Brooklyn Paraplegia Injury Lawyer

Paraplegia is a life changing condition that can occur unexpectedly as a result of an accident. In some situations, the incident could have been avoided completely had a third party reacted or acted differently. Paraplegia results from spinal cord damage or the severing of the spinal cord. In many cases the damage is irreversible. Paraplegia can also result from the compression of the spinal cord without it being severed. This can lead to a temporary version of the condition. In either case, the initial shock of the injury can be devastating. Paraplegia is a type of paralysis where there is a loss of function in the lower part of the body or legs due to a spinal injury. If you have been paralyzed in an accident due to the negligence of another person, it is important that you immediately contact a Brooklyn paraplegia injury lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss your case.

Paralysis is the loss or impairment of voluntary muscular power. While paralysis can occur from damage to the nervous system, it is also caused by a traumatic injury to the spinal cord that crushes, fractures, or dislocates one or more of its vertebrae. This type of catastrophic injury often occurs in a construction accident such as where a worker falls from a high elevation. Spine injuries that lead to paraplegia also happen in a car, motorcycle, or bike accidents when the victim is thrown from the vehicle. Sadly, in most cases the accident that resulted in paralysis was due to negligence and could have been avoided. To discuss you case, contact an experienced Brooklyn paraplegia injury lawyer.

The symptoms of paraplegia will depend on the site of the injury to the spinal cord. Of course, an obvious symptom is the inability to move legs or feet. However, other symptoms of paraplegia include loss of bladder or bowel control, low blood pressure, decreased muscle tone in affected limbs, incontinence, impotence, thrombosis, bedsores or pressure sores, and chronic nerve pain.

While many recover to the extent that they can return to work in some capacity, a majority of those who suffer paraplegia cannot. The result is that vital income is lost and medical bills quickly begin to sky rocket. When a severe spinal injury occurs, often the largest bills occur within the first year of treatment when surgery is often required, as well as physical therapy. You will require special equipment and home modifications may be necessary. During the first year after the injury, one of the primary goals will be to ensure that there is no further damage of inflammation. Usually special anti-inflammatory drugs are used within the first 8 hours for the best long term results. Where a vertebra has been crushed or broken, doctors may decide to implant a steel rod to stabilize the spine.

Rehabilitation and long term care will depend on the severity of the injury. Often at this time a combination of physical and occupational therapies can be used to preserve and strengthen the muscles. Therapy is also important to help the victim move around more freely and resume their daily activities. Other therapies that may be used include respiratory therapy, drug therapy, and mental health care.

If your paraplegia resulted from another person's negligence, New York law allows you to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. As an experienced paraplegia injury attorney in Brooklyn can explain, the person who caused our injuries may be ordered to pay for your emergency room visit, surgery, rehabilitation, visits to the doctor, medication, assistive equipment and other related medical expenses. Because paraplegia will require lifelong care that includes special equipment and rehabilitation services, your compensation will take into account not only your past medical bills, but also your future medical expenses. In addition, the negligent party may be liable for other economic losses you sustained such as lost wages or loss of earning capacity. Furthermore, a court may award you non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.

If you were injured in an accident that resulted in temporary or permanent paralysis contact an experienced paraplegia injury serving Brooklyn who understands both the legal issues associated with personal injury cases as well as the medical issues associated with paraplegia and other types of paralysis. Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury cases stemming from auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, and construction accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Bronx, and Westchester County.