Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Blog

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage sustained to the spinal cord that, as a result, leads to a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. A person can suffer from a broken back or neck without incurring a spinal cord injury if only the vertebrae (bone) around the spinal cord are damaged.

Such an injury is normally the result of a sudden, traumatic blow (such as a car accident) to the spine that contuses, compresses, or lacerates the spinal cord. The spinal cord, however, does not need to be severed for a loss of functioning to occur.

Spinal cord injuries fall under 2 categories:

• Complete: there is no function or sensation below the point of injury (paralysis)


• Incomplete: there is some functioning and sensation below the point of injury (recovery possible)

How can a spinal cord injury be sustained?

36% of spinal cord injuries are the consequence of a motor vehicle accident. There are a number of scenarios in which they can occur. Some examples are:

Rollover Accidents: When a vehicle is subjected to a severe roof crushing due to weakly constructed pillars, support structures and windshield headers occupants are at a much higher risk of sustaining a SCI. Our SUV rollover attorneys can better explain how the force of the rollover can result in a roof crush, which could cause permanent injury to passengers.

Malfunctioning Seatbelts: When functioning properly the seatbelt is without doubt the most important safety feature in a car. However, automatic seat belt systems and door-mounted seat belts can have safety problems that lead to malfunction and injury. If your seatbelt caused you injury, a seatbelt accident lawyer knows how to check if this was caused by a malfunction.

Tire Blowouts: Tire-shredding or blowouts can result in a loss of control of the vehicle, which can lead to serious accidents, including rollovers, and subsequent SCI.

Treatment and prognosis

The effects of a spinal cord injury can be emotionally and financially devastating for the victim and family. Depending on the severity of the injury some will allow for a complete recovery with physical therapy, skill-building activities, and counseling. However, some will end in the complete paralysis of the victim with no hope of rehabilitation. People who survive a SCI are also prone to secondary medical problems such as chronic bladder and lung infections, bowel discomfort, with an increased risk of respiratory and heart problems.

Continue reading "Spinal Cord Injuries caused by SUV rollovers and other crashworthy issues" »

The Chrysler Group LLC has agreed to accept product liability claims on vehicles manufactured before June 10, 2009. As part of the bankruptcy deal struck with congress Chrysler Group did not have to accept liability for cars manufactured before the bankruptcy deal was approved.

Stewart Eisenberg previously appeared on 6 ABC to discuss the ramifications the deal would have on injured consumers. That deal has changed and injured consumers will once again be able to fight the automaker for the compensation they deserve. If you believe you or a loved one has been harmed as a direct result of an auto defect in a vehicle please do not hesitate to contact our experienced crashworthiness attorneys to discuss your potential case.

Chrysler's Press Release:

Auburn Hills, Mich. - In a letter sent today to Members of Congress, Chrysler Group LLC announced that the company will accept product liability claims on vehicles manufactured by Chrysler LLC (now OldCarco LLC) before June 10, 2009, and involved in accidents on or after that date. On June 10, 2009, Chrysler Group purchased substantially all of the assets of Old Carco.

"We want our customers to feel comfortable and confident buying, driving and enjoying one of our vehicles," Bozzella said. "Chrysler Group vehicles meet or exceed all applicable federal safety standards and have excellent safety records."