Paraplegia refers to paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, typically including both legs and often the lower trunk. When paraplegia results from another party's negligence, compensation claims often exceed $1 million for lifetime medical care alone.

Understanding Paraplegia

Paraplegia results from damage to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spinal cord—below the cervical (neck) region. Unlike quadriplegia, paraplegia preserves arm and hand function.

What Paraplegia Affects

  • Mobility—inability to walk or stand without assistance
  • Bladder and bowel function—most paraplegics require catheterization and bowel programs
  • Sexual function—varies by injury level but commonly affected
  • Sensation—loss of feeling below injury level
  • Trunk stability—higher thoracic injuries affect balance and sitting

What Paraplegia Preserves

Full arm and hand function means paraplegics can achieve significant independence:

  • Self-propelling a wheelchair
  • Driving with hand controls
  • Performing personal care with minimal assistance
  • Working in many occupations
  • Living independently with accessible housing

Common Causes of Paraplegia

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents cause thoracic spine fractures through impact forces, ejection, or rollover. Negligent drivers who cause these crashes are liable for resulting paralysis.

Falls

Workplace falls, falls from ladders, and slip-and-falls on dangerous premises can fracture the thoracic or lumbar spine. Property owners and employers may be liable.

Violence

Gunshot wounds and stabbings that damage the mid or lower spinal cord cause paraplegia. Assailants face criminal charges, and civil claims may be possible against property owners who failed to provide adequate security.

Medical Malpractice

Surgical errors during spinal procedures, failure to diagnose spinal conditions, and birth injuries can cause paraplegia. Healthcare providers are liable for negligence causing paralysis.

Damages in Paraplegia Cases

Medical Expenses

Lifetime medical costs for paraplegia typically range from $1.1 to $2.5 million, including:

  • Acute hospitalization and surgery
  • Inpatient rehabilitation (typically 2-4 months)
  • Wheelchairs (replaced every 5-7 years)
  • Catheter supplies and medications
  • Treatment for complications—pressure sores, urinary infections, spasticity
  • Ongoing therapy and medical monitoring

Home and Vehicle Modifications

Making life accessible requires significant investment:

  • Wheelchair ramps and accessible entrances
  • Widened doorways throughout the home
  • Accessible bathroom—roll-in shower, grab bars, lowered fixtures
  • Modified kitchen with accessible counters and cabinets
  • Vehicle with hand controls (or lift-equipped van)

Home modifications typically cost $50,000-$150,000; accessible vehicles cost $30,000-$80,000 and require replacement over time.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

While many paraplegics return to work, career options may be limited:

  • Physical labor jobs are typically no longer possible
  • Extended time away for rehabilitation affects employment
  • Career advancement may be limited
  • Additional time off needed for medical appointments and complications

Economic experts calculate lost earning capacity based on pre-injury career trajectory, education, and remaining work-life expectancy.

Pain and Suffering

Paraplegia imposes profound quality-of-life impacts:

  • Physical pain, including neuropathic pain common after spinal injury
  • Loss of mobility and spontaneity
  • Depression and adjustment challenges
  • Impact on relationships and intimacy
  • Loss of recreational activities

Pain and suffering damages in paraplegia cases often reach several hundred thousand to over $1 million.

Building Your Paraplegia Case

Essential Evidence

  • Medical records documenting injury, treatment, and prognosis
  • ASIA classification confirming injury severity
  • Life care plan projecting lifetime medical needs
  • Economic analysis calculating lost earning capacity
  • Liability evidence proving defendant's negligence

Expert Witnesses

Paraplegia cases require experts in:

  • Physiatry or neurology—explaining injury and prognosis
  • Life care planning—documenting future needs
  • Economics—calculating financial losses
  • Vocational rehabilitation—assessing employment limitations

Settlement Values

Paraplegia settlements typically range from $1 million to $10+ million depending on:

  • Age at injury—younger plaintiffs have longer lifetime needs
  • Pre-injury income—affects lost earning capacity calculations
  • Severity within paraplegia—high thoracic vs. lumbar
  • Strength of liability—clear negligence supports higher values
  • Available insurance—defendant's ability to pay

Jury verdicts can exceed settlements, particularly when defendant conduct was egregious.

Conclusion

Paraplegia permanently transforms every aspect of life. While arm function and potential for independence distinguish paraplegia from quadriplegia, the losses remain catastrophic and justify substantial compensation. If negligence caused your paraplegia, an experienced spinal cord injury attorney can help you recover damages that reflect your true lifetime needs.