Spinal cord injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Auto accidents, sports injuries, falls and assaults such as gunshot wounds or stabbings can damage spinal cord cells or sever vital spinal cord nerves that allow the brain to function properly. The result is complete or partial paralysis.
The location of the injury on the spinal cord determines what parts of the body will be affected. For example, if an injury occurs in the lumbar or thoracic region of the spine, the person may suffer paraplegia.
Paraplegic patients lose partial or complete sensation and movement in their legs.
The
Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario lists a number of statistics regarding spinal cord injuries, including:
• Paralysis or permanent mobility impairment affects 600,000 people in Ontario
• After a person suffers a spinal cord injury, it takes an average of 2-3 years to become sufficiently independent
• Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for 55% of spinal cord injuries
• The unemployment rate for spinal cord injury victims is 62%
People with paraplegia, or anyone with a disability, have certain rights for equal protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Likewise, it is unlawful for paraplegics to be discriminated against as a result of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Paraplegia is a life-altering condition, but it does not have to end your life. If your paraplegia was caused by the negligence of another party, or if you have faced discrimination due to your condition,
contact the spinal cord injury attorneys at Findlay Law Offices in Ontario today to learn more about your rights.
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