Quadriplegia

From their office in San Jose, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Bohn & Bohn, LLP represent plaintiffs in courts throughout California who have been rendered quadriplegic due to the negligence of another in a motor vehicle, premises liability, products liability, or other accident caused by another's negligent or wrongful actions.

Quadriplegia - A Range of Impairments

As noted on the firm's paraplegia page, the spine is composed of several vertebrae grouped into different regions from the neck down.  Each vertebra is given a number according to its region; hence we have cervical (C1-C7), thoracic (T1-T12), and lumbar (L1-L5). 

Any injury to the cervical spine will cause quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, referring to a paralysis of all four limbs.  How much of the torso is also paralyzed will depend upon the level of injury.  As with any spinal injury, the extent of quadriplegic paralysis increases for injuries higher up along the neck, and the quality of life of a quadriplegic will be vastly different depending upon the location of the injury.

With an injury at the lowest level, C7, the individual will likely have some limited movement in the hands and fingers.  This is significant because it enables the individual to have a measure of self-care and mobility, powering wheelchairs, operating computers, and using other adaptive devices and assistive technology.

C4 is significant, because if the injury is at or below this level, the person will be able to breathe on his or her own.  Injuries at C1-C3 paralyze the muscles in the chest and diaphragm, rendering the person incapable of breathing without a ventilator, a machine which forces air into the lungs mechanically.  A person injured above C4 will be completely paralyzed from the neck down, although some limited movement of the head and neck may be possible.  Even for a person this completely paralyzed, there are assistive technology devices available by which a person can control a wheelchair, computer and other devices, with the muscles available in the mouth, for instance. 

Since C1 and C2 injuries so completely affect the ability of the individual to breathe and perform other vital functions, these individuals often do not survive the accident.  Mortality rates are also significantly higher for those that do survive, given the likelihood of subsequent complications.

Autonomic Impairments

Cervical spine injuries can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls the secretion of hormones, the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, sweating, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital functions.  The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which operate to mediate the effects of each other, so that body functions stay in balance.  But following a spinal cord injury, these systems can no longer communicate with each other yet may continue to operate in response to external stimuli.  This can cause conditions such as autonomic dysreflexia or hyperreflexia, which can cause functions such as heart rate to run out of control unless managed with medication.

Seek Experienced Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has become quadriplegic, the resulting lifetime medical costs and physical, mental, and emotional challenges can be considerable. If the injury was caused by the negligence or wrongful acts of another, you may be entitled to recover for these significant costs.  Regardless of where you are in California, contact Bohn & Bohn, LLP today for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.