Spinal cord injuries affect many people throughout the nation. In fact, according to one statistic, every 48 minutes someone is left paralyzed. These injuries occur in a variety of types of accidents including motor vehicle accidents and sports accidents. Because these injuries can strike someone down when he or she is in the prime of their life, it can be extremely difficult to come to terms with. It is that much harder when it occurs as a result of someone else’s negligent actions.
When negligence is to blame for a spinal injury it is possible that the injured person will file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible individual or entity. While a lawsuit will not undo the injury suffered in the accident it may make it easier to embrace one’s new way of life.
Of course the hope is that one day those who suffer from a spinal injury will be able to receive treatment to correct it. While this may still be a ways off, there is news to report on that front. The FDA recently approved a Phase 1 Human Clinical Trial testing cellular therapy. The world’s only test like this is using Schwann cells.
Since the month of September if National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, this is a good time to discuss the matter. The 1.25 million Americans living with the condition are likely closely following this test along with other studies. Because the outcome of them could once again dramatically change their lives, this is understandable.
Source: The Tribune-Review, “Hope for spinal cord injuries,” Sept. 11, 2014