A spinal cord injury that results in paraplegia can be life-altering. Knowing your legal rights and options if you or a loved one suffers this type of injury in South Carolina is important. This article will provide an overview of paraplegia causes, the impact on daily living, and steps to take to protect your rights after an incident leading to paraplegia.
What is Paraplegia?
Paraplegia is paralysis of the legs and lower body. It is caused by damage to the sacral, lumbar, or thoracic sections of the spinal cord. This spinal cord damage results in loss of sensory function and motor control of the lower extremities.
Causes of Paraplegia
There are several potential causes of paraplegia including:
- Traumatic spinal cord injury – A sudden traumatic blow to the spine can crush, dislocate, fracture or compress the vertebrae and damage the spinal cord. Motor vehicle accidents, falls, violence, and sports injuries are common causes.
- Non-traumatic spinal cord injury – Loss of blood flow, inflammation, tumors or infection can result in paraplegia without direct trauma to the spine. Conditions like arthritis, blood clots, multiple sclerosis or transverse myelitis may also lead to paraplegia.
- Congenital conditions – Some people are born with abnormalities of the spinal cord or vertebrae that cause paraplegia from birth. Spina bifida is one example.
Effects of Paraplegia
Paraplegia affects motor function and sensation in the legs, pelvic organs and parts of the torso. Effects may include:
- Leg and foot paralysis
- Loss of reflexes in the knees and ankles
- Inability to control the bladder and bowels
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of sensation in the legs and lower body
- Increased risk of pressure sores
- Circulatory issues like blood clots
- Chronic pain or spasticity
- Depression and emotional impacts
Rehabilitation is crucial after a spinal cord injury to help the individual adapt and regain function. Assistive devices like wheelchairs, leg braces, grab bars and catheters can aid in mobility and daily tasks. Ongoing medical care helps manage secondary complications of paraplegia.
Legal Action After Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injury
If paraplegia occurs due to another party’s negligence, victims have legal rights to seek compensation in South Carolina. A personal injury lawyer can advise on the best legal course based on how the injury occurred.
Vehicle Accidents
Car, motorcycle and trucking accidents are a common cause of spinal cord trauma leading to paraplegia. Victims may have a case if another driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or violating other traffic laws. Victims can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance for damages.
Premises Liability
Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions. If poor maintenance like uneven stairs, lack of wheelchair ramps, or slippery floors results in a fall causing paraplegia, the property owner may be liable.
Medical Malpractice
Doctors are expected to adhere to professional standards of care. If paraplegia is caused by surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or negligent aftercare, the victim may have grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.
Workplace Injuries
Employers must ensure proper safety regulations and training are in place. If a spinal cord injury happens because of unsafe working conditions, equipment defects, or lack of protective gear, workers’ compensation and personal injury claims may be warranted.
Nursing Home Abuse
Vulnerable patients in nursing homes or assisted living facilities deserve attentive care. If paraplegia results from abuse, bedsores, restraint injuries or neglect, legal action can be taken against the facility.
Dangerous Products
When a defective product leads to spinal cord trauma and paraplegia, the manufacturer may be held liable. Examples could include faulty auto parts, toys with choking hazards, or dangerous playground equipment.
Next Steps After a Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injury
Seek immediate medical treatment – Prompt emergency care is crucial to stabilize the spine after trauma and minimize lasting effects. Provide details about how the injury occurred.
Document evidence – Take photos of any accident scenes, unsafe property conditions, product defects, etc. Obtain police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Consult a personal injury attorney – An experienced lawyer can investigate fault, assess if you have a viable case, determine the liable parties, and pursue compensation via settlement or trial. They will handle tricky legal procedures while you focus on recovery.
Consider types of damages to claim – Quantifiable economic damages like medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and medication are often awarded. Harder to quantify non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life may also be sought. An attorney can give a realistic estimate of potential compensation.
Call Monge & Associates Now for a Free Consultation
The personal injury attorneys at Monge & Associates have years of experience assisting spinal cord injury victims recover compensation in South Carolina. With 32 offices in 19 states, including South Carolina, Utah, and Washington, if you or someone you love has suffered paraplegia, call (888) 477-0597 now for experienced legal representation. Our consultations are always free, and we don’t collect fees unless we successfully win or settle your case. Don’t wait to get the personalized legal help you deserve.