Tetraplegia

Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is one of the most severe consequences of a spinal cord injury (SCI). This catastrophic injury results in total or partial paralysis in all four limbs and may even affect the ability to breathe. A quadriplegia injury means a lifetime of medical care and supportive needs. 

Here is what you should know about tetraplegia, including how this injury can happen and the compensation you may be entitled to after your accident. 

Overview of Tetraplegia and the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a critical part of your nervous system, transmitting signals between your brain and the rest of your body. These signals control everything from muscle movement and sensation to involuntary functions like breathing and heart rate.

There are four regions of the spinal cord: 

• Cervical (neck) – C1–C8
• Thoracic (upper back) – T1–T12
• Lumbar (lower back) – L1–L5
• Sacral (back of the pelvis above the tailbone) – S1–S5

There are 30 pairs of nerves connected to the spinal cord. The eight cervical nerve pairs run to the head and face, while the lumbar nerve pairs run to the feet and legs. A final nerve bundle (cauda equina) is located at the base of the spine and provides sensation to the lower body.

When the spinal cord is damaged, the connection between the brain and the body is interrupted. This can lead to a range of effects, including paralysis, loss of sensation, and difficulty with autonomic functions, such as bladder and bowel control. 

Injury to the spinal cord disrupts signals from nerves at and below the injury site. This means sensation and function below the site of the injury will be affected. The higher the injury, the more severe the symptoms. 

Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, is a form of paralysis that affects all four limbs and the torso. It occurs when there is damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord in the neck. Tetraplegia can result in full or partial paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Types of Tetraplegia

There are varying degrees of tetraplegia depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord injury. 

SCIs are classified as complete or incomplete. Incomplete tetraplegia means some but not all signals are blocked from the brain. Survivors may retain some ability to move and feel affected body parts. Complete tetraplegia means there is no motor or sensory function below the site of the injury. 

The site or level of the injury determines which areas of the body are affected. 

• C1 to C2: Complete paralysis below the neck, including breathing muscles. These injuries usually require life-supporting intervention, including ventilation. The diaphragm, which expands the lungs, is often affected, along with digestion, bladder and bowel control, sweating, and blood pressure.
• C3 to C4 injury: All four limbs are affected. Breathing and coughing may be affected. 
• C5 to C8 injury: Some sensation and function in the upper body, arms, and hands may be retained. At the C5 level, some elbow and shoulder movement may be possible with very limited function of the hands and fingers. At the C7 to C8 level, survivors may be able to perform some tasks with their hands and arms.

Injuries at the C1 to C4 level are sometimes called “high tetraplegia” because they affect the high cervical spinal cord. Injuries at the C5 to C8 level may be called “low tetraplegia.” Higher-level injuries cause more serious paralysis and other consequences. 

How Common Is Tetraplegia?

Approximately 17,900 new spinal cord injuries occur in the U.S. each year. Around 60% of these injuries result in tetraplegia. There are currently about 296,000 people in the United States living with a spinal cord injury. 

Incomplete tetraplegia is the most common category of SCIs, accounting for 47.4% of spinal cord injuries. About 19.9% of SCIs are complete tetraplegia. Almost all the remaining SCIs are paraplegia: 19.7% incomplete and 12.4% complete. 

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Tetraplegia?

Tetraplegia can lead to a wide array of challenges, both physically and emotionally. Individuals with this condition may experience:

• Limited function and sensation: Most or all voluntary movement below the neck may be lost, affecting daily tasks and independence.
• Respiratory issues: High-level injuries (C1-C4) may impact the diaphragm, requiring the use of a ventilator.
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction: Autonomic nerve damage often results in the loss of control over bladder and bowel functions.
• Chronic pain: Neuropathic pain is common, even in areas where sensation is otherwise absent.
• Mental health struggles: Living with tetraplegia can lead to depression and anxiety due to changes in quality of life, social isolation, and loss of independence.

Most individuals with tetraplegia require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications to accommodate their disabilities.

The average lifetime cost of tetraplegia ranges from $3.77 million for low tetraplegia to $5.16 million for high tetraplegia for a 25-year-old. This only considers healthcare and living costs, not lost earnings and other indirect costs.

What Causes Tetraplegia?

Tetraplegia is most commonly caused by sudden trauma to the spinal cord. The leading causes include:

• Motor vehicle accidents (37.5%): Car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and other types of collisions are the leading cause of SCIs until the age of 45. Motorcycle collisions alone rank 3rd among people 31 to 45 years old (10.9%).
• Falls (31.7%): Falls are the leading cause of SCIs for people after the age of 45. Among people 76 and older, falls alone account for 75% of spinal cord injuries. For younger people, catastrophic fall injuries are often work-related. 
• Violence (15.4%): Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and physical assaults are the third-leading cause of SCIs but the second-leading cause for victims between 16 and 30 (19%).
• Sports and recreation (8.0%): High-impact sports and activities like football, gymnastics, and jet-skiing. Diving is the single most dangerous recreational activity and the 4th leading overall cause of SCIs (4.7%). 
• Medical and surgical complications (3.7%): This includes degenerative spinal conditions, tumors, infections, and vascular conditions. SCIs may also be caused by complications of certain medical procedures or even medical malpractice.

Other leading causes of tetraplegia injuries include bicycle accidents (2.1%), ATV accidents (1.8%), pedestrian accidents (1.3%), other vehicle accidents involving farm or construction equipment (0.9%), and being hit by an object or pushed intentionally (0.8%). 

What Is My Tetraplegia Injury Case Worth?

The value of a tetraplegia injury claim depends on many factors, as every case is unique. 

A personal injury lawyer will evaluate several aspects to estimate the value of your case, including:

• The severity of the injury and its impact on your daily life
• Insurance coverage available
• The circumstances of the accident and the behavior of the defendant
• The strength of your evidence proving liability
• Whether you share fault for the accident
• The value of your lost earnings; this considers your employment benefits, age, career advancement opportunities, and more
• The long-term medical care and rehabilitation you’ll need
• The overall impact on your quality of life and independence

In general, more severe injuries that result in permanent disability will lead to higher settlements or verdicts. Cases involving tetraplegia almost certainly have a high potential value, but this makes it more complicated – and more important – to calculate the full extent of your losses. 

It’s essential to consult a lawyer who can gather the necessary evidence to support your case and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can I Recover For My Tetraplegia Injury in Miami, Florida?

Under Florida law, victims of tetraplegia injuries may recover both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the measurable financial costs of your injury, while non-economic damages compensate you for your personal suffering and losses. These damages in a personal injury case are known as compensatory damages. 

Common damages you may recover include:

• Medical bills, including projected future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and counseling costs
• Home modifications and assistive devices
• Replacement or supportive services, like home healthcare, housekeeping, and meal preparation
• Lost wages
• Diminished or lost earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or scarring

Punitive damages may be available if your case goes before a jury. These damages punish defendants for egregious behavior like drunk driving or intentional harm. 

How Long Do I Have To File a Tetraplegia Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under the state’s statute of limitations. This deadline applies to claims based on negligence. 

There are some exceptions to this deadline, so you may have a longer or shorter amount of time to pursue compensation. If you miss the deadline to file your case, you will be barred from recovering any damages. It’s critical to act quickly to preserve your legal rights and ensure that all necessary evidence is collected in a timely manner.

Contact Our Miami Tetraplegia Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation 

Have you been left with tetraplegia after an accident in Miami, FL? If someone else’s negligent or intentional behavior caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you. 

Our legal team has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims. We understand the unique challenges that tetraplegia victims face, and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (305) 937-0191 for a free consultation with a Miami personal injury attorney to discuss your case and legal options.