Defined as paralysis that only affects the lower half of the body, paraplegia is one of the most devastating conditions that you can develop after a serious accident. Marked by a loss of feeling and motor control in both legs, paraplegia is often caused by a spinal cord injury – and depending on the extent of the damage, the paralysis may render you unable to go about your daily life without assistance.
At Cullan & Cullan, our Omaha paraplegia injury lawyers have a deep understanding of all the factors that can result in a paraplegia diagnosis, as well as all the challenges that injury victims may face. Because every member of our team is a trained medical doctor as well as an experienced personal injury attorney, we have the knowledge and the skills to litigate even the most complex paraplegia claims and advocate for fair compensation.
If you’ve been paralyzed, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call our Omaha attorneys today at (402) 397-7600 to get started with a claim.
Common Causes of Paraplegia
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, more than 5 million people in the U.S. live with a paralyzing injury, including both partial and full-body paralysis cases. Although strokes are currently the top cause of paraplegia, the next most common cause is a traumatic blow to the lower body or spinal column, especially from falls or car accidents. There are also multiple conditions and disorders that can result in paraplegia, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), spina bifida, and cerebral palsy.
The following accidents can easily result in spinal cord injuries and paraplegia:
Because the spinal cord allows us to control our limbs, any damage to this body part has the potential to result in paralysis, whether temporary or permanent. Physicians categorize spinal cord damage as either “incomplete” or “complete,” with the former allowing for some limited motor and sensory function. Although people with incomplete spinal cord injuries may be able to recover a percentage of their functioning with time and proper treatment, those who are diagnosed with complete spinal cord injuries will likely be paralyzed for life.
The extent of the paralysis also depends on which section of the spinal cord was damaged. Damage to the lower portion of the spine can result in paraplegia, whereas damage at the brain stem and upper portion of the spine can result in quadriplegia or full-body paralysis. In addition to paralysis, paraplegia victims may also experience additional symptoms related to their spinal cord injuries, such as muscle atrophy and an increased risk of infections.
Pursuing Compensation for Paraplegia After an Accident
From immediate medical expenses to long-term care needs, you will most likely be facing enormous costs in the wake of a paraplegia diagnosis. Because these injuries are so serious and life-altering, it’s important to retain experienced counsel so that you can maximize your recovery on a claim.
Some of the most common ongoing needs for paralysis patients include:
Specialist visits
Physical therapy
Long-term hospitalization
Specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs and ramps
Long-term care assistance
Accessible living arrangements
Home remodeling costs
As medical doctors, our experienced lawyers at Cullan & Cullan possess the knowledge and resources to pursue full compensation in a complex paraplegia injury case. In the past, we have represented clients with varying degrees of paralysis and secured positive settlements and verdicts on their behalf. With over $350 million won for our clients throughout Omaha, we’re ready to help you start to heal after a tragic accident.
"For anybody who's been in an accident and suffered a catastrophic injury, Dr. Sam is the best person you could possibly call to help. Not only is he someone who is knowledgeable and very friendly, he's also a humble person - someone who will hold your hand and guide you through the process as he did with me."
