Teen Suffers Spinal Cord Injury in Trampoline Accident

Most people use Thanksgiving break to spend time with family and come back to school or work refreshed. Unfortunately, a visit to a trampoline park over Thanksgiving break left a Tennessee teen paralyzed and possibly unable to walk again.

The 16-year-old girl from Sumner County suffered life-altering injuries at a local trampoline park on November 24 and is now paralyzed from the chest down after the accident.

The teen was enjoying an outing with her siblings at a trampoline facility when she attempted a backflip. She landed on her head in a foam pit and broke her neck. Doctors performed surgery that included removing her C5 vertebra. Medical staff have stated they are unsure whether she will ever walk again.

The teen has a history of challenges with language, cognitive skills, and academics, which make recovery and communication more complicated. Her family is seeking placement at a specialized spinal rehabilitation facility in Atlanta. If accepted, one parent would relocate temporarily to be with her, while the other stays home to care for other children and a grandchild.

A GoFundme account has been set up to help the family. The goal is to raise $75,000. As of December 12, more than $68,000 has been raised. The money will be used to support medical and related expenses, including specialized care, travel, and future needs. The family has asked for continued prayers and support as they navigate this difficult time.

Can a Person Walk Again After a Spinal Cord Injury?

A person can sometimes walk again after a spinal cord injury, but it depends heavily on various factors:

• Incomplete vs. complete injury. An incomplete injury means the spinal cord is damaged but not fully severed. This group has the best chance of regaining some walking ability, especially with intensive rehab, physical therapy, and assistive technology. With a complete injury, no signals pass below the injury site. Walking recovery is far less likely, though rare exceptions occur.
• Cervical (neck) injuries often affect all four limbs and have the lowest walking-recovery rate. Thoracic injuries may allow for walking with braces or devices if incomplete. Lumbar/sacral injuries have the highest chance of functional walking recovery.
• Most recovery happens in the first 6 to 12 months, but people can continue improving for years with therapy.
• Recovery depends on:
  • Intensive physical therapy.
  • Electrical stimulation.
  • Gait training.
  • Assistive devices.
  • Strengthening preserved neural pathways.

Contact Us Today

Spinal cord injuries can happen in various ways. Sometimes they are due to the victim’s own negligence, but in some cases, a third party may be to blame.

A Mt. Juliet spinal cord injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can help determine liability. We will consider all the economic and non-economic damages to which you are entitled. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (615) 622-6060 or filling out the online form.

Source:

wgnsradio.com/article/96479/16-year-old-maggie-isble-faces-life-altering-injuries-after-thanksgiving-trampoline-accident