Articles Posted in Personal Injury

In simple terms, the human spine consists of bones (vertebrae), the spinal cord, nerves, and intervertebral discs. The spinal cord is about 18 inches in length and extends from the base of the brain, surrounded by the vertebral bodies, down the middle of the back, to about the waist. The nerves branch out from the spinal cord to carry signals throughout the body.

Intervertebral discs, composed of a gel-like substance (nucleus pulposus) contained within an outer skin (anulus fibrosus), sit between the bony vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae and allow the spine to be flexible. The spinal cord runs parallel to the intervertebral discs within the spinal column.

Healthy intervertebral discs pose no threat to the spinal cord and nerve roots. However, trauma associated with accidents (slip & fall; motor vehicle crashes) may cause the nucleus pulposus to bulge or herniate (rupture). A bulge is when the nucleus pulposus becomes distorted but remains contained within the anulus fibrosis. A herniation is when the nucleus pulposus breaks through the anulus fibrosis.
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On February 10, 2010, the 3rd District Court of Appeal in MIami reversed a jury verdict rendered against the Archdiocese of Miami and Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School arising out of a catastrophic car crash in 2001. One of the plaintiffs in the case, Gabriel Maynoldi, sustained severe brain damage and is a quadraplegic. Gabriel needs around-the-clock medical care.

The accident happened after Gabriel and his best friend, both 17, left an end-of-the-year school party held in a private home where alcohol was being served. More than 100 fellow students attended the party. Both boys were drunk when they drove off in a motor vehicle and crashed. The other young boy was killed in the crash.

The plaintiffs, including Gabriel’s parents, argued that the Archdiocese and the high school should be held partly responsible for allegedly sanctioning and promoting the party. The jury agreed, and assessed damages against the Archdiocese totaling $12 million. The District Court disagreed, ruling that a school’s obligation to supervise students ends when a student leaves the school’s premises and is no longer involved in school-related activities.