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Understanding Your Options For Compensation After Paraplegia

Approximately 130,000 people in the U.S. are living with paraplegia. According to the University of Alabama National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, nearly 8,000 individuals suffer an injury resulting in paraplegia each year. Studies show the most common cause of paraplegia is motor vehicle accidents, followed by violent acts, falls and sports injuries.

If an individual’s paraplegia is caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness, victims are entitled to compensation for their injuries, permanent disabilities, financial losses, suffering and other losses. To learn more about your legal rights and entitlements, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer at Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd.

Since 1991, our highly skilled legal team has been representing victims of severe, life-changing injuries and their families. We are committed to providing the best possible legal representation and will fight to ensure that our clients recover the full amount of compensation they are entitled to receive. Contact us today at 312-638-2407 to set up an appointment.

Definition Of Paraplegia

Paraplegia is a spinal cord injury that prevents movement and sensation in the legs, lower stomach region and/or lower back region. Paraplegics retain use and feeling in their upper body despite the paralysis in their lower body. Although trauma, such as violence and car accidents, is among the most common causes of paraplegia, this condition can be caused by genetic factors, spinal tumors and other medical complications.

Because paraplegics can’t feel or control their lower bodies, they are also likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction and bowel/bladder control issues, particularly if the spinal cord is completely cut (rather than partially intact).

Spinal Stenosis Paraplegia

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which aging causes the spinal canal (the tunnel running behind the spine that contains nerves that link to every part of the body) to narrow and degenerate. Typically affecting the elderly, spinal stenosis can cause the feeling of heaviness, weakness and pain with prolonged standing or walking. Over time, spinal stenosis patients will need to take more breaks and rest their legs while walking. Eventually, they can completely lose their ability to walk.

Spinal stenosis is incurable, and, as a result, associated treatments are aimed at minimizing symptoms and improving an individual’s ability to walk. Surgery, physical therapy and medications are among the treatments for paraplegia.

Accidents Resulting In Paraplegia

Several causes can lead to paraplegia. In cases where an accident resulted in the injury, patients will likely have a legal claim allowing them to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. Such accidents may include:

  • Sports-related accidents
  • Construction site accidents
  • Auto accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle crashes
  • Airplane crashes
  • Falls
  • Medical mistakes

When an accident occurs, it is the trauma that can result in paraplegia. If you’ve suffered an injury that resulted in paraplegia, we are committed to fighting aggressively on your behalf to ensure that you recover the compensation you need and deserve.

In addition to the physical pain and life-long challenges you will face, you will be impacted by a maze of treatment costs that will add up quickly. We will make sure that you recover enough compensation to pay for the treatments and supportive measures you will need, including surgery, medication, a wheelchair and more.

Get The Legal Help You Need Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal cord injury that resulted in paraplegia, contact Pfaff, Gill & Ports, Ltd., for help today. Our leading Illinois personal injury law firm is dedicated to helping injured victims and their families get the help they need.

Call us at 312-638-2407 or reach out online today for a free evaluation of your potential case.