Nearly 120,000 Americans are quadriplegic. About 11,000 new quadriplegia cases arise each year, and in most cases, the injured parties are males between the ages of 16 and 30. According to the University of Alabama National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, those who become quadriplegic at 25 will spend, on average, more than $425,000 in treatment costs over their lifetime.
Given such costs, along with the significant lifestyle change associated with quadriplegia, victims will likely be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses if another party’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness played a role in causing the injury. Although the amount of a quadriplegia settlement will depend on the nature and severity of the injury, generally, victims can recover compensation for their medical bills, permanent disabilities, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
We Can Help You Get What You Need To Manage Life Moving Forward
The experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Gill Ports Hoste LLC are dedicated to aggressively representing individuals and families affected by quadriplegia and other catastrophic injuries. We are committed to working hard to help you move through the legal process as efficiently and favorably as possible.
For nearly two decades, our quadriplegia injury attorney team in Chicago has consistently sought compensation for injured clients so they can pursue the treatments they need and move on with their lives. To discuss the circumstances of your specific case, contact our law offices today at (312) 372-8893.
Quadriplegia Definition
Also referred to as tetraplegia, quadriplegia is irreversible paralysis that can partially or entirely prevent a person from being able to use, control, and feel their limbs and torso. Quadriplegia is a severe spinal cord injury that occurs when the brain or the upper spinal cord (between vertebrae C1 and C8) is damaged. When the injury occurs between the C1 and C4 vertebrae, the case of quadriplegia will affect the arms and fingers more so than an injury between C5 and C8.
Leading Causes Of Quadriplegia
Any type of trauma can cause quadriplegia. Statistically, the most common causes of quadriplegia include:
- Motor vehicle accidents — 37 percent
- Falls — 21 percent
- Violence/assault — 28 percent
- Sports accidents — 6 percent (66 percent of sports accidents that result in quadriplegia are diving accidents)
- Other — 8 percent
Violence is the most rapidly increasing cause of quadriplegia. The number of incidences of quadriplegia resulting from car accidents has decreased due to improved vehicle safety.
Spastic Quadriplegia
Also referred to as spastic cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia is a condition in which the inability to move and feel the muscles is accompanied by severe muscle stiffness and uncontrollable shaking. Muscle spasticity can also affect a patient’s face, causing him/her to drool, grimace, and/or constantly twitch. Additionally, spastic quadriplegia may be accompanied by seizures and developmental disabilities.
Compensation May Be Available
If you or a loved one suffers quadriplegia following an accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for the damages you will incur. To find out if you qualify, contact an experienced Chicago quadriplegia lawyer at Gill Ports Hoste LLC today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Call us at (312) 372-8893 or reach out online.