After spinal cord injury, CEO trains for bike race

Injuries happen daily in New Haven. From a mild bruise or bump to a sprained ankle, injuries are part of life. In contrast, sometimes injuries can become one’s life, especially with spinal cord injuries. Each year between four and five million people suffer from a spinal cord injury in America. Results can often lead to full body paralysis, eating food from a straw and many more life changing consequences. While the initial diagnosis may be discouraging, there is always hope. After being hit by a car on his bicycle, a paralyzed CEO is working towards a full recovery.

Hearing the words “never be able to walk again” is something nobody ever wants to hear. For one CEO, becoming paralyzed did not stop him from getting on the road to recovery. After a terrible accident in 2009, the CEO has worked extremely hard to one day ride his former bicycle again. Since 2009, he’s been able to regain 30 percent of his former strength and is now training for a bike race with a specialized three-wheeled bike. The CEO suffered a terrible spinal cord injury after a car veered into his lane while he was biking. He was thrown over his handlebars and was completely paralyzed as a result. While the road is long, he hopes to one day make a full recovery.

Nearly 42 percent of all spinal cord injuries are from a motor vehicle accident. Factors such as distracted driving, negligent drivers and failure to wear a seatbelt are all to blame for countless neck injuries. Oftentimes many of these injuries can be prevented. Anytime people are injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers, they may be compensated for their injuries.

High medical bills, long-term medical care and loss of wages have all cost many spinal cord victims dearly. New Haven residents injured by the negligence of another may find financial help to cover their damages. An attorney may provide help and guidance to anyone with a neck injury.

Source: YNN, “Paralyzed CEO Building Strength, Trains for Tour de Cure,” Sheba Clarke, May 12, 2013