Victorville Quadriplegia Injury Lawyer

When people think of their worst-case scenarios after an accident, quadriplegia is often at the top of the list. This type of paralysis, which impacts the entire body, does more than rob someone of the ability to move. It also robs them of their independence, their ability to support themselves, and more. It changes family relationships, romantic relationships, and a person’s ability to participate in their regular life. No wonder so many victims experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and may even develop secondary addictions.

Quadriplegia leads to physical, emotional, and mental challenges, regardless of its cause. When someone else’s negligence is to blame, the impact can be even more devastating. You may feel rage and a sense of injustice related to the injuries, whether you or your loved one is the one suffering. A Victorville quadriplegia injury lawyer at Walter Clark Legal Group may be able to help you hold the responsible parties liable.

What Is Quadriplegia?

Quadriplegia—also known as tetraplegia—describes paralysis in all of a person’s limbs and the body from the neck down. While quadriplegia is relatively rare, it is the most common symptom of traumatic spinal cord injuries. Some medical conditions can also lead to quadriplegia. If a medical condition is responsible, it could be treatable. However, when an injury leads to quadriplegia, the injuries are usually permanent.  

Quadriplegia can be incomplete or complete, flaccid or spastic. Incomplete quadriplegia indicates that a person may have some movement or sensation. They may also be able to control their bowels and bladder and retain some sexual functioning.

In cases of complete quadriplegia, signals between the brain and the body are entirely blocked. This results in a total loss of muscle control and sensation. Additionally, the brain loses its ability to regulate automatic functions, which encompass not only bowel and bladder control, but can also affect breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and the regulation of body temperature.

Flaccid quadriplegia means that the muscles are flaccid or limp. They do not work at all and are at risk of atrophying. Spastic quadriplegia means that the muscles continue to work even though they are not within the victim’s control. These spastic muscles often contract uncontrollably, which can lead to pain in people with incomplete quadriplegia.

The location of a spinal cord injury impacts the extent and location of the paralysis. For quadriplegia, the location of the injury is between C1 and C8—locations in the neck. Injuries between C1 and C2 often lead to death without immediate care, and victims may require breathing support. If the injury is between C3 and C4, the victim may be able to breathe on their own but will still have problems with coughing. If the injury is between C4 and C8, the victim’s brain may have greater control over the autonomous processes, and the levels of paralysis in the arms and hands may vary.

A Victorville injury lawyer must understand quadriplegia to represent a victim with those injuries. The lifelong effects of these injuries are so extensive that it is vital that an attorney fully understands that impact.

What Leads to Tetraplegia?

Traumatic spinal cord injuries are the leading cause of quadriplegia. They can happen in a variety of circumstances, but the most common causes include:

• Fall accidents
• Motor vehicle crashes
• Violence
• Sports-related injuries

Medical malpractice can also lead to conditions that cause quadriplegia. They may include birth conditions leading to cerebral palsy, surgical errors, and more. Additionally, after a trauma or injury, medical care may help keep someone from becoming quadriplegic. First responders use immobilizing backboards, collars, and braces to help reduce further injuries. Doctors may perform surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or fuse vertebrae to keep them from damaging the spinal cord. A Victorville quadriplegia injury attorney will examine the source of the injury to determine if someone else’s negligence led to the damages.

Meet With a Victorville Quadriplegia Injury Attorney

If you have quadriplegia because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to have the wrongdoers pay for your injuries. You will face lifelong medical expenses, suffering, emotional trauma, and more. Schedule a consultation with a compassionate Victorville quadriplegia injury lawyer to explore your potential rights and remedies after suffering one of these devastating injuries. Our team at Walter Clark Legal Group is here for you.