A catastrophic injury can affect virtually anyone at anytime. Paraplegia—a spinal cord injury that results in the complete paralysis of the lower body—is one of the most devastating and unfortunate types of catastrophic injuries that an accident victim can sustain. Sadly, approximately 2,500 people are diagnosed with paraplegia every year in the United States. Many of those cases occur as a direct result of someone else’s careless, negligent, or reckless behavior.

Victims of catastrophic injuries like paraplegia may be entitled to recover compensation to help cover the cost of medical treatment as well as other financial and emotional losses. If you or a loved one has suffered paraplegia after an accident, we can help you. Please contact Rheingold, Valet, Rheingold, Shkolnik & McCartney today for a complimentary consultation with a proven and respected personal injury attorney.

Paraplegia: Causes & Consequences

Auto accidents represent the leading cause of paraplegia in the U.S., accounting for approximately 44 percent of all cases. Slip and fall accidents are also a major leading cause of paraplegia and account for 18 percent of all cases. Other common causes of the condition include, but are not limited to:

• Sports accidents
• Medical malpractice/negligence
• Offshore accidents

Those who suffer from paraplegia often require lifelong medical treatment, including surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and more. The costs associated with caring for this condition are astronomical and may exceed more than one million over the course of a person’s lifetime.

However, the consequences associated with paraplegia are more than just physical and financial. Individuals with the condition and their families also frequently suffer severe psychological and emotional effects.

Legal Help

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with paraplegia after an accident, you need not suffer in vain. You may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages including medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, mental anguish and more.

The attorneys of Rheingold, Valet, Rheingold, Shkolnik & McCartney are committed to helping victims of catastrophic injuries obtain the compensation they deserve for their losses. Please contact us today for a FREE consultation with a skilled and trusted personal injury attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and ensure they are fully protected.