Paralysis (Paraplegia) Injury
Paralysis is the inability to move muscles, and is often caused by injury or disease affecting the motor neurons, or nerves that send impulses to muscles. There are two kinds of motor neurons: upper and lower. The upper motor neurons send impulses from the brain to the lower motor neurons. The lower motor neurons send the impulses on to the muscles. Paralysis can result from a malfunction of either set of neurons. Malfunction of the upper motor neurons usually affects both sides of the body, while damage to the lower motor neurons may only affect one side.
Paralysis (Paraplegia) Injury
Paraplegia (or paralysis) is the condition in which the lower half of the body, including the legs, is paralyzed. In most cases, paraplegia happens as the result of a lower spinal cord injury from an accident. Such injuries occur most commonly in car and motorcycle accidents. Every year 11,000 people become paraplegics as the result of spinal cord injuries. While some may experience partial recovery from lower body paralysis, long term consequences can be devastating, usually confining the victim to a wheelchair.
Paraplegia Anatomy
The spinal cord is a delicate nerve bundle that runs from the base of your head to your lower back. That cord is protected by spinal bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord’s function is to relay instructions regarding movement, touch and other senses from your brain throughout your body. When the spinal cord is damaged, these messages are stopped. Where the cord is damaged is of extreme importance, since communication is disrupted downward from the point of contact. Paraplegia occurs when the spine is damaged in the mid to lower region, known as thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions.
Paralysis of the Lower Body: Causes
A traumatic event which causes damage to or severing of the spinal cord is the most common cause of paraplegia. A car crash, motorcycle accident or fall can cause such harm to the spine. Other traumas which result in paralysis include gunshot wounds and sports-related accidents. Non-traumas, such as tumors, diseases and congenital (from birth) conditions which affect the spinal cord, can also cause paraplegia. Lower body paralysis can happen at any age, however statistics show that people aged 31 to 40 are the most commonly stricken.
Paraplegia: Spinal Cord Injury Characteristics
The range and severity of paralysis depends greatly on the location and severity of the injury. In a complete severing of the spinal cord, complete paralysis results from the severed point down. In injuries where the cord is only partially severed, some movement or feeling may remain. In still other cases, the damaged or severed spinal cord is further impeded by broken vertebrae or other debris pressing against it. Relief of the pressure may result in some movement or feeling recovery.
Paraplegic Symptoms and Outcomes
In paraplegia, loss of feeling, movement and reflexes usually happens immediately after injury. Most recovery occurs in the first 6 months. Diagnosis of the extent the injury and resulting paralysis is assessed and monitored by physicians with tests, x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds and/or MRI’s. Potential consequences of paraplegia include:
- Partial to complete paralysis of any part of the lower body, including legs and internal organs
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Wheelchair confinement or use of other supportive devices
- Pressure sores, pneumonia or thrombosis, as complications from confinement.
Paraplegic Treatment
Due to the severity of paraplegia, both physical and psychological therapies are usually recommended. Rehabilitation is normally extensive and ongoing. The recovery process includes exercising, dietary management, learning and adjusting to a new way of functioning, and maintaining a positive outlook.
If you or a loved one have suffered catastrophic injuries causing paralysis through no fault of your own, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. If you would like a free case evaluation, simply fill out our free case review form and an experienced board certified trial lawyer will contact you for a no cost, no obligation consultation.
For many years, we have been vigilant in representing the injured and their families. The Law Offices of Shapiro & Associates has achieved million-dollar recoveries for accident deaths and injuries. Our catastrophic injury accident attorney has been given the highest rating for legal ability and ethics. We have been recognized in the legal community for our accomplishments and this is testament to the fact that fellow lawyers and judges rank us at the highest level of professional excellence.
Spinal cord and brain injuries can be devastating injuries resulting in Paralysis. The spinal column runs from the top of the neck, extending from the brain to the lower part of the back down to the coccyx. The spine is basically divided into three parts; the cervical , thoracic, and lumbar. More than 11,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States, with many experiencing severe chronic pain, paralysis and death.
At the Law Offices of Shapiro & Associates our paralysis Injury Lawyer has the experience and knowledge to collect money for your case. A paralysis injury can be a devastating injury requiring attendant care and treatment for a lifetime. Special damages must be collected to provide for the injured future needs. Recovery should include medical expenses and it should also include compensation for, special equipment, medications, supplies, transportation, lost earnings, pain and suffering, etc.
When necessary our board certified trial lawyer will work with doctors and experts to develop a lifetime plan of care for injured clients. We will work outlining annual and lifetime costs for long-term care over the injured person’s life. All areas of care are included, such as: physician follow-ups, supplies, medications, transportation, therapies, and long-term residential facility costs.
If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis as a result of an accident injury, contact The Law Offices of Shapiro & Associates for a free consultation.
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Experience and knowledge are key elements in winning your case. The Law Offices of Shapiro & Associates has the experience, training and knowledge to win. If you have been seriously injured as the result of a paralysis (Paraplegia) injury, the Law Offices of Shapiro & Associates can help protect your rights and assist you in recovering the highest compensation. The sooner you call, the faster we can help you get compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.