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What is Tetraplegia?

Spinal cord injuries, sometimes referred to as cervical injuries or simply neck injuries, can range in their severity, potentially causing paralysis. Tetraplegia is the paralysis of both arms and both legs. Since tetraplegia can cause all four limbs to be paralyzed, it is sometimes known as quadriplegia.

Tetraplegia can be the result of a disease or traumatic injury to the spinal cord. Aside from paralysis, breathing assistance may also be needed, depending on how severe the injury was. Ventilators, electric implants or other costly long-term medical equipment may be needed. Brain damage is another possible result of the kind of serious injury that often causes tetraplegia.

Different Levels of Tetraplegia

Depending on where the injury occurred. The cervical vertebrae are represented by numbers, from C1 to C7. Whether tetraplegia results in full or partial paralysis in all limbs can be affected by the origin of the injury.

Injuries in vertebrae C1 to C4 are more likely to impact the arms than injuries that occur in vertebrae C5 to C7.

The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) categorize spinal cord injuries in levels from A to D. Each level can be considered complete or incomplete. Here is how each level breaks down:

A: There is no sensory or motor function. Complete tetraplegia.

B: No motor function below the neurological level, but there is some sensory function.

C: Motor function occurs below the neurological level, but more than half of the vital muscles below this level have muscle grades that are less than three.

D: Motor function is occurs below the neurological level, but more than half of the vital muscles below this level have muscle grades that are more than three.

[Learn more Spinal cord injury overview]

How Can Swope, Rodante P.A. Help?

When spinal cord injuries occur, it can be a very difficult time for all involved. Whether the injury was caused by a car accident or other traumatic injury, getting overwhelmed by all of the new medical information and adjustments in daily life can make it hard to concentrate on getting the best legal help.

We specialize in spinal cord injuries, allowing our clients to focus on their health while we focus on giving them the best possible legal representation. Our experienced team can learn the facts about the injury and help build a case when the injury is caused by someone’s negligent behavior.

After suffering through tetraplegia due to the negligence of others, you deserve appropriate compensation. Treating tetraplegia can be very expensive, as there is no cure for such injuries. The financial demands of tetraplegia can also impact family and caregivers of the affected, as long-term care is often needed and can be costly. Paying for all of this can add additional strain during an already difficult time, which is why proper compensation is so important.

When you are ready to talk about the events that caused your injury, our team is always ready to advise you. Please contact us for the legal expertise that you deserve and the help that you need.

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