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Brooklyn Paraplegia Injury

Paraplegia is a life-changing condition that results from some type of trauma to the spinal cord. Those with paraplegia lose partial or complete function in the legs and sometimes the trunk, but not the arms. In the case of complete paraplegia, the loss of movement is complete, while in cases of incomplete paraplegia, there remains some function in the lower body. Whether or not the injury is complete or incomplete depends on the severity of the injury. While paraplegia can result from illnesses such as transverse myelitis, it most often is caused by a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident where the victim suffers a serious spinal cord injury. In fact, car accidents and motorcycle accidents account for up to 40% of new spinal cord injuries each year in the United States. There are, however, instances in which paraplegia does not result from a car or truck accident, but from a medical mistake. For example, paraplegia can be caused in cases of medical malpractice where a doctor makes a misdiagnosis or surgical error. Victims who suffer from a personal injury like paraplegia or other types of paralysis must undergo extensive treatment and rehabilitation. They typically miss a great deal of work or find that they cannot return to work at all. The financial stress caused by mounting medical bills coupled with a limited income is quite stressful. If you have been paralyzed in an accident due to the negligence of another person, it is important that you immediately contact a Brooklyn Paraplegia Injury Lawyer as you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries which can include reimbursement for medical expenses, loss of income and pain and suffering.

What are the Common Causes Of Paraplegia?

While paraplegia can be caused by an illness, sports injuries, a fall from a high elevation, or a gunshot wound, it is most often caused by a traumatic injury to the spinal cord that crushes, fractures, or dislocates one or more of its vertebrae. Most spinal cord injuries of this sort are the result of high-impact car accidents or truck accidents. Sadly, in most cases the accident that resulted in paralysis was due to negligence and could have been avoided.

What are the Symptoms Of Paraplegia?

The symptoms of paraplegia vary from person to person, the location of the injury on the lower part of the spinal cord and the severity of the injury. Symptoms include:

  • Loss of movement in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
  • Loss of muscle control in the legs, feet, toes or trunk
  • Loss of sensation in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
  • Tingling in the legs, feet, toes, or trunk
  • Decreased muscle tone
  • Low blood pressure
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control
  • Impotence
How do I go about Pursuing Compensation?

If your paraplegia resulted from another person's negligence, New York law allows you to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. The negligent person may be ordered to pay for your emergency room visit, surgery, rehabilitation, visits to the doctor, medication, assistive equipment and other related medical expenses. Because paraplegia will require lifelong care that includes special equipment and rehabilitation services, your compensation will take into account not only your past medical bills, but also your future medical expenses. In addition, the negligent party may be liable for other economic losses you sustained such as lost wages or loss of earning capacity. Furthermore, a court may award you non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.

It is important to understand that under New York law there is a time limitation for filing personal injury claims. If you fail to time your claim within the appropriate time period, you will be forever barred from pursuing a lawsuit against the person responsible for your injury. Furthermore, if your claim is against a government entity such as New York City or the State of New York, there are special procedural rules that you must follow, and a shortened timeframe for filing your claim.

Brooklyn Paraplegia Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in temporary or permanent paralysis, 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 spinal cord injury. Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC 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.

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