Paraplegia Injury Lawyer

Among the most debilitating conditions that can result from an accident, paraplegia is nearly always due to a spinal cord injury. Blows to the lower, mid, or upper back or traumatic compression of the spine have the potential to render you paralyzed. If you have been hurt in a vehicle accident or some other traumatic situation, you should contact a paraplegia injury lawyer as soon as possible to find out about your legal options.

What Does Paraplegia Mean?

Paraplegia is the loss of feeling and motor control in the lower body and legs due to a spinal cord injury. It may also result from a disease affecting your nervous system such as spina bifida, but traffic accidents and falls are the leading causes of paraplegia. Paralysis does not always occur immediately because subsequent swelling, bleeding, fluid leakage or movement in the spinal column can produce paraplegia later.

The site of your injury, whether in the upper thoracic section of the spinal column, which is adjacent to the chest, the lower thoracic area or the lumbar region, which is the lowest section of the spine, dictates the extent of your paralysis. For example, if you have a severed nerve in your upper back, it may impair your respiration, digestion and reproductive system as well as the function of your legs. Trauma to the lumbar region, in contrast, might only affect your legs.

Most Common Causes of Paraplegia

The most common causes of paralysis are:

• Auto or motorcycle crashes
• Falls
• Gunshot wounds or other violent assaults
• Sports-related incidents such as diving
• Medical/surgical injuries

If someone else’s negligence or aggressive actions caused your accident, a paraplegia injury lawyer can help you obtain financial compensation.

Prognosis and Treatment

Sometimes, paralysis is a temporary condition that resolves itself once the swelling in your spine returns to normal. Your medical team will track your progress following your injury to determine your prognosis. Often, if you fail to show signs of healing within a few weeks of your accident, your prognosis is poor.

Some of the treatments available for paraplegia include:

• Surgery to remove bone shards or foreign objects
• Traction or surgery to realign the spine
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Psychological therapy
• Behavioral therapy to help you relearn daily tasks
• How to Cope Economically

If your injury or that of a loved one is the result of an accident for which someone else is to blame, a paraplegia injury lawyer can provide you with critical legal knowledge and advocacy. Even in cases where the other driver took his eyes off the road for a moment, unintentionally causing your accident, you likely are entitled to compensation. Spinal injury leading to paralysis is costly regarding current and future medical costs, prescriptions, loss of wages or livelihood, pain, and suffering, specialized equipment, and therapy. You may have to pay someone else to do the chores you can no longer do. You should not have to go broke because someone else put you in a critical situation.

Contact a California Paraplegia Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one are paralyzed due to the negligent or intentional actions of someone else, Rizio Lipinsky Heiting can help. We are dedicated to helping you obtain full compensation for your present and future damages. Fill out our contact form or get in touch at 888-292-8888 to schedule a free consultation now.