Paraplegia Accident Cases: Lawsuits Over Paralysis
The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau are committed to helping the victims of serious accidents in Central Florida receive just compensation for their injuries and other losses. This is especially important following a spinal cord injury, which can render a person paralyzed and disabled for life. When an injury is severe and affects the lower half of the back, it may render the injury victim paraplegic.
About Paraplegia
Paraplegia refers to the limited use and loss of sensation in the lower extremities. This occurs when there is a serious injury to the back from the middle portion of the spine down. Paralysis will generally occur from the location of the spinal cord downward, meaning the legs will not be able to move or feel anything.
How Paraplegia Differs from Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is a form of paralysis that causes people to lose the use of and sensation in all of the extremities. These kinds of spinal cord injuries usually involve harm to the cervical (neck) portion of the spine, with injuries higher up on the neck leading to much more severe impairment. Given the location of the injury, it makes sense that the use of extremities would be limited.
Paraplegia does not result in impairment of the upper body and the arms, generally, given the location of the spinal cord injury.
Common Causes of Paraplegia
As with quadriplegia, some of the common causes of paraplegia include the following:
- Serious auto accidents
- Major falls
- Severe assaults or attacks
- Construction or industrial accidents
- Surgical mistakes, particularly in spinal surgeries
- Sports injuries
Changes to Your Life If You Become a Paraplegic
Following a major spinal cord injury that renders a person paraplegic, there are major changes to a person's well-being and overall lifestyle. The injury victim will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his or her life, which will lead to major changes in mobility, access to buildings, and transpiration. Assistance will be required to accomplish simple tasks that were formerly taken for granted, and a paraplegic will also need to change his or her abode or overall living arrangement in order to accommodate the disability.
In addition to the above, paraplegics will likely experience a change in their career path and career options simply given the nature of their injury. These kinds of setbacks and changes can be quite challenging in the years ahead.
How Our Team of Lawyers Can Help You and Your Loved Ones
Given all of the changes and challenges that accident victims will face in the years ahead, it's important that they seek damages from the negligent party that caused their lasting spinal cord injury to occur. These damages sought can be used to cover current medical expenses, lost future earnings, damage to personal property, and other future rehabilitation and medical care needs.
Schedule a Consultation with Chanfrau & Chanfrau
If you would like more information about your legal rights following a serious accident that renders you paralyzed, it's important that you contact the lawyers of our personal injury law firm today. The legal team here at Chanfrau & Chanfrau look forward to your visit and helping you in your quest for just compensation.
