Each year, thousands of people across the country, including many in Mississippi, experience catastrophic spinal cord injuries. These are serious, debilitating and disabling injuries that can significantly alter a person’s life. It’s important to understand the statistics surrounding these injuries and how they can impact a person.
How many people suffer spinal cord injuries each year?
As of 2020, the United States population was estimated to be around 331 million people. Among the total U.S. population, there are around 54 cases of catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, for every 1 million people. This amounts to around 17,900 new cases of those injuries each year. It is also estimated that around 296,000 people are currently living with the effects of catastrophic injuries throughout the country.
Who is most affected by spinal cord injuries?
During the 1970s, the average age of individuals who suffered spinal cord injuries was 29 years old. That has changed since; in 2015, the average age of a person who suffers catastrophic injuries was 43 years old. Most people affected by these injuries are male. In 2015, 78% of people affected were male.
In recent years, statistics have shown that people who are most affected by spinal cord injuries are Black. Around 24% of the people who have suffered these injuries are Black and not of Hispanic descent.
What are the causes of spinal cord injuries?
The most common cause of catastrophic injuries is vehicle accidents. Falls are the second most common cause.
People who experience spinal cord injuries often have lengthy hospital stays. On average, those affected by those injuries stay in the hospital for treatment for around 11 days. They also require rehabilitation after being released and typically spend around 30 days doing rehab. These medical expenses can be costly, so those who were injured in car accidents may seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
