New York Quadriplegia Injury

Quadriplegia is caused by a spinal cord injury, where the victim suffers from paralysis of the lower limbs, upper limbs and some or all the torso. This condition is caused by an injury of the spinal cord in the upper neck or upper back, called the cervical area. It is the most severe spinal injury, and can be fatal depending on the extent of the nerve damage. This catastrophic injury can result from a car accident, a fall from scaffolding or other construction accident or motorcycle accident, for example. If you or a loved one has suffered an accident due to the negligence of another and has resulted in quadriplegia, it is extremely important to speak with a New York quadriplegia lawyer from Stephen Bilkis and Associates for guidance.

Statistics report that there are over 200,000 people living with spinal cord injuries in the U.S., and approximately one half of these people are suffering from quadriplegia. This condition is the most serious because it can impair breathing and blood pressure, and at times can be fatal.

Quadriplegia can be considered partial or complete. Complete quadriplegia is the complete loss of feeling from the neck down, and accounts for 36% of the people currently suffering with this condition. Partial quadriplegia involves only a partial loss of feeling, and accounts for 64% of those currently suffering with this condition. In either event, the victim will require extensive rehabilitation, wheelchairs or other special equipment, and possibly around the clock life support.

When the spinal cord is injured in an accident, damage can result from jolting, compressing or severing the spinal cord or the nerves surrounding it. Most often a spinal cord injury causes paralysis. Paralysis is the loss of feeling or motor control in part of the body. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can be temporary or permanent. Spinal injuries that are from a severe jolt or compression have the best chance of recovery. Whether the injury is temporary or permanent, it is important to consult with our legal team as soon as you can.

The spinal cord is thought of as being divided into four areas, the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and the sacral areas. Generally speaking, the higher the injury on the spine, the more severe the paralysis. The lower the injury, the more likely just the legs or lower portions of the body will be affected.

Common causes of quadriplegia include:

• Auto accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Construction accidents
• Falls
• SUV rollover accidents
• Sporting accidents
• Dangerous tools or machinery
• Defective products

Statistics show that automobile accidents account for 55% of these injuries. A serious car accident can be the result of the negligence of another, or can be caused due to a design defect with the automobile itself. Weak roofs of vehicles that are crushed during an accident often cause a these injuries, as roofs are not only to support the vehicle, but also protect the passengers. Cars that have a high turnover likelihood are SUVs. In fact, an SUV is up to 16 times more likely to roll in an accident than other passenger cars.

If you have been hurt in an accident, it is important to speak with our legal team as soon as you can. You deserve to be compensated for your devastating loss, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income. If you have been the victim of an SUV Accident, slip and fall, or motorcycle accident, contact us. We will provide you with advice and legal guidance during this difficult time. Your case consultation is completely free. Call us today for an appointment at 800.696.9529. We have offices to serve you in New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We also have offices in Suffolk County, Nassau County on Long Island and Westchester County.