Recently several case studies revealed a new hope for people living with paraplegia. A medical break through has afforded several patients the ability to walk again thanks to a spinal implant that stimulates their spines. Spinal cord injury sufferers are learning about this new medical technology that may be able to help them do what they never thought they would do again.
Paraplegia is a type of paralysis that affects some function of the lower extremities. The severity of paraplegia varies from person to person where some have no feeling or control and others may have sensation and control that is somewhat limited.
CAUSES OF PARAPLEGIA
Except for cases of paraplegia caused by congenital defects, most cases of paraplegia are caused by spinal cord or brain injuries and as our San Diego paraplegia attorneys know, most of these injuries are a result of someone else’s negligence. Common causes of injuries related to paraplegia include the following:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Martime accidents
- Slip and falls
- Sports injuries
IMPLANT TECHNOLOGY
This new technology that has aided people in walking again involves first implanting electrodes directly on the spine. Then an electrical stimulator is implanted and it sends electrical signals to stimulate the spine. This spinal stimulation and intense rehabilitation has proven successful in several early cases.
PARAPLEGIA ACCOMMODATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
This new technology is great news for people with paraplegia because up until now, people have largely had to learn to live with paraplegia without hope of walking again.Paraplegia requires extensive accommodations and modifications often including these listed below:
- One no step entry into the home.
- Wider doorways.
- Wheel chair accessible bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom on the first floor.
- Light switches and other necessities lowered to a level reachable from a wheelchair.
- Level floors with surfaces to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
- Automatic car door openers.
- Vehicle modifications for a wheelchair.
- Hand controls for braking and accelerating.
These modifications can be extremely costly and overwhelming. Sometimes paraplegia even requires a new home that is better suited for someone with a disability. Fortunately for those whose paraplegia was caused by someone else’s negligence, these expenses should be recoverable for the injured plaintiff.
INSURANCE COMPANIES
One or more insurance companies may be involved in personal injury cases and they are often difficult to deal with because their goal is to pay as little as possible for claims. In the case of brain or spinal cord injuries causing paralysis, it is especially important to have an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in paraplegia cases to see that you are fully and fairly compensated for your injuries and damages. Good attorneys will help accurately value your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to see that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal cord or brain injury caused by someone else’s fault, contact an San Diego paraplegia attorney at Hiden, Rott & Oertle LLP to schedule a consultation. The future looks bright for those suffering with paraplegia and our attorneys will fight to see that you receive compensation to help aid in your medical needs and recovery.