Suffolk County Paraplegia Injury

A spinal injury can lead to very serious health conditions, including paraplegia. Paraplegia is a type of paralysis where there is complete or partial paralysis of the lower half of the body. Each year in the United States there are over 5,000 new paraplegia patients. While paralysis can be caused by a disease, one of the most common causes of paraplegia, quadriplegia and other types of paralysis is a traumatic spinal cord injury resulting from a car accident, workplace accident, construction accident or slip and fall. In other words, many people suffer paraplegia in accidents that could have been avoided. If you have been paralyzed in an accident because another person was negligent or because of the intentional action of another person, it is important that you immediately contact a Suffolk County paraplegia injury lawyer as you may have a right to receive compensation for your injuries which can include reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering.

Paraplegia and quadriplegia are the two major types of paralysis. Paraplegia results from an injury to the spinal cord below the first thoracic spinal nerve. It causes motor or sensory function impairment of the lower have of the body. In some cases the victim's legs are permanently paralyzed while in other cases the victim regains some sensation and movement in the legs. This is known as incomplete paraplegia.

While paralysis can occur from medical conditions such as a stroke, it is also commonly caused by accidents such as motorcycle accidents, airplane accidents, pedestrian accidents, and auto accidents. In fact, victims of rollover accidents are more likely to suffering a catastrophic neck injury than victims of other types of auto accidents.

It is also caused by acts of violence such as gunshot or stab wounds that damage the spinal cord.

In addition to the decreased ability to move the lower have of the body, paraplegics are likely to suffer a number of other health issues including:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Low blood pressure
• Decreased muscle tone in affected limbs
• Impotence
• Thrombosis
• Bedsores or pressure sores
• Chronic nerve pain

Treatment of paraplegia involves strategies to increase muscle strength, strategies to manage related medical problems, and strategies to help the patient maintain as much independence as possible. Treatment plans are different for each individual and can include:

• Surgery to stabilize the spine
• Steroids to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy to increase muscle strength
• Use of wheelchair
• Incontinence treatment including bladder care and bowel care
• General skin care including treatment for pressure sores

As a paraplegia injury attorney in Suffolk County will explain, if your paraplegia resulted from another person's negligence, New York law allows you to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. If you prevail the negligent party may be ordered to pay you compensation as follows:

• Medical expenses. All past and future medical expenses including emergency room, hospital, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and specialized medical equipment that you may need for the rest of your life.
• Lost wages. The money you would have received from your employer or through your business had you suffered an injury. If you are unable to earn as much money in the future as you otherwise would have, then you can also demand payment for loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is a type of compensation that address the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. Pain and suffering damages are commonly awarded to victims who suffered permanent injuries such as paralysis.

If the injury that resulted in your paralysis was work-related, then you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. New York's workers' compensation laws state that injured parties are entitled to compensation if they sustain a work-related injury. Workers' compensation benefits include medical care and income replacement. However, it is important to note that workers' compensation benefits are limited. Just because the accident occurred at work does not necessarily mean that you are limited to the benefit available through workers' compensation.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in temporary or permanent paralysis contact an experienced paraplegia injury attorney serving Suffolk County 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 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. 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.