Paraplegia is the loss of feeling and function in the lower extremities. Paralysis occurring from the waist down can be caused by injury to the mid or lower spine, traumatic brain injury and other non-traumatic or disease-related causes like stroke and complications in childbirth. Paraplegia is known as a variable condition, which means symptoms, treatment and prognosis will be different for every patient. Factors like the type and severity of the paraplegia injury contribute to the degree of functionality and level of feeling below the waist for each individual. Intensive treatment immediately after your diagnosis of paraplegia is of the utmost importance to give you the best chance for recovery.
Comparative fault laws in California for catastrophic injury can be difficult to navigate if you are dealing with recovery and physical therapy for a paraplegia injury, not to mention medical expenses and your insurance company’s limitations. You need to know your legal options and what you need to do to protect yourself and your family financially. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney will provide you with the legal support you deserve and be your advocate to recover the maximum compensation for your paraplegia injury and the significant life-changing limitations that can result from a functional disability.
Understanding Paraplegia
Weakened or nonexistent signals from the brain to the lower body and from the body to the brain caused by traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis. These incomplete signals often cause the debilitating loss of feeling and movement in the legs and/or lower torso. The leading cause of paralysis including paraplegia injury is caused by spinal cord injuries that occur at a rate of over 2,500 new cases every year in the US. There are several medical complications that can occur from the loss of feeling and function in the lower extremities including:
- Bladder Incontinence
- Bowel Incontinence
- Sexual Function
- Circulation Disorders
- Chronic Nerve Pain
- Thrombosis
- Depression
- Respiratory Complications
- Loss of Muscle Tone
- Autonomic Dysreflexia
Prevention, early detection, and intervention of these potential complications will ensure the best results from medical treatment and therapy. Although there is still many doctors do not know about paraplegia, proper medical care and rehabilitation can greatly improve mobility and a patient’s overall prognosis in many cases.
Paraplegia Injury Treatment Options
Medical advances in treatment and rehabilitation may provide a paraplegic with an improved prognosis like reduced or reversing symptoms and a slowing of the progression of paraplegia. Motivation and a willingness to work hard in rehabilitation for re-education to perform everyday physical activities is essential and can be encouraged by support groups, counseling, and supportive friends and family. The path to finding the right methods to manage symptoms will be an ongoing process of learning to live with paraplegia. Here are some treatment options to discuss with your doctors for the treatment of paraplegia injury:
- Surgery – Surgical options address swelling, lesion removal or spinal cord alignment and are usually the first step in treatment.
- Medication – Your doctor may prescribe post-surgical medication to help with pain and reduce the risk of blood clots and infection.
- Physical Therapy – Therapy sessions will be directed toward re-teaching your body to work around the disabilities, slow the loss of muscle tone and reduce chronic pain.
- Seek Support – There are many support groups, advocacy programs and occupational training programs that offer valuable resources for paraplegics and their families.
Contact an Experienced Paraplegia Injury Attorney
Representation by a qualified, experienced catastrophic injury attorney will help ensure you have an advocate on your side to stand up for your legal rights and make certain you receive the best medical care available and are awarded the maximum compensation possible for medical bills including future medical needs, compensation for pain and suffering and loss of income and future income. Johnson Attorneys Group has won thousands of cases in California the best resources available to win or successfully settle your case. Call us today at 1-800-208-3538 for your complimentary, free case review.
