Long Island Quadriplegia Injury

Quadriplegia is caused by a spinal cord injury that causes complete loss of movement in the arms, legs and torso. Often the result of an accident, this injury is particularly emotionally devastating as the results is that the victim loses a significant amount of independence and must depend on others for activities of daily living. 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 and damages the spinal cord. It also may result from a gunshot or knife wound that penetrates the spinal cord. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates understand how devastating a catastrophic injury can be to both the victim and victim's family. We are here to help you. If you or a family member suffered an injury that left you with quadriplegia, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Long Island quadriplegia lawyer who will help you fight for your right to compensation so you can lead a high quality of life.

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury that leads to permanent quadriplegia, paraplegia or another type of paralysis include:

• Severe back pain
• Pressure in the neck
• Pressure in the back
• Severe headache
• Poor coordination
• Bladder incontinence
• Bowel incontinence
• Ambulatory problems
• Respiratory problems
• Twisted neck or back
• Muscle spasms

There are many causes of spinal injuries that lead to full paralysis. Common causes of quadriplegia include:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, SUV, van and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
• Falls. Spinal cord injury after age 65 is most often caused by a trip and fall accident.
• Criminal acts. Many spinal cord injuries are caused by acts of violence such as gunshot and knife wounds.
• Sports. Sports and other recreational activities account for a significant number of spinal cord injuries. For example, diving into shallow water can cause quadriplegia.
• Medical mistake. There are cases where the medical error of a medical professional resulted in the patient suffering temporary or permanent paralysis.

Treatment of a spinal cord injury that results in quadriplegia is costly. According to some estimates the costs of living with quadriplegia in the first year is over $1 million. In each subsequent year it is nearly $200,000. A personal injury lawsuit against the person or business responsible for your condition will not only hold that person accountable for the negligent acts but will also provide you and your family with sorely needed financial resources. Compensable losses include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost self-employment income, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.

You may be eligible for compensation and benefits from other sources. Social Security disability is available to individuals with injuries that that are expected to be permanent. In addition, if your injury occurred at work you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation benefits are quite different from compensation that may be available from a personal injury lawsuit. Benefits available are limited to medical care and a cash benefit. The cash benefit varies from person to person and is based on the victim's average weekly wages.

Because of the different possible sources of compensation and the complicated filing requirements and deadline for each potential source, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced quadriplegia attorney in Long Island before you agree to a settlement with the defendant or insurance company. Insurance companies are often willing to settle quickly. However, such settlements are typically not fair to the victim.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in quadriplegia, paraplegia r any other type of paralysis contact an experienced quadriplegia attorney serving Long Island who understands both the legal issues associated with personal injury cases as well as the medical issues associated with catastrophic injuries such as severe injuries to the spinal cord. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death 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: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.