Spinal cord injuries disable many victims in Philadelphia each year. Some of these victims can no longer earn a living wage to support themselves. It is in these situations that they may seek Social Security disability benefits.
There are a number of causes of spinal injuries in the country. For example, motor vehicle accidents are the main cause of injuries to the spinal cord. In fact, over 35 percent of injuries to the spinal cord annually are attributed to motor vehicle accidents.
Falls are another cause of spinal cord injuries. This is especially true if the victim is more than 65-years-old. Overall, 25 percent of spinal cord injuries are attributed to falls.
Moreover, gunshot wounds and knife wounds account for approximately 15 percent of spinal cord injuries each year. Sports injuries can also cause a spinal cord injury, such as one suffered from high-impact sports. Examples of high-impact sports include football.
Alcohol also plays a role in the prevalence of spinal cord injuries. It is estimated that 25 percent of spinal cord injuries involve alcohol. Finally, certain types of illnesses, such as osteoporosis and cancer, can lead to spinal cord injuries.
Any of these situations can be devastating for an individual. The medical recovery is only the tip of the iceberg. Many people who suffer from spinal cord injuries must relearn how to live just about every aspect of their lives, from getting out of bed, to feeding oneself and taking care of personal grooming. It is in these situations that Social Security disability benefits may be especially necessary. Nevertheless, applying for these benefits is not always straightforward. It may be helpful to retain a Social Security disability attorney for more advice on how to proceed
Source: MayoClinic.org, “Spinal cord injury,” accessed on June 22, 2015
