Quadriplegia and Paraplegia From Motorcycle Accidents
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New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Quadriplegia and Paraplegia Injury Lawyer
Spinal injuries often result in debilitating injuries, as the spine and the neck are vital to how the body functions. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and you suspect you may have injured your spine, get medical care as soon as possible. It is also prudent to speak to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to protect your rights.
Spinal injuries can result if the motorcyclist is thrown from the motorcycle and hits another vehicle, a fixed object or is run over by another vehicle. The stress applied to the spinal column and neck typically ends badly for the biker.
A motorcyclist may experience the following types of injuries after being involved in a motorcycle crash.
• Back, neck, shoulder pain
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Severe leg pain
• Severe arm pain
• Numb feet, arms, legs, hands
• Cervical stenosis (neck)
• Lumbar stenosis (lower back)
• Bruising, swelling, inflammation of the neck or back
• Back of the neck burning sensation
• Weak muscles
• Temporary inability to move
• Permanent paraplegia or quadriplegia (tetraplegia)
• Vertigo
• Migraines
• Headaches
• Herniated discs
• Fractured bones
• Knee, hip and ankle injuries
• Severe Road Rash
• Lacerations
• Shoulder injuries
Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are not always apparent and may manifest over time. The higher up the spinal column the injury is, the more damage is caused. Every spinal cord injury in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is categorized as complete or incomplete.
Incomplete injuries mean some communication is happening between the nerves and the brain. Complete injuries mean the survivor cannot feel anything below the injury site. Surgery may help, but that is not always the case. Each injured motorcyclist heals at their own pace. In some cases, spinal cord injury patients can return to a mostly normal life by using various life-coping medical equipment, such as epidural stimulation, electrical stimulation and rehabilitation.
Spine Injury Locations and Outcomes
Injuries higher up the spine, including the C1-C4 vertebrae, are the most severe. The survivor needs 24/7 care; they may be quadriplegic or tetraplegic, need help breathing, cannot talk or cough, or control bodily functions.
Lower injuries, the C5-C8 vertebrae may affect the nervous system controlling the arms and hands. There may be partial paralysis or complete paralysis in the torso, limbs or hands. It requires considerable effort to breathe and talk, and there is little or no bowel or bladder control.
In the T1-T5 area, thoracic injuries affect muscles in the middle of the back, abdominal area and upper neck. This may result in permanent paraplegia.
Thoracic injuries in the T6-T12 area usually cause paraplegia of the lower body. Bladder and bowel control are not consistent, or there is no control.
Lumbar injuries in the L1-L5 area mean lower limbs do not function well. There is no bladder or bowel control.
Sacral injuries in the S1-S5 area may mean the survivor can walk, but the injuries impair the functioning of the lower limbs. There is no bowel or bladder control.
Quadriplegia and Paraplegia Affects a Survivor’s Life Permanently
Paralyzed motorcycle accident survivors deal with many people while they are trying to move forward with their lives. A Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Motorcycle Accident Attorney may consult with life care planners to evaluate ongoing medical needs, such as testing, rehabilitation, medication, psychological assessment and counseling.
They consider the cost of medical devices to assist a survivor to live as normally as possible, adjusting the survivor’s home to adapt to the equipment needed to live normally, institutional care, adjusting transportation, medical and personal in-home care. A financial planner can determine lost income for a motorcycle accident survivor who may deal with chronic pain daily, determines lost fringe benefits and wages. Once the economic losses are calculated, it assists a motorcycle accident lawyer in seeking compensation for the survivor.
Contact the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle accident and were diagnosed as a paraplegic or quadriplegic, call the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm immediately. Our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you recover from your accident. We make sure you are informed so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. Also, if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, and want to file a wrongful death claim, contact one of our dedicated New Jersey personal injury attorneys to discuss your rights. Our attorneys provide compassionate, zealous advocacy on behalf of aggrieved families across New Jersey and hold all responsible parties fully accountable.
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys have counseled and represented motorcycle accident clients for over 35 years and have significant experience obtaining maximum financial compensation. Our firm can help you recover the damages you need to get your life back on track after suffering a serious motorcycle accident injury.
Contact us for a free, confidential consultation today at (973) 920-7900. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is no risk in calling because we never charge a fee unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.
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Being injured or having a family member injured can have serious and lifelong consequences. We can try to ease the burden. Contact us today to learn more about how our team of experienced New Jersey accident attorneys can support you through these challenging times.