Fighting for Just Compensation for Quadriplegia Victims
Life is full of risks, and just about everyone will experience minor accidents or injuries at some point in life. However, some of those injuries will be more severe, and even life changing. Classified as traumatic injuries, these are often the result of a brain injury or a spinal cord injury, and will result in physical, emotional, and financial damages. One possible effect of a spinal cord injury is quadriplegia. Quadriplegia is a life-altering condition that will affect every aspect of a person’s life, as well as those of their loved ones. While quadriplegia may be the result of a faultless accident, there are many times when this condition occurs due to the reckless or negligent actions of another. In these cases, it is important to seek legal representation to ensure that the victim’s rights are protected and that just financial compensation can be provided for the damages suffered. Injury attorney Sean M. Burke has represented numerous quadriplegia lawsuits in the Orange County, CA area and is happy to help clients determine their best course of action following such an injury.
Effects of Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is a serious condition that may be experienced following a traumatic spinal cord injury, specifically one that occurs in the cervical region of the spine (the area that comprises the vertebrae of the neck). This condition results in a significant (or even total) loss of sensation and movement in the body and limbs. Quadriplegia can be classified into two categories. The first, and most severe, form of quadriplegia is known as a C1-C3 injury. This injury affects the top-most vertebrae and will result in the victim losing complete control of the body below the neck. This includes a loss of control over breathing. In addition to other medical care, these victims will require a ventilator for the rest of their lives. The second classification of quadriplegia is known as a C4-C7 spinal injury. Depending on the nature of this injury, these victims may also require a ventilator, but may retain some limited control of the upper body.
Whatever classification of quadriplegia is suffered, the consequences will be severe. These injury victims will be bound to a wheelchair for life, will require lifelong medical care and a permanent caregiver at home, and will likely lose their ability to work as a result of their lack of mobility and functions. These life-altering changes are also likely to affect a person emotionally, and it is not uncommon for these victims to suffer from depression following their injury.
Causes of Quadriplegia
Any severe spinal cord injury has the potential to result in quadriplegia. While there are a wide variety of accidents that could result in such an injury, below are some of the most common causes of quadriplegia:
- Auto or motorcycle accident
- Workplace injury
- Assault
- Medical error/medical malpractice
- Sports injury
- Major fall
When to File a Lawsuit
If quadriplegia develops following an injury that is the direct result of another person’s negligent or reckless behavior, then victims should seek legal representation. Quadriplegia is a condition that will change a person’s life, alter the lives of loved ones, cause emotional damage, and result in significant financial expenses. Through a quadriplegia lawsuit, attorney Sean M. Burke can establish liability and fight for compensation for damages such as the cost of medical bills and ongoing medical care, the loss of future wages, and emotional pain and suffering. We will fight to help victims get the compensation they deserve, and that which will allow them to move forward in their new reality of life.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one is dealing with the life-altering effects of quadriplegia following a spinal cord injury, you owe it to yourself to learn about your legal options. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case and find out how attorney Sean M. Burke can help you in the fight for just compensation.
