Quadriplegia is a condition that occurs following an injury to the spinal cord. It is estimated there are approximately ten thousand Americans who are currently in a quadriplegic state. (Statistic courtesy of U.S. Centers for Disease Control.)
When the spinal cord becomes injured, many different things can happen. One such outcome is that a person will lose control of his or her arms, legs, and chest, which is known as quadriplegia. If this happens, the spinal cord was not severed necessarily, but the thin, fibrous nerve cell extensions that are surrounded by the vertebrae were damaged by being crushed. Once these nerve cell pathways, also known as axons, are damaged, the individual will lose control over certain areas of the body, as well as certain bodily functions.
Quadriplegia indicates a spinal cord injury near that top of the spine, usually located between the C1 and T1 vertebrae. The injury will cause a loss of mobility to all four of the limbs, as explained above, as well as a loss of sensation. If a person is categorized as a spastic quadriplegic, all four limbs become very stiff and rigid, and reflexes and movements are ceased. When this happens, other complications such as visual issues, hearing impairments and even cognitive problems can result. This form of quadriplegia most commonly occurs due to an accident of some sort, such as an automobile accident, motorcycle accident, fall, sports accident, or act of violence.
Individuals who experience an injury that causes quadriplegia can develop other health conditions and complications with time. Issues such as breathing problems, general weakness, total numbness, physical pain, and loss of bladder control are quite common. These issues can lead to extensive medical bills due to the need for around the clock care and therapy.
Aside from accidents, quadriplegia injuries can occur as a result of medical malpractice, medical negligence, birth complications such as spina bifida, transverse myelitis, and polio.
The most common symptoms of quadriplegia, in addition to the inability to move and use limbs properly, include the following:
• An inability to move the head;
• Impaired function of the torso;
• Loss of sexual function;
• Digestion problems;
• Loss of physical sensations;
• Numbness;
• Burning sensations;
• And Tingling
Depending on how severe the initial injury was, some patients may be able to regain partial use of their limbs following extensive therapy. In some cases, patients may be able to once again move their arms, but not regain function in their hands. Patients may also experience better results on one side of the body.
As much as no one wants to think about it, an accident that causes quadriplegia can occur while at work. In these cases, employers will require workers to file a worker's compensation claim. These injuries can be the result of someone else's negligence, improper safety equipment, lack of proper training, working in unsafe conditions, or failure to maintain equipment. Unfortunately, once a worker files a compensation claim, he or she may not be able to file a lawsuit. In these cases, a lawyer should be consulted in advance, before filing any paperwork in order to best protect your future.
If the injury and the condition of quadriplegia were not bad enough, some patients are actually discriminated against. This discrimination is a violation of civil rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps to provide some protection. Patients who have been discriminated against should also contact a lawyer to help seek compensation.
If you or someone you know has suffered any type of injury or medical malpractice that has resulted in quadriplegia, you should always consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in this area of the law. You may be entitled to monetary compensation to help pay for your physical damages, your medical bills, and your future medical care costs.
It is very important for anyone who has suffered this type of injury to seek legal advice as soon as possible following the original accident. These lawyers are often critical to victims because they are best suited for making a determination as to what types of compensation can be sought. He or she will review the details of your case; speak to medical professionals, witnesses, and therapists in order to make an assessment as to how to proceed. Personal injury attorneys will advise you on if you should seek a settlement through the insurance company or proceed to trial in order to seek damages in excess of insurance coverage.
In the event that your injury was caused by some form of negligence, you should most definitely seek legal counsel. Taking this step can help you settle the cost of your medical bills, provide compensation for your pain and suffering, and cover your lost wages.
You should not run the risk of falling victim to the insurance company after suffering a severe injury such as this. Insurance companies have attorneys that work very hard for them in order to limit the total payout to injured parties. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in the area of spinal cord injuries understands the practices of insurance companies and will handle these transactions in order to provide you with the best possible outcome. Since most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, there is no upfront cost or risk to you. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
Just as is the case with any type of personal injury claim, time is of the essence. The sooner you seek legal help, the better your chances will be for fair compensation. The more time you give your lawyer to build a strong case, the stronger your case will be. A lawyer will begin working on your case from day one. He or she will gather all evidence necessary and work to start legal proceedings immediately. You should not have to endure the worry of the legal aspect of your case alone. Hiring a professional to help with this matter will allow you to focus more on your, or your loved one's, health and recovery.
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