A recent plane crash shocked millions of people, including New Haven, Connecticut, residents. According to sources, the aviation accident led to two fatalities and imposed injuries on nearly 200 passengers. Unfortunately, one doctor who examined most of the passengers discovered that some of the victims sustained spinal cord injuries.

Connecticut, readers who have seen the photos showing the aftermath of the jet crash, may be shocked by the fact that 305 of the 307 passengers of Asiana Flight 214 survived the accident. However, a strange pattern of spinal cord injuries has been noted among some of the victims. A neurosurgeon stated that some passengers sustained mild spine trauma, while others underwent spinal surgery to allow them to be mobile again.

Two passengers are incapable of moving their legs, but it is not yet known if the damage to their spine is permanent. The worst injuries included crushed vertebras and stretched ligaments, disabling the neck and back joints. The injuries sustained by the victims show how they were roughly shaken during the impact of the crash, yet the doctor from California pointed out that the seatbelts helped them survive.

A spinal cord injury is one of the worst injuries that a person can sustain. Considering that the spinal cord helps the brain send nerve impulses to the different parts of the body, spinal damage can alter a person’s life and everyday activities. The spinal cord may result in permanent disability, paralysis and other complications. It can be emotionally and financially damaging to the victims and their families because of long-term care and other expenses.

However, a spinal cord injury, as a result of an accident, may be compensated, especially if the victims believe that negligence contributed to the incident. Whether the person sustained the injury in a workplace accident, vehicular collision or assault; proving the negligence of the other party involved may entitle the accident victim to receive compensation. If negligence can be proven, compensation may include the victim’s hospitalization, rehabilitation and emotional distress.

Source: Connecticut Post, “Unusual pattern of spine injuries from jet crash,” Lauran Neergaard, July 8, 2013