Unfortunate Dive Results in Spinal Cord Injury

Reading the Atlanta Journal & Constitution this weekend, I came across an unfortunate story about a young man who suffered a Spinal Cord Injury as a result of diving into an unlit pool that he was unfamiliar with. As a personal injury attorney here in Atlanta, Georgia, I see tragedy every day, but it never fails to sadden me when I hear of someone having to deal with such a catastrophic injury and being confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.
Chase Jone’s dive resulted in 3 broken vertebrae in his neck. Directly after the accident he was paralyzed from the neck down. He has regained some very limited motion of his upper body.
“This is something I’m still coming to terms with in some way every day,” Jones says. “Once upon a time, I could wake up and be ready to go to work in 30 minutes. Now it easily takes an hour and a half.”
Chase also moved back in with his parents in their Carrollton home so that they could help take care of him, as he is no longer able to care for himself independently.
Now that hot weather is approaching, pools and lakes will be filled with swimmers everywhere. Chase Jones has one word of advice for all: don’t dive.
Bridget Metzger, who is the Director of Injury Prevention and Education at the Shepherd Center here in Atlanta, says “Diving-related accidents fly under the radar, but when they happen, they are so significant and catastrophic.” At the Shepherd Center, diving accidents represent the fourth most common cause of spinal cord injury.

The best strategy is not to dive at all. However, some people are inevitably still going to do it. Therefore, some words of wisdom for safe diving:

• If diving into a lake be aware of rocks that could be below the surface. Are you certain the water is deep enough? If not, check the area out beforehand to be certain.
• Don’t dive if you have been drinking alcohol, and don’t dive in murky water.
• Don’t dive into a pool you are not familiar with. You may be in the shallow area and not even realize it.
• The safest practice is to only dive off a diving board.
• And, if you see a No Diving sign – DON’T DIVE.

It’s an accident that can happen in a split second, yet it’s so avoidable if you just don’t dive.
Click here to read the full story.
People suffer spinal cord injuries not only from diving accidents, but also from car accidents, slip and falls, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, bicycle accidents, and the list goes on ad infinitum. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, call us for help. We will talk to you and review your case for free. The Tyrone Law Firm specializes in representing those who have suffered devastating injuries resulting from the negligence of another. Our personal injury firm here in Atlanta has a very successful record of trying such cases.
Nelson Tyrone handles Spinal Cord Injury, Brain Injury, and RSD/CRPS cases throughout the United States. He involves only the top medical, rehabilitation and life-care plan experts in the field. His results on behalf of clients include several of the largest settlements and verdicts on record
You can reach us at 404-377-0017 or via email at admin@tyronelaw.com. If we can’t help you, we will do our best to put you into the hands of lawyers who can