One of the most serious consequences of a spinal cord injury is paralysis. Depending on its severity, paralysis can affect movement, sensation, and the ability to perform everyday activities independently.
Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is a catastrophic injury that can result in substantial medical expenses, long-term care needs, lost income, and significant emotional distress.
When another party’s negligence causes a spinal cord injury, compensation may be available through a personal injury claim. Understanding tetraplegia, its treatment, and Georgia’s personal injury laws can help injured individuals and their families evaluate their options.
What Is Tetraplegia?
Tetraplegia, also called quadriplegia, is paralysis that affects all four limbs and may also affect the torso. It typically results from damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord.
The condition can interfere with movement, sensation, and bodily functions below the level of injury. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, some individuals may also need assistance with breathing or other essential activities.
What Is the Difference Between Complete and Incomplete Tetraplegia?
Tetraplegia can be classified as complete or incomplete based on the neurological function that remains after a spinal cord injury.
With complete tetraplegia, there is no preserved sensory or motor function in the lowest sacral segments of the spinal cord. Incomplete tetraplegia means some sensory or motor function remains below the injury level, including sacral sparing.
Both forms can cause substantial disabilities. However, the extent of movement, sensation, and independence varies considerably between individuals.
What Causes Tetraplegia?
Traumatic spinal cord injuries are a leading cause of tetraplegia. Car accidents, serious falls, assaults, and sports-related incidents can damage the cervical spinal cord and cause paralysis.
Nontraumatic conditions, including spinal cord tumors, infections, and certain neurological disorders, can also cause tetraplegia.
The circumstances surrounding the injury matter when considering legal action. Although an accident may support a personal injury claim, paralysis caused by a medical condition does not automatically establish negligence.
How Is Tetraplegia Diagnosed?
Doctors evaluate suspected spinal cord injuries through physical and neurological examinations. These assessments help determine the patient’s strength, reflexes, sensation, and remaining movement.
Imaging tests, including CT scans and MRIs, may identify fractures, spinal cord compression, and other damage. Medical professionals also use the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale to classify the severity of spinal cord injuries.
What Treatments Are Available for Tetraplegia?
Treatment depends on the cause, location, and severity of the spinal cord injury. Following trauma, emergency care focuses on stabilizing the spine, supporting breathing and circulation, and preventing additional damage.
Surgery may be necessary to relieve spinal cord compression or stabilize injured vertebrae. Rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, and assistive devices can help individuals manage complications and improve their quality of life.
Although some people regain function after an incomplete injury, recovery varies, and severe spinal cord damage may cause permanent paralysis.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for Tetraplegia in Georgia?
If another party’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may have grounds to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
Generally, a successful negligence claim requires evidence that:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty.
- Their actions caused your injuries.
- You suffered compensable damages.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
How Does Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Law Affect a Tetraplegia Claim?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, an injured person generally cannot recover damages if they are 50% or more responsible for the injury.
If the injured person’s share of fault is less than 50%, their compensation is reduced proportionately. For example, someone found 20% responsible would generally have their damages reduced by 20%.
Insurance companies may dispute liability or argue that the injured person contributed to the accident. Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records can help address these disputes.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Tetraplegia Injury Claim?
Georgia generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under its statute of limitations.
Limited exceptions may affect this deadline, and claims involving government entities can have additional notice requirements. Missing an applicable deadline may prevent you from pursuing compensation.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help After a Tetraplegia Injury?
Tetraplegia claims can involve extensive medical evidence and significant long-term expenses. An attorney can investigate the accident, identify potentially responsible parties, and work with appropriate experts to evaluate the injury’s impact.
Legal representation can also help with insurance negotiations and disputes over liability, future medical needs, and lost earning capacity.
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their legal fees depend on obtaining a recovery. However, fee agreements and responsibility for case expenses can vary. Learn more about how much accident lawyers charge in Georgia.
Contact the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Living with tetraplegia can mean adjusting to major changes in mobility, employment, medical care, and daily routines. When negligence causes such a serious injury, pursuing a legal claim may help address both immediate expenses and long-term financial needs.
At The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we recognize that every spinal cord injury presents different challenges. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights, assess the circumstances of your accident, and pursue compensation supported by your case.
Contact us today at (229) 386-1376 for a free consultation to discuss your situation and the legal options available to you.
