Paraplegia: Injury Victims Need to Adjust to Major Life Changes
At Levine & Slavit, our team of attorneys are committed to accident victims throughout Long Island and Manhattan. We have a strong belief that their legal rights and entitlements need to be respected, particularly after a catastrophic injury of some kind. A spinal cord injury cannot be taken lightly given the long-term effects, such as paralysis of the lower limbs or all of an accident victim's limbs. We've previously discussed the seriousness of quadriplegia injury lawsuits on this blog, and we'd like to turn our attention to paraplegia, another form of paralysis.
Defining Paraplegia
Paraplegia refers to the loss of function and sensation of the lower extremities. This will leave a person unable to walk or use their legs, often keeping them bound to a wheelchair for the rest of their lives.
Causes of Paraplegia
Paraplegia is caused by a severe injury that affects the lower portion of the back. The injury is catastrophic enough that it impairs proper use of the lower half of the body. Some common incidents that can lead to paraplegia include:
- Auto accidents
- Bike accidents
- Sports injuries
- Construction accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Assaults
Changes to Your Professional Life
People who are rendered paraplegic will experience major changes in their professional lives, particularly if their previous profession was active or involved lots of physical activity. The realities of life after a catastrophic injury may mean a total career change. If a construction worker was injured severely while on the job, for instance, it is very unlikely that the injured worker will be able to return to construction work in the same capacity due to physical limitations and restrictions.
Major Adjustments In Your Personal Life
In addition to changes in your professional life, paraplegia is sure to cause major changes in your personal life as well. People who led active lifestyles prior to the injury will no longer be able to engage in all of the activities that they used to love. Playing with children can also be a major issue, and even just getting around the home if it has multiple stories or a steep driveway. Given the effects on the lower half of the body, intimate or private functions of the body may be altered as well, affecting personal relationships as well as an injury victim's sense of self.
In addition to the physical issues we've noted above, it is not uncommon for the spinal cord injury victim to go through depression as he or she deals with the new realities of their life. While it is unfortunate to have this tragedy befall you and the people you care about, our lawyers want to remind you that there is legal help available and that you are not alone.
Our Team Will Help with Your Medical and Mobility Needs
If your catastrophic injury was the result of negligence or malice, we will be sure to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. When seeking compensation, we will be sure to seek damages that cover medical bills, physical rehabilitation costs, and other losses you've experienced. We will also take into account how your injury has changed your quality of life and seek damages to address these matters. Our attorneys will be on your side during the entire legal process.
Schedule a Legal Consultation at our Personal Injury Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, it's important that you have skilled lawyers on your side. The attorneys of Levine & Slavit will be sure to fight for you every step of the way. To schedule a consultation with our legal team, contact our personal injury law firm today.
