What is Paraplegia? Trucking Wreck Lawyers in Albuquerque, NM Explain
There are many different types of spinal cord injuries. All can be very serious and result in catastrophic personal injuries including disability. The extent and level of the disability depends on the type of spinal cord injury. But one thing that remains the same is that a spinal cord injury causing paraplegia is usually cased by a motor vehicle accident. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center (NSCISC), motor vehicle accidents like a truck wreck result in almost 39% of all spinal cord injuries, or SCI. This is more than any other cause of injury.
Of these types of SCI, the NSCISC reports that paraplegia accounts for almost 40% of all cases. The The other remaining 59% are due caused by quadriplegia and about 1% is an injury that results in normal functioning. Indeed, our experienced trucking wreck lawyers in Albuquerque, NM know how devastating paraplegia is for individuals and their family. This is especially when it is caused by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company. Because most instances of negligence mean that the damages could have been prevented or avoidable.
What is Paraplegia?
There are various forms of paralysis that an individual could sustain after a motor vehicle crash like a box truck collision. The type depends on the location of the injury to the nerves. With most paralysis, the injuries are to the nerves in the spinal cord. The injuries could be to large bundles of nerves in other parts of the body like the brachial plexus too. But the spinal cord is most common for a paralysis injury.
Paraplegia is when there is a SCI lower on the spinal column usually in the mid or lower back. The damage affects the sensation and motor functioning of the lower torso and lower extremities. This means that a person’s ability to walk, run, or move his or her legs could be compromised. It also means that a victim could have other reproductive or urinary, bowel, or other related functional issues.
Types of Paraplegia
There are two general types of paraplegia that could be caused by a trucking wreck. The first is called incomplete paraplegia. This is when the spinal cord suffers injury or damage from a trucking wreck, but the spinal cord is not severed or damaged completely. As a result, there is still some sensation and functioning.
The second type is called complete paraplegia. This is when the spinal cord suffers injury or damage from a big rig crash that completely severs and damages the spinal cord in a way that signals can no longer be sent from the brain to the rest of the body below the injury. This is very serious and often leaves a victim completely paralyzed.
Lifetime Costs of Paraplegia
The NSCISC provides the lifetime costs of paraplegia and it is shocking. The first year of paraplegia generally costs a victim over $560,000 and each subsequent year is approximately $75,000. Thus, the average lifetime costs for a 25 year old is about $2.5 million, and a 50 year old is about $1.6 million.
These are staggering costs, especially when you consider the fact that the SCI was caused by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company.
Were You Diagnosed with Paraplegia? Call Our Law Firm for Help
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with paraplegia after a trucking wreck, call our trucking accident lawyers in Albuquerque, NM for help with your case. At the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., we have dedicated our firm to helping injury victims who have been catastrophically harmed due to the negligence of another. We work hard to protect the rights of victims through New Mexico, and we fight back against some of the largest insurance companies and trucking companies in the United States.
Learn more how we can help you today during a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 273-2978. We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 273-2978 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
