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Becoming a Paraplegic After an Accident
When you encounter severe spinal cord injuries around the center of your back, it can result in paraplegia—an impactful form of paralysis where you lose both sensation and movement below your waist. This shift in circumstances is something you might find challenging to adapt to.
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This condition necessitates the use of a wheelchair, vigilant care to prevent issues like bedsores, and a significant adjustment to your lifestyle.
If you or a loved one is now living with paraplegia due to someone else's negligence, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim for compensation. The process can be intricate and time-consuming, making it essential to entrust your case to the Los Angeles paraplegia lawyers at State Law Firm.
Our legal team possesses the skills, resources, and knowledge to construct a compelling case on your behalf and demand rightful compensation for your injuries. To discuss your case, call our office toll-free at 877-659-9223 and arrange a free consultation.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF A SPINAL CORD INJURY
If you experience paraplegia, it results from damage to the nerves within your spinal column, leading to paralysis in your lower body. Typically, this paralysis sets in after an injury to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral sections of your spine.
In dealing with paraplegia, you might find yourself relying on wheelchairs, as you may lose the ability to use your legs, although exceptions exist.
Spinal cord injuries that lead to paraplegia can affect you in different ways. They can be complete, leaving you unable to feel or use your lower limbs, or incomplete, allowing for partial control or feeling in your lower body.
In cases of incomplete paraplegia, you may walk with assistance, like crutches or through physical therapy, but you might still experience nerve pain or partial paralysis in one leg.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reports that 250,000 to 368,000 individuals in the United States live with a spinal cord injury.
Both complete and incomplete paraplegia can lead to various symptoms and medical conditions, including:
Lack of feeling or motor control in one or both legs
Difficulty controlling the bladder
Phantom pain or sensations
Nerve pain
Sexual dysfunction
Bedsores, skin diseases, and other secondary conditions
Weight gain and muscle atrophy
Cramps
Secondary mental health issues, including depression
Paraplegia fundamentally alters an individual's life. While treatments like surgeries, physical therapy, and new medical advancements have enabled some to regain control over their lower body, many must acknowledge the potential reliance on assisted living equipment for life. Depending on your injury's circumstances, you may be entitled to recover compensation to address immediate and long-term costs.
COMMON CAUSES OF PARALYSIS
Given the connection between paraplegia and spinal cord injuries, such cases typically result from severe trauma. Any forceful impact to the back and spine can stretch or tear nerves, leading to paralysis. The NSCISC estimates approximately 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases annually, with many involving paraplegia.
The primary causes of spinal cord injuries are:
Vehiculer collisions – 38.6%
Falls – 32.2%
Violence (Gun Shot Wounds) – 14.0%
Sports injuries – 7.8%
Medical/surgical errors – 4.2%
The team at State Law Firm has assisted clients in recovering compensation for paraplegia caused by:
High-speed auto accidents
Vehicle collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists
Motorcycle crashes
Truck accidents
Serious falls
Swimming pool accidents
Boating collisions
Assaults
To seek compensation for a spinal cord injury, you must demonstrate that someone else's negligence caused your injuries.
For instance, if a drunk driver caused your injuries in a collision, filing a personal injury claim against their insurance policy is within your rights. Similar options exist for incidents like slips-and-falls at local businesses, boating collisions, and swimming pool accidents, where another person had a duty to care for your safety.
This responsibility extends to property owners, manufacturers, boat operators, and anyone causing harm. Even government agencies can be held liable, although this process is more complex than a standard personal injury claim, requiring consultation with an experienced attorney.
THE COSTS OF TREATMENT
Living with paralysis presents ongoing challenges and costs, with paraplegics often requiring additional treatment. Approximately 30% of individuals with spinal cord injuries return to the hospital once or twice a year, resulting in substantial costs given the average hospital stay of 22 days.
In a 2020 paper the NSCISC determined that the average cost of paraplegia for the initial year of treatment was $560,287 with an additional $74,221 for each subsequent year. The organization also calculated lifetime costs of paraplegia, reaching up to $5,100,941 for a 25-year-old and $1,636,959 for a 50-year-old.
Treatment for paraplegia varies, beginning with examination by an emergency room doctor to minimize spinal column damage. Hospitalization in an ICU follows, along with further tests and treatments to improve mobility and sensation.
If damage proves permanent, victims may receive prescriptions for medication, assisted living equipment, physical therapy, psychiatric treatment, and other plans to cope with the condition.
Beyond medical costs, a paraplegic may no longer practice their profession, facing unimaginable personal impacts. While paraplegics can move forward with their lives, many struggle with depression and socialization difficulties post-injury.
Mortality rates for paraplegics associated with endocrine, metabolic, and nutritional diseases, accidents, nervous system diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders are rising.
Regardless of your experience, justice must prevail, and the responsible party should be held fully accountable, whether an individual, organization, or another party. This is where our firm steps in.
WHAT CAN I INCLUDE IN A CLAIM?
The costs associated with paraplegia are often high and vary based on age, profession, and injury circumstances. When filing an injury claim or lawsuit, several costs can be included:
Medical expenses (emergency treatment, corrective surgeries, medication)
Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future treatment
Home renovations and vehicle modifications
Employment retraining or reeducation costs
Lost wages and earning potential
Pain and suffering
Loss of quality of life
Given the complexity of these injuries, case values can vary drastically. However, the State Law Firm team ensures your case's maximum available compensation by advocating for your rights.
Work With A Los Angeles Paraplegia Lawyer
Our legal team at State Law Firm is renowned for excellence, with over 30 years of personal injury law practice.
When you choose us, we provide thorough explanations of the claims or lawsuit filing process, offering consistent case updates. Any new settlement offers are communicated promptly.
State Law Firm is devoted to serving accident victims resulting in Paraplegia in the Los Angeles area, offering free consultations to every potential client. Our mission is to seek justice and full compensation for our clients.
Call State Law Firm toll-free at 877-659-9223 now for more information on filing a claim or lawsuit.
