Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries on the Rise in the United States: New York Personal Injury Lawyer Kenneth A. Wilhelm Comments
New York, N.Y (PRWEB) February 26, 2014 -- The number of spinal cord injuries are rising dramatically in the United States and they are particularly affecting the elderly, according to a new study released by Johns Hopkins. According to a news release issued by the Johns Hopkins University, falls and not car accidents, is the leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
For the purpose of their study, Johns Hopkins researchers analyzed a nationally representative sample of 43,137 adults treated in hospital emergency rooms for spinal cord injuries in United States between 2007 and 2009. They found that the incidence per million in those 65 and older increased from 79.4 in 2007 to 87.7 in 2009. Also, the report states that falls were the leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injury over the study period accounting for 41.5 percent. In addition, Johns Hopkins researchers estimate that from 2007 to 2009, emergency room charges alone for spinal cord injury patients added up to $1.6 billion.
"Spinal cord injuries can result in emotional and financial burdens not just for victims, but also their families," says New York personal injury lawyer Kenneth A. Wilhelm. "The cost of treating a traumatic spinal cord injury can add up to millions, if you take into account medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income and benefits."
Wilhelm says spinal cord injuries can be particularly devastating for the elderly. "They may be rendered immobile or disabled, which could affect their quality of life. A traumatic spinal cord injury can prove absolutely catastrophic for senior citizens."
Prevention is key when it comes to falls involving the elderly, Wilhelm says. Here are some of the tips he offers senior citizens to ensure that they stay healthy and prevent falls:
• Exercise regularly to increase strength, mobility, balance and flexibility.
• Make sure your vision is good. Get regular eye exams so you are able to maximize your vision.
• Go over your prescription medications with your doctor. Do not walk when you are drowsy. Know which medications can make you sleepy or drowsy.
• Maintain a safe environment. Get rid of clutter or debris in walkways or hallways.
• Make life easier and safer for yourself by installing grab bars in bathrooms where slip-and-fall accidents commonly occur.
About the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm
The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm is a personal injury litigation firm with an unwavering dedication to its clients. With more than 42 years of experience, our firm strives to obtain the best compensation for those who have been injured or those who have lost a loved one due to an accident or by someone else's negligence. We handle cases dealing with personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, train accidents, workers' compensation, dental malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rape, paralysis, comas, seizures, false arrest, lead poisoning, trips and slips and falls, falls on sidewalks or stairs, elevator accidents, construction accidents, Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy, brain damage, blindness, hearing loss, dog bite cases, fire and smoke inhalation accidents, bicycle accidents, falls from windows or scaffolds, food poisoning injuries, and many other types of accidents and injuries.
Please contact our New York personal injury attorneys TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys' fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm
445 Park Ave, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 545-7373
Please visit us at: http://www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Kenneth A. Wilhelm, The Law Offices Of Kenneth A. Wilhelm, http://www.work4youlaw.com, (212) 545-7373, [email protected]
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