Suing for Paraplegia After a Port St. Lucie Motorcycle Accident

Tragically, paraplegia is a potential outcome for injured motorcyclists in Port St. Lucie. Also known as partial paralysis, this injury involves the spine, nerves, muscles, and the lower extremities. Not only does paraplegia cause serious health issues, but it is also associated with severe mental health repercussions. What can you do if you or a loved one has suffered paraplegia after a motorcycle accident in Port St. Lucie?

What Is Paraplegia? 

According to the University of Florida Health, paraplegia is a form of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, including the legs or lower extremities. This is not the same as quadriplegia, which affects the entire body (typically below the neck.) The paralyzed portion of the body lies below the injured section of the spine.

Paraplegia results from some type of spinal cord injury. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to these injuries because their bodies are not afforded the protection of a motor vehicle with its seatbelts and airbags.  For example, a motorcyclist might injure their spine after being run over and crushed by a passing vehicle. They might also suffer a spinal cord injury after high-speed impacts, especially to the neck area.

Is It Possible to Treat or Cure Paraplegia? 

According to the Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida, up to 80% of spinal cord patients survive for ten years after their accidents, as long as they survive for the first 24 hours. Prompt treatment can often mean the difference between life and death.

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive emergency surgery and other modalities to stabilize the injured patient.  Aside from surgical procedures, intense rehabilitation is absolutely crucial for spinal injury patients.  Physical and occupational therapists may be especially important. That being said, psychologists and other mental health professionals may also be very helpful to help people cope with these devastating injuries.

The Miami Project is an ambitious program at the Miller School of Medicine. The goal of this program is to cure paralysis. Although paraplegia and other forms of paralysis are often considered permanent, new breakthroughs continue to challenge these perceptions. In the future, the Miami Project may be successful. Similar programs across the globe may also develop a “cure” for paralysis.

Treatment options are often prohibitively expensive, and it makes sense to consider all potential forms of compensation after a motorcycle accident. One source of funding is an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit which could assist victims and their families in paying for medical bills, ongoing care and lost earnings. Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn more about your options.

 Find an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Port. St. Lucie 

If you need help pursuing compensation for a serious disability after a motorcycle accident, look no further than the Port St. Lucie motorcycle accident lawyers at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs throughout Florida, including injured motorcyclists. We know how life-altering these accidents can be, and we’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you need. Reach out today – and get started with an action plan.

Sources: 

neurosurgery.ufl.edu/patient-care/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/

themiamiproject.org/