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Paraplegia, a type of paralysis, affects both
the legs and the trunk. Individuals who are
affected by paraplegia have no movement in their legs,
and often limited or no movement in their torso. Paraplegia
is caused by spinal cord injury, and many accident victims
are paraplegic as a result of unsafe or defective vehicles.
Because paraplegia interrupts sensory messages to the
brain, paraplegics cannot “feel” their affected
body parts, and are generally insensitive to pain or
heat. Paraplegia can jeopardize the victim’s health
and safety because of this inability to differentiate
pain. Paraplegia can also cause phantom pain and heat
sensations because of damaged nerves. Like all paralyses,
paraplegia significantly impacts the patient’s
quality of life. In addition to mobility, paraplegia
affects sexual drive, digestive capabilities, bladder
control and shortened life expectancy.
Paraplegia is often caused by major trauma such as
a car accident. Often, vehicles such as SUVs are prone
to roll over and do not have adequate roof structure.
When an SUV or truck rolls over on its roof, the roof
can crush or cave in if it does not have adequate roll
protection. Many spinal cord injuries occur in this
way, and steps could be taken to reduce spinal cord
injuries including paraplegia. Auto manufacturers should
take steps to ensure that vehicles are safe and have
the best airbags, seatbelts to prevent ejection, sound
vehicle design and roof stability.
If you or a loved one suffers
from paraplegia as a result of an auto accident, contact
our paraplegia accident lawyers today for a free and
confidential case evaluation.
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