Staten Island Paraplegia Injury

Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that affects the lower body. Typically, paraplegics cannot move their bodies from the waist down. The condition can result from illness. However, it can also result from damage to the spinal cord caused by an accident or by an intentional act of violence. Oftentimes paraplegia is caused in a car accident, a fall, or a recreational accidents. Sadly, far too often the accident was caused by another person's negligence and could have been prevented. Those who face the sudden inability to move their legs also must face significant life changes such as inability to continue working at the same job and substantial medical bills. If the negligence or reckless act of another person played a significant role in the accident that led to your paralysis, it is important that you immediately contact a Staten Island paraplegia lawyer as you have the right to demand compensation from the person whose reckless actions caused your injuries.

Paraplegia is typically caused by a traumatic injury to the spinal cord. Such trauma is usually caused in one of the following types of accidents:

• Vehicle accidents. Vehicle accidents, particularly SUV rollover accidents are the leading cause of injuries that lead to paraplegia as well as quadriplegia
• Falls. Falls, particularly from high elevations, are another leading cause of severe spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis.
• Violence. Acts of violence such as assaults with weapons can damage the spinal cord, leaving the victim paralyzed.
• Recreation accidents. Diving into shallow water can lead to paraplegia.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, car accident, construction accident, or another type of accident that left you a paraplegic, a paraplegia attorney in Staten Island will explain that you have the right to demand that the person who caused the accident or intentionally injured you compensate you for the losses you suffered, including:

• Medical expenses: In addition to the spinal cord injury, paraplegics are susceptible to a number of complications such as pressure sores, infections and muscle spasms. The medical bills associated with treating paraplegia are substantial and last for the victim's lifetime. You can demand that the person responsible for your injuries pay your past and future medical bills.
• Lost wages: You can demand compensation based on the compensation and benefits you missed while you were recovering from your injuries. If you are not able to ever return to your job or career and earn the income you otherwise would have, you can sue for loss of earning capacity as well.
• Pain and suffering. In additional to the physical pain of a traumatic injury, victims also end to experience emotional trauma as well. You can demand payment for these losses. Because paraplegia is a permanent disability, you may be entitled to substantial pain and suffering damages.

Other possible sources of compensation and benefits are worker' compensation insurance and the Social Security disability program. An experienced attorney will review the details of your case and determine a strategy for ensuring that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.

If you were injured in an accident that resulted in paraplegia it is critical that you immediately contact an experienced attorney 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. The paraplegia attorneys serving Staten Island at the Law Offices of 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: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.