A quadriplegic injury affects every part of a person’s life. It occurs when the cervical spinal cord is damaged, often in serious accidents like car crashes. This damage can lead to paralysis in all four limbs, loss of bladder and bowel function, and the inability to control movement or perform daily tasks without help. The impact of this type of spinal injury goes beyond physical changes. It affects independence, finances, and emotional well-being.
At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped people in South Carolina facing the challenges of spinal cord injuries. We not only understand how devastating these injuries can be, we also have a proven track record of helping victims regain control of their lives through the legal system. When a 22-year-old Charleston woman was involved in a low-speed crash, her life was forever changed. The impact caused the door of her Saturn to unlatch due to a defective design. She was ejected from the vehicle and devastatingly left paralyzed from the neck down. Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers’ Attorney Mark Joye filed a product liability lawsuit against Saturn, uncovering that safer, readily available door latch designs had been rejected in favor of less costly alternatives. The case ended in a confidential settlement and ensured our client received the long-term care she needed.
If you or someone close to you has suffered spinal cord damage due to someone else’s negligence in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Our team works hard to help clients with serious injury cases involving auto accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other auto-related injuries. Call us today at (888) 324-3100 for a free consultation.
How Joye Law Firm Helps Accident Victims Who Sustained Spinal Cord Injuries
At Joye Law Firm, we understand the pain and stress that can follow a serious injury. With decades of dealing with personal injury cases and millions of settlements, we’ve supported South Carolina families in holding careless drivers accountable. If a car accident left you or someone you love with quadriplegia, we will guide you through the legal process. Our personal injury lawyers can help you with the following:
- Investigate how the car crash occurred
- Gather medical evidence of your spinal injury
- Work with financial and care professionals to assess lifetime costs
- Handle communication with insurers and legal filings
- Help you seek compensation for all damages
We are committed to serving clients with compassion and honesty. Every case is different, and we take the time to understand your specific needs and goals. You focus on recovery. We’ll handle the rest.
How Car Accidents Cause Quadriplegic Injuries
Shockingly, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents cause nearly 40% of spinal cord injuries. Their report also found that a spinal cord injury victim with any amount of paralysis will require medical care and assistance costing more than $1.2 million over the course of his or her lifetime. For a person with quadriplegia, in which a spinal cord injury causes paralysis throughout most of the body, that figure ranges from more than $2.3 million to more than $5.1 million.
The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs through the spinal column and controls many of the body’s functions. It is divided into regions, with the cervical spine being the most sensitive. When a person is involved in a motor vehicle crash, the impact can force the neck and back into unnatural positions, leading to spinal cord damage. Car accident victims can suffer spinal cord injuries in many ways, including:
- Whiplash that strains the cervical spine
- Fractured vertebrae compressing the cord
- Penetrating trauma, such as from debris or shattered glass
- Ejection from the vehicle, causing direct impact to the back or neck
In some cases, pre-existing conditions like multiple sclerosis can worsen the effect of trauma. Other times, non-traumatic causes may combine with crash injuries to increase the damage.
When the cervical spine is damaged, the effects can be widespread. In many car crashes, this area typically absorbs the brunt of the force, especially when seatbelts or airbags fail to protect the head and neck fully. Immediate medical treatment is critical to limit long-term harm.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries and Complete vs Incomplete Quadriplegia
Quadriplegic, also known as tetraplegia, refers to partial or total loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs. It is most commonly caused by trauma to the cervical spine, comprised of the top seven vertebrae: C1-C7. When this area is injured during a car crash, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, the spinal cord may no longer send nerve signals between the brain and the body, resulting in profound disability.
Quadriplegic injuries vary based on how much of the spinal cord is damaged. These injuries are classified as either complete or incomplete:
- A complete injury means the person has no motor or sensory function below the level of the injury site. This often leads to full paralysis and complete loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
- A partial or incomplete injury, on the other hand, may result in limited movement or sensation in some areas.
Types of incomplete quadriplegia include:
- Spastic quadriplegia: Muscles are stiff and may spasm uncontrollably
- Flaccid quadriplegia: Muscles are limp and cannot respond to nerve signals
Cervical spinal cord injuries can affect every part of the body below the neck, including the arms, legs, pelvic organs, and internal systems. Victims may require help breathing, eating, or speaking, depending on how severe the injury is. These injuries often lead to permanent disability, making day-to-day life and personal care difficult without ongoing assistance.
