November 23, 2024

Phoenix Paralysis Lawyer

If you have been paralyzed as a result of another person’s negligent conduct, we truly empathize with you during this emotional and traumatic time. Your life and way of living have been detrimentally impacted in ways we can only imagine. Our attorneys understand that you now have to deal with:

Lack of mobility
Numerous physical therapy sessions
Extensive medical bills
Current/future unemployment issues

As such, we will fight for you in order that you receive your deserved compensation for your injury.

What is Quadriplegia and Paraplegia?

Paralysis is a large umbrella term that is used to describe the partial or complete loss of control of voluntary muscle movement due to an injury or disease. Two main types of paralysis are quadriplegia and paraplegia. Quadriplegia is paralysis from approximately the shoulders down; on the other hand, paraplegia is paralysis from the lower limbs, depending on the level of the spinal cord injury.

The following are the symptoms of quadriplegia and paraplegia:

Quadriplegia Symptoms:

Loss of voluntary muscle control in all four limbs (upper and lower)
Loss of sensation in all four limbs
Torso impairment
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Loss or impairment of consortium
Loss or impaired digestion and breathing

Paraplegia Symptoms:

Loss of voluntary muscle control in the two lower limbs
Loss of sensation in the lower two limbs
Tingling in the legs, feet, and toes
Sexual dysfunction
Loss of bowel and bladder control
Trunk is affected depending on the injury level

Impact on Daily Life

The following are spinal nerve injury levels associated with the degree of paralysis:

C1-C3: No function below head; ventilator is required to live; quadriplegic
C4-C5: Respiration occurs; quadriplegic
C6-C8: Loss of some degree of upper limb function; may be able to self-feed and self-propel wheelchair
T1-T9: Degree of trunk function control correlates with height of lesion; paraplegic
T10-L1: Some muscle function in the thighs; may be able to use long leg braces to walk
L2-L3: Has most of leg muscle function; may be able to use short leg braces to walk

Common Causes of Quadriplegia and Paraplegia

The following are some of the causative factors of paralysis:

Neck Fracture
Stroke
Spinal cord injury
Infection
Congenital disorder
Genetic disorder
Tumors

Treatment

In the early stages, initial treatment will be to help you maintain the ability to breathe, to immobilize your neck, and to keep you from entering shock. Metal braces may be used to stabilize your neck, and medications may be given for pain and inflammation. Most likely, surgery will be necessary in order to remove bone fragments, foreign objects, herniated discs, or fractured vertebrae that appear to be compressing your spine.

Once your injury stabilizes, physicians will focus their attention on preventing secondary problems such as:

Muscle contractures
Pressure ulcers
Blood clots
Bladder and bowel concerns
Respiratory infections

Rehabilitation will be paramount in making the best recovery possible. Whether you have paraplegia or quadriplegia, you will need to work extensively with physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physicians, and other members of different rehabilitation teams. Therapists will emphasize maintaining and strengthening existing muscle functions, redeveloping fine motor skills, and learning adaptive techniques to accomplish daily tasks. You will also work on rebuilding the quality of your life.

Contact Us

If you or a family member has been the victim of an accident leading to paralysis, please contact our experienced attorneys for a free, personal, and confidential consultation. You can contact the Law Offices of Michael Cordova by calling us at (602) 265-6700, by filling out our confidential Case Evaluation Form, or by using our online chat services.