Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, is a life-changing condition caused by damage to the spinal cord. This type of paralysis affects both arms and both legs, and it can often impact bodily functions like bladder control, breathing, and even the ability to speak.
The severity of it depends on where the spinal injury happened. Generally, the higher the injury, the more extensive the paralysis. For those living with quadriplegia, daily life can suddenly look very different. They often need help with what used to be simple tasks, including using a phone, eating, and getting dressed.
Many people also need full-time caregivers or advanced medical equipment just to do basic activities. The emotional and financial toll of these injuries can be immense, which makes legal action an important step when negligence is to blame.
Common Causes of Quadriplegia
A spinal injury that leads to quadriplegia can happen in the blink of an eye. Many of these injuries occur because of accidents that didn’t have to happen. In Chicago, these incidents often fall into certain categories.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. High-speed collisions, especially side impacts and rollovers, can cause major trauma to the neck and back. Motorcycle accidents can be even more dangerous because riders have much less protection from the impact.
Falls
A fall from a significant height can mean a major risk of damage to the spine. These often happen at construction sites but can occur anywhere and at any time. Even a slip and fall on a wet floor can lead to a devastating outcome.
Acts of Violence
Gunshot wounds and physical assaults can lead to spinal damage severe enough to cause quadriplegia. They usually happen during violent crimes and leave victims permanently disabled and emotionally scarred.
Medical Malpractice
Surgical mistakes, misdiagnosed spinal conditions, and birth injuries can all lead to severe paralysis. A slip-up by a doctor can have lifelong consequences for the patient, and the emotional damage can extend to the patient’s friends and family as well.
The Financial and Emotional Cost of Quadriplegia
The financial burden that comes with a quadriplegia diagnosis can be staggering. Medical bills quickly pile up, and many people need specialized equipment like wheelchairs, ventilators, and changes to their homes and vehicles — all of which come at a steep price. Many victims will need ongoing care for the rest of their lives.
The emotional toll can be just as heavy. When a person loses their mobility and independence, they could face anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a lot of frustration. Their relationships can suffer, their careers often come to an end, and they and their families have to figure out how to adjust to a completely new way of life.
For many victims, securing financial compensation through legal action is the only way to afford the care they need. When someone’s negligence causes an accident that leads to quadriplegia, it’s important to hold them accountable for their actions.
Legal Options for Quadriplegia Victims in Chicago
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury because of another person’s negligent behavior, you have legal options. Illinois law allows victims to pursue compensation for their financial losses, including hospital bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
This process typically starts with determining which type of law your case falls under.
Personal Injury
A personal injury claim is one of the most common ways to handle a spinal injury. To win a case, you have to be able to prove that someone’s negligence caused the accident and directly contributed to your injury. As an example, a drunk driver can be held legally responsible if they hit another car and caused injuries to the car’s occupants.
Medical Malpractice
If a healthcare provider’s mistake led to quadriplegia, you might have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. These cases can get extremely complicated, and they need expert testimony to show that the doctor’s negligence led to the injury.
Workers’ Compensation
For injuries that happen on the job, you may be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits. However, this might not cover all of your costs, so keep in mind that other legal options can be used alongside workers’ comp to improve compensation values.
Wrongful Death
In tragic cases where quadriplegia leads to a person’s death, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party. Doing so can offer some financial relief for the surviving family members who are left to deal with funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve in Chicago
If you’ve suffered a spinal injury that’s led to quadriplegia, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our seasoned team has extensive trial experience and can take on even the most complex of catastrophic injury cases.
Contact us today at (312) 726-1616 to schedule a free evaluation of your case by a Chicago personal injury lawyer and find out what we can do for you.
