A spinal cord injury is the result of damaged cells or severed nerve tracts within the spinal cord and is usually caused by a traumatic event. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause, making up 44% of all spinal cord injuries. An individual with a spinal cord injury will most likely lose the ability to move or feel some portion of their body. Often these functions are regained within six months, but there is a chance that such an injury will result in long-term disability. If you suffer from a spinal cord injury, it is important to have someone with experience in serious injury cases represent your claim. For spinal cord injury attorneys in the Philadelphia area or in Southern New Jersey, contact Shaffer & Gaier today.