When a person suffers from paralysis, his or her life is impacted in several different ways. You may not be able to return to the same job, or work at all. You may not be able to take care of your family in the same way as you once did. Normal daily activities such as self-care, recreation, and simple errands will become much more challenging. While any type of injury that results in paralysis is devastating, quadriplegia is particularly difficult. Quadriplegia is a type or paralysis where there is little or no movement in the arms, legs and torso. It results from what is commonly referred to as a "broken neck." In other words, there was damage to the cervical spinal cord segments at levels C1-C8. Such an A traumatic spinal cord injury may stem from a sudden, traumatic blow to your spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more of your vertebrae. It also may result from a gunshot or knife wound that penetrates and cuts your spinal cord. If you or a family member has been in an accident and suffered spinal cord injury, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Suffolk County quadriplegia injury lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Medical concerns related to paralysisIn addition to losing the ability to move your arms, legs and torso, there are other health issues that those with quadriplegia are likely to experience, including incontinence, impaired breathing, and loss of sexual function.
While quadriplegia affects the ability to move the arms, legs and torso, it does not always mean that the person suffering quadriplegia will have no ability to move those parts of the body. It depends on the amount of damage to the spinal cord. Some quadriplegics are able to walk and use their arms and hands, while others will have function in their arms and mild finger movement.
Common causes of paralysisWhile there are many causes of spinal injuries that lead to quadriplegia such as a disease such as polio, typical causes of quadriplegia from damage to the spinal cord are trauma due to an auto accident- particularly rollover accidents, slip and fall accident or sports injury. Acts of violence such as a stab wound or a gunshot could cause damage to the spine resulting in quadriplegia. Another type of spinal cord injury that can lead to quadriplegia, but does not involve a broken neck includes a ruptured disc or bony spur on the vertebra protrudes into the spinal column.
DamagesThe costs associated with having quadriplegia are significant. The condition can lead to several other health issues including blood clots, pressure sores, spastic muscles, respiratory problems, bladder incontinence and blower incontinence. In addition, following the injury a quadriplegic will require an extended period of treatment and rehabilitative care. You will have to adjust to daily living without the use of your arms and legs. You will likely need several types of therapy including physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and psychological counseling. In addition, you may need to move to a new residence or modify your current home to make it accessible. Your medical treatment, medical equipment, and therapy are all quite costly and may cause you financial problems. In addition, you may no longer be able to work at your previous job or any job. Thus your ability to a living is greatly impacted. Thus, while your expenses are increasing your income may have substantially decreased.
As a quadriplegia injury attorney in Suffolk County will explain, a personal injury lawsuit against the person, business, or government entity whose negligence caused your injury will not only hold that person accountable doing so will also provide you and your family with needed financial relief. Through a personal injury action you can seek compensation to cover your medical expenses, medication, modifications to your home or vehicle, and equipment needs to help with your rehabilitation and daily living. You can also seek additional compensation for your lost earnings and loss of earning capacity. Furthermore, you can also demand compensation for the pain and suffering you endured as a result of the injury.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesSuffering a devastating injury that leaves you with quadriplegia or any type of paralysis is difficult emotionally, physically, and financially. You will face significant medical bills related to your care for the rest of your life. However, if your injury was caused by the negligence of someone else through a personal injury lawsuit you can hold that person financially accountable. The quadriplegia injury attorneys serving Suffolk County at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates are experienced in handling personal injury and cases in which victims suffered catastrophic injuries such as quadriplegia, paraplegia, or a traumatic brain injury. Contact an experienced quadriplegia attorney serving Suffolk County 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.