Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are some of the most life-changing injuries a person can face. Whether caused by a car crash, a fall, or a sports accident, these injuries often lead to long-term physical and emotional challenges. Every year in September, we recognize National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month to help raise awareness, share essential facts, and support those affected.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Here’s everything you should know about spinal cord injuries, from how they happen to what recovery might look like, and how Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help if the injury occurred in Tulsa or elsewhere in Oklahoma.
September has been officially recognized as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month since 2013. The goal is to highlight the impact of spinal cord injuries on individuals and families, encourage prevention strategies, and promote access to care and rehabilitation.
Since 2013, the U.S. Senate has officially marked September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month under Senate Resolution 533.
It’s also a time to advocate for research and policy changes that improve the lives of those living with SCI. This month serves as a reminder that even a split-second accident can change someone’s life forever.
Every year, thousands of people suffer spinal cord injuries in the United States. The numbers speak for themselves.
Approximately 18,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year in the U.S., with nearly 300,000 individuals currently living with some form of SCI.
The average age at the time of injury is around 42, and about 80% of all cases involve men. Car accidents are the most common cause, but there are many other ways an SCI can happen.
Here are some updated stats:
These injuries often lead to permanent changes in strength, sensation, and bodily function.
SCIs can happen in a variety of ways. Some are sudden and violent, like a crash or fall. Others are medical-related, such as errors during surgery.
Motor vehicle accidents account for about 38–39% of SCI cases; falls are next at roughly 31–32%, followed by violence, sports injuries, medical causes, and unspecified origins.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries:
Cause of SCI | % of Cases | Estimated New Cases/Year | Typical Lifetime Cost Range |
| Motor Vehicle Accidents | ~38% | ~7,000 | $1.5M–$4M |
| Falls | ~32% | ~5,500 | Similar |
| Violence | ~13–14% | ~2,300 | Varies |
| Sports-related | ~8% | ~1,400 | Varies |
| Surgical/Medical | ~4–5% | ~800–900 | Varies |
| Unspecified | ~4% | ~700 | — |
Spinal cord injuries fall into two main categories: complete and incomplete. A complete injury means all feeling and motor function is lost below the injury site. In an incomplete injury, the person retains some ability to move or feel, depending on the severity and location.
SCIs are further categorized by the area of the spine that is affected—cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral. These levels determine how much of the body is impacted.
Common symptoms to watch for after an accident include:
Not all symptoms appear right away. Swelling or internal bleeding around the spinal cord may delay the onset of signs.
It’s essential to seek medical care right after any serious accident, even if symptoms seem minor at first.
Living with a spinal cord injury means navigating significant changes. Many people face permanent disability, emotional stress, and financial challenges.
Lifetime costs for treating spinal cord injuries frequently reach into the millions—often $1 million to $4 million per individual, depending on injury severity.
The long-term outlook varies:
Recovery often involves surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, assistive devices, and home modifications. These expenses can continue for decades.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury—such as in a car accident, fall, or medical error—you may have a right to compensation.
A spinal cord injury lawyer in Tulsa can help you:
These cases are complex, and insurance companies often try to limit payouts. Having a lawyer ensures your future needs are taken into account, including rehab, lost wages, pain and suffering, and home care.
Signs include loss of movement, numbness, tingling, burning pain, and muscle spasms. You may also lose control over your bladder or bowels. Always seek emergency care, even if symptoms aren’t immediate.
A complete injury causes total loss of movement and sensation below the injury site. An incomplete injury means some function or feeling remains, depending on the severity and spinal level involved.
Compensation depends on the case but often covers medical bills, future care, lost income, pain, and emotional suffering. It can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
The sooner, the better. Early legal help allows for proper evidence collection, medical documentation, and protection of your rights.
Necessary evidence includes medical records, accident reports, witness accounts, expert opinions, and photos or video from the accident scene.
Yes. Future care costs are often part of the claim and may include therapy, equipment, in-home care, and necessary adjustments to your living environment.
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month is a reminder of how fragile life can be. A sudden accident can lead to a lifetime of change—not just physically but emotionally and financially. Understanding the symptoms, long-term effects, and legal rights is the first step toward taking control.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is here to help. We’ve handled severe injury cases across Tulsa and know what it takes to build a strong case for fair compensation.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
