Queens Paraplegia Injury

Paraplegia describes one of several types of conditions where a part of the victim's body is paralyzed. Paralysis refers to a condition where a victim loses the ability move a part of the body. For example, paralysis can involve inability to move a finger, the side of the face, one side of the body, or one arm. Paraplegia means that the victim is unable to move his or her legs. Paraplegia is typically caused by an injury to the mid or lower party of the spinal cord. Oftentimes such an injury is caused by a preventable car accident, slip and fall accident or construction accident. If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer because you have been paralyzed in an accident because another driver, a co-worker, or some other person was negligent, do not try to resolve the case on your own. It is important that you immediately contact a Queens paraplegia attorney as you may have a right to receive substantial compensation for your injuries which can include reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering.

Common causes of paraplegia

Paraplegia can be caused by an accident or illness. When it is caused by an accident more of than not negligence was involved.

• Head injury. A head injury is a leading cause of paralysis. If trauma to the head is severe enough to cause an injury to the part of the brain that controls specific muscles, the result would be paralysis. Head injuries common occur in car accidents, bicycle accidents, construction accidents and sports accidents.
• Spinal cord injury. The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system. Its primary function is to transmits signals between the brain and the body. Depending on the location of the spinal cord injury different parts of the body will be effected. If the injury is to the lower back or thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions, then the victim may suffer paraplegia. Accidents that can leave a victim with paraplegia include auto accidents, industrial accidents, recreational vehicle accidents, and falls. Vehicle accidents involving SUVs that are have a propensity to rolling over are more like to leave victims with catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

Pursuing a claim

While paraplegia is generally a permanent condition, treatment is necessary to ensure that the victim does not suffer additional medical conditions associated with paraplegia such as damage to the bladder, skin conditions, and blood clots. Paralyzed victims receive therapy and assistive equipment to help with muscle tone and activities of daily living. Therapy includes occupational and physical therapy. Equipment need includes wheelchairs, scooters, braces, and a modified vehicle.

Treatment and equipment will be costly. Through a personal injury lawsuit you may be able to force the person responsible for your injury to pay for your medical expenses and other losses you suffered. For example, you may be able to receive compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses such as hospital, rehabilitation, medical equipment, lab tests, MRIs, medication, housing modification, and specialized vehicle
• Lost wages including the paychecks that you did not receive because you were recovering from your injuries; bonus and promotions you missed; the value of vacation and sick days you had to use while recovering as well as the value of sick and vacation days you failed to accrue because you missed work; the value of other missed opportunities and benefits of work; and the value of loss of earning potential.
• Pain and suffering includes both the physical pain and the emotional suffering you endured because of your injuries.

If your accident occurred in the workplace you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

If you are in a serious accident that left you paralyzed, you may be approached by the insurance company to sign a settlement agreement. Before you sign an agreement it is a good idea to review the facts of your case with an experienced attorney who will make sure that your legal rights are protected. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury cases stemming from auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, and construction accidents. We will work hard to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve to help you pay your medical bills, replace lost income, and to help give you closure. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.

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