him to anybody needing a personal injury lawyer.
Angie Sherman
Angie Sherman
2022-12-07
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