Spinal Cord Nerve Injury
San Francisco Bay Area · Los Angeles · San Diego
Paraplegia describes complete paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs. It results from a level of injury occurring below the first thoracic spinal nerve or from vertebrae T2-S5 (thoracic to sacral). The affected body parts may include the chest, stomach, hips, legs, and feet, but individuals with paraplegia will have full use of their arms and hands.
- Complete T2-T10 injuries: Absent other complications, victims retain sensation and function in their arms and hands. Some can achieve functional independence at the wheelchair level and be able to drive independently using a car adapted with hand controls. Individuals may be able to stand using bilateral knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) and a walker or crutches. Standing and walking, even if possible, will require extreme energy expenditures.
- Complete T12-L1 injuries: Increased upper-body balance and strength. Usually only partial paralysis of lower body and legs.
- Complete L2-S5 injuries: Upper body control and balance may be complete. Some hip, knee and foot motor function is retained, depending on level and severity of injury.
Over the last 40 years, the California spinal cord nerve injury attorneys of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger have represented a host of patients who have sustained paraplegia as a result of car accidents, falls, bicycle accidents, motorcycle collisions, neurosurgical errors, and construction site disasters. We have successfully helped paraplegic clients return to normal and productive lives by crafting settlements that take into account their loss of earning capacity and their needs for attendant care, nursing care, drugs, medications and supplies including bowel and bladder supplies and equipment to minimize or avoid pressure sores.
Only experienced personal injury attorneys should handle catastrophic injury cases. Cases involving paraplegia are complex and involve questions of past and future medical care, wage loss, and loss of earning capacity. The catastrophic injury specialist at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger are aware of the needs of paralyzed clients, and make certain that settlements or verdicts take into account vocational, financial and medical needs of the client now, and in the future.
If you, or someone you know has sustained paralyzing injury as the result of a product defect, auto accident, medical error or neglect of another, contact us at 888.732.8897.
