New York Quadriplegia or Tetraplegia

Quadriplegia, sometimes referred to as tetraplegia, is a serious condition caused by a damage to the spinal cord. Along with paraplegia, anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome and posterior cord syndrome, quadriplegia is a form of paralysis. While quadriplegia can be caused by illness, it is often a type of personal injury caused by trauma to the spinal cord that results from a car accident, motorcycle accident, construction accident or a fall. In instances where the injury occurred in an accident, it is often the case that the accident could have been avoided as it was caused by the negligence of another person. If you or a family member have been in an accident and suffered spinal cord injury that left you a quadriplegic, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced New York Quadriplegia Lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.

Quadriplegia involves a spinal cord injury above the first thoracic vertebra, or within the cervical sections of C1-C8. The result is some degree of paralysis in the legs and arms. The degree of paralysis varies depending on the severity of the injury. If the injury is complete, then there will be no ability to move the arms or legs. In fact, some quadriplegics suffering from complete injuries are unable to breathe without an assistive device. If the injury is incomplete, there may remain some movement and sensation in the arms and legs. Signs of quadriplegia include:

• Inability to move arms or legs
• Acute back pain
• Pressure in the back, head or neck
• Weakness in any part of your body
• Lack of coordination
• Tingling in your hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Numbness or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Incontinence
• Difficulty walking
• Impaired breathing
• Twisted neck or back
• Muscle spasms

There are many causes of spinal injuries that lead to quadriplegia. However, like a brain injury, neck injury, or broken bones, quadriplegia is commonly caused by:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Auto accidents, particularly SUV rollover accidents, are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries.
• Falls. Spinal cord injury after age 65 is most often caused by a trip and fall accident.
• Criminal acts. Many spinal cord injuries are caused by acts of violence such as gunshot and knife wounds.
• Sports. Sports and other recreational activities account for a significant number of spinal cord injuries. For example, diving into shallow water can cause quadriplegia.
• Medical mistake. There are cases where the medical error of a medical professional resulted in the patient suffering temporary or permanent paralysis.

Quadriplegia can cause a number of health complications including blood clots, pressure sores, spastic muscles, respiratory problems, and loss of bladder and bowel control. Treatment of a spinal injury that results in paralysis is costly. Following the injury a quadriplegic will require an extended period of treatment and rehabilitative care. You will have to adapt to daily living without the use of their arms and legs. Furthermore, you may need to move or modify your home to make it accessible. Your medical treatment, equipment, and therapy are all quite costly and may cause you financial distress. In addition, you may no longer be able to work and earn a living. Thus, while your expenses are increasing your income may have substantially decreased.

A personal injury lawsuit against the business, government entity, or individual responsible for the accident will not only hold that person accountable for the negligent acts but will also provide you and your family with needed financial relief. Through a personal injury action you can seek compensation to cover your medical expenses, modifications to your home or vehicle, and equipment needs to help with your rehabilitation and daily living. You can also seek compensation for your lost earnings and loss of earning capacity. Furthermore, you may also be compensated for the pain and suffering you endured as a result of the injury.

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 quadriplegia, paraplegia, and other types of paralysis. The staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death 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.