Mayo Clinic researchers have used electrical stimulation on the spinal cord of a paralyzed patient and combined it with physical therapy resulting in the man intentionally moving his paralyzed legs. The man reportedly stood up and made step-like motions for the first time in three years. According to a report in Science Daily, this groundbreaking discovery has shown that electrical stimulation technology combined with rehabilitative treatment may help patients with spinal cord injuries regain control over previously paralyzed movements.

Researchers say they may be able to take steps, stand up and even regain balance control with such therapy. The patient who participated in this study was a 26-year-old man who had injured his spinal cord at the sixth thoracic vertebrae in the middle of his back. He was diagnosed with a motor complete spinal cord injury, which means he could not move or feel anything below the middle of his torso.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Here are some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents:

  • Auto accidents: Auto accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord trauma. Whether it’s a car accident where an occupant is thrown around the vehicle or ejected from a vehicle or a motorcycle accident where the rider injured his back after falling off the motorcycle and onto the hard pavement, spinal cord injuries are a common occurrence in such traumatic events. A majority of car accidents are caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of motorists.
  • Slip-and-fall accidents: Falls from a height or slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents could result in significant damage to the spinal cord. This could occur on the job or even when you go out to eat at a restaurant or fall off the stairs or an escalator in a mall. Such accidents are commonly caused by property owners’ negligence.
  • Acts of violence: A number of people suffer spinal cord trauma because of acts of violence. Gunshot wounds, attacks with knives,  and other forms of assault cause 15 percent of all spinal cord injuries, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Compensation for Victims

The value of your spinal cord injury case will often depend on the nature and extent of your injuries and damages. For example, if you have suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury that led to complete paralysis, quadriplegia or paraplegia, you may be eligible to receive significant compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, loss of livelihood, permanent injuries, disabilities, loss of life’s enjoyment, loss of consortium, and other damages.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you need an experienced Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer on your side who will fight for your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses. At the Demas Law Group P.C., we serve as vocal advocates for our severely injured clients and strive to help them get justice and fair compensation. Call us at (916) 444-0100 to schedule your no-cost consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.