Paralysis and Personal Injury
In catastrophic accidents, the injuries sustained can be life-changing, both for the accident victim and their loved ones. This is especially true when an accident leads to paralysis. In these instances, it’s important that you speak with a personal injury attorney at Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP. Our law firm is committed to helping injury victims in White Plains, NY hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they caused.
Let’s go over the nature of partial and total paralysis from accidents. We’ll note the impact on your life and how our lawyers can help you seek damages and ensure your dignity as you face the challenges ahead.
About Paraplegia
Paraplegia is the result of serious spinal cord injuries affecting the lower back area (lumbar spine). This results in the loss of use and sensation in the legs and lower body. Paraplegics are bound to a wheelchair for the rest of their lives.
About Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is the result of a serious spinal cord injury affecting the upper back (upper thoracic spine) and/or neck (cervical spine). This results in the loss of use and sensation of the arms, legs, and most of the body. Not only are quadriplegics bound to a wheelchair for the rest of their lives, they are also dependent on others to perform regular activities, such as preparing meals, eating, and performing regular hygiene practices.
Paralysis from Strokes
Paralysis isn’t just caused by spinal cord injury. Paralysis is defined as any disorder of the central nervous system that results in difficulty using the upper and lower extremities. A number of paralysis cases happen after someone suffers a stroke. This may be the result of a medical issue, misdiagnosis by a doctor, or physical trauma.
Potential Causes of Paralysis
According to statistics from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, roughly 1 in 50 people in the United States are living with some form of paralysis. Strokes are the leading cause of paralysis (33.7 percent of cases) while spinal cord injury from physical trauma is the second highest cause (27.3 percent).
A number of paralysis cases our White Plains attorneys have seen are related to the following incidents:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Serious slips and falls
- Work injuries (especially in construction and industrial fields)
- Sports-related injuries
- Medical misdiagnosis
How Catastrophic Injuries Affect Your Life
Paralysis means numerous setbacks to your daily activities and your career and long-term life goals. In the case of quadriplegics, the reliance on someone to assist in every aspect of your life is extremely difficult and at time demoralizing. Even people who suffer partial paralysis from a stroke can find it hard to type, write by hand, or perform so many tasks we often take for granted.
Damages for Paralysis
When another person or party is responsible for you becoming paralyzed, it’s important to seek legal action against them. The damages sought can cover medical expenses, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, lost earning potential, loss of consortium, and emotional pain and suffering. Our law firm can help you seek these damages, and can also weigh the value of a pre-trail settlement and negotiate a fairer amount.
Contact Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury that has left you disabled, we encourage you to contact our team of skilled personal injury attorneys. Our law firm in White Plains can be reached by phone at (914) 686-3700.