Injuries such as paraplegia and quadriplegia can be the result of spinal cord or brain injuries. Any harm you suffer to your central nervous system could result in loss of function and sensation, but the exact nature of the injury will dictate the severity of the consequences. Read on to learn about the differences between these injuries.
What Is Paraplegia?
Paraplegia refers to paralysis of the lower half of the body. It tends to affect the legs most often, but it can reach higher areas of the body. You can suffer a complete injury, which means you don’t have any sensation or movement in the affected areas. Automatic functions, such as bladder and bowel control, could also be impacted.
An incomplete injury can still cause you to experience some movement and sensation. Incomplete injuries might improve over time with extensive therapy.
What Is Quadriplegia?
Quadriplegia refers to paralysis that affects the entire body from the neck down. Most commonly, it occurs as a result of an injury to your cervical spine. Complete quadriplegia results in no movement or feeling below the injury; incomplete quadriplegia allows some sensation and control over automatic movements.
Most Common Causes Of Paraplegia And Quadriplegia
Falls are a common cause of this type of paralysis. They are more likely to occur if you fall from heights, but even slip-and-fall accidents can result in paralysis.
Motor vehicle collisions are another common reason these injuries occur, especially in crashes involving trucks or those with high speeds. The spine can twist unnaturally, causing damage to nerves. You can also suffer penetrating injuries if metal or glass cuts into your back, resulting in severed nerves.
Being struck by heavy machinery, as can happen in construction sites, or suffering an assault, could also damage your spine.
Know Your Rights
If someone else’s carelessness caused your paralysis, you may be able to pursue compensation. It’s designed to help you manage costs and maintain financial stability.
Common recoverable losses in these cases include:
- Medical care, rehab, and long-term treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain, emotional distress, and life changes
These damages are meant to reflect what you’ve already been through and what you’ll likely need going forward.
What You Have to Show
To bring a successful claim, you generally need to connect the dots between what the other party did (or failed to do) and the harm you’re living with now.
Here are the four elements of a negligence claim:
- They had a duty to act safely.
- They breached that duty.
- Their actions caused your injury.
- You suffered measurable losses.
If you can prove these basics with solid evidence, you’re in a much stronger position to negotiate—or litigate.
Expect Pushback From the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to minimize serious injuries or shift blame. That can make a stressful situation even harder.
They sometimes use the following tactics:
- Questioning what caused the injury
- Downplaying how severe it is
- Pressuring you to settle quickly
That’s why it’s smart to be careful with what you say and sign before you know the full picture.
Contact Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys For A Free Consultation With A Minneapolis Personal Injury lawyer
After suffering such a catastrophic injury as paraplegia or quadriplegia, you should speak with a Minneapolis personal injury attorney about your legal options. The right team can help you gather evidence and present a strong case. Because of what’s at stake in these cases, you should never attempt to navigate your case alone.
Call Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to arrange a free consultation.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198
