An accident that results in paralysis is a life-changing event. Suddenly having a condition that limits your mobility can be frightening and confusing. Adapting is not easy. Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that involves a loss of function in the lower part of the body or legs due to a spinal injury. Paraplegia is sometimes referred to as being paralyzed from the waist down. Paraplegia can result from any type of accident that involves a severe injury to the spinal cord such as a car, SUV, minivan or truck accident, a construction accident, or a fall. If another person's negligence resulted in you becoming a paraplegic, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Bronx paraplegia lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates who will review you case and explain to you your legal options for filing a claim for compensation for your losses.
Common Causes of ParaplegiaParalysis is the loss or impairment of voluntary muscular power due to an injury to the spine. Common types of injuries or conditions that lead to paralysis include:
Sadly, in many cases the accident that resulted in paralysis was completely avoidable because it was due to another person's carelessness.
Symptoms of ParaplegiaThe most recognizable symptom of paraplegia is the inability to feel or move your legs and feet as well as a decreased muscle tone. However, there are other symptoms that indicate paraplegia. For example, a spinal cord injury can cause bladder and bowel dysfunction leading to incontinence. Chronic nerve pain is also a symptom of paraplegia because of the abnormal communication between the brain and the nerves that were damaged in the spinal injury.
Consequences of an Injury That Causes ParaplegiaThose who are paralyzed after a traumatic injury have to endure extended period of treatment and rehabilitation. It is critical that victims of injuries that leave them paralyzed get in touch with an experienced Bronx paraplegia injury lawyer. The expenses involved in the recovery process will be substantial. Your medical bills may include emergency room treatment, hospital bills, surgery bills, and expenses related to prescriptions. Ongoing treatment may involve several specialists including a physical therapist, occupational therapist, rehabilitation nurse, rehabilitation psychologist, social worker, recreation therapist, and dietitian. Furthermore, you will need a wheelchair or some other device to aid in mobility. Medical insurance many not be sufficient to cover lifelong expenses. In addition, such an injury may make it difficult to work. Thus, the victim is often placed in a dire financial position.
A victim of such a serious, permanent injury may suffer emotionally and mentally. Depression and anxiety is not uncommon with victims of spinal cord injuries.
Pursuing a Claim for a Paraplegia InjuryIf you are now paralyzed because another person was negligent, careless, or injured you intentionally, contact an experienced paraplegia injury attorney in the Bronx. You have the legal right to demand compensation from that person by filing a personal injury claim. This means that the negligent person may be ordered to pay you medical bills including the fees for your doctors, specialists, hospital, medication, rehabilitation, and medical equipment. That person may also be required to pay your lost wages and your pain and suffering. Furthermore, depending on the details of your case, you may also receive an award for punitive damages.
If your accident occurred in the workplace, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits instead of or in addition to compensation from a personal injury claim.
Contact Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesAn accident can occur just about anywhere-- work, home, or while driving. The result can be tragic and extremely difficult for you and your family to handle. You can take steps towards recovery by pursuing compensation from those responsible. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in temporary or permanent paralysis contact an experienced paraplegia injury attorney serving the Bronx. It’s critical that your legal representation understand not only the legal aspects of personal injury litigation, but also who has insight into the medical and emotional challenges that those with paraplegia face. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.