Paralysis Claims: Paraplegia, Quadriplegia & Incomplete Injuries
The type and level of paralysis determines everything — care needs, independence, employment potential, and lifetime costs. We ensure the medical classification drives maximum compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Injury level determines case value: Higher injuries (cervical) generally produce greater functional loss and substantially larger lifetime damages
- "Incomplete" does not mean minor: Many incomplete SCI patients face permanent disability, chronic pain, and lifetime care needs
- The ASIA classification is pivotal: This standardized neurological exam defines your injury severity and directly impacts damages calculations
The Severity Spectrum: Why Classification Matters
Not all spinal cord injuries are the same, and the legal valuation of a case depends heavily on two factors: where the spinal cord was damaged (the neurological level) and how completely it was damaged (complete vs. incomplete). These two variables determine everything from daily care needs to earning capacity to lifetime costs.
An experienced SCI attorney will work with the treating physiatrist to ensure the court understands exactly how the injury level translates to specific, documentable losses. The difference between a C5 and C7 injury, for example, can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime care costs.
The ASIA Impairment Scale
The international standard for classifying spinal cord injury severity:
Complete
No motor or sensory function preserved below the injury level. All voluntary movement and sensation are absent.
Sensory Incomplete
Sensory function preserved below injury level (patient can feel touch/pain) but no motor function. No voluntary movement.
Motor Incomplete
Some motor function preserved below injury level, but less than half of key muscles have useful strength (grade 3+).
Motor Incomplete
More than half of key muscles below injury have useful strength (grade 3+). Patient may walk with assistance. Often still significantly impaired.
Normal
Motor and sensory function normal. May still have pain, spasticity, or other neurological abnormalities not captured by the scale.
Paraplegia Claims
Paraplegia — loss of function in the lower extremities from thoracic or lumbar injuries — leaves the upper body intact. While many paraplegics can drive modified vehicles, work desk jobs, and live semi-independently, the impact on their lives is still profound.
Functional Impact
- • Wheelchair-dependent for mobility
- • Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- • Loss of sexual function
- • Chronic pain common
- • Pressure ulcer risk from sitting
- • May retain ability for sedentary work
Damages Focus
- • Home and vehicle modifications ($100K+)
- • Motorized wheelchair and equipment
- • Attendant care (8-16 hrs/day typical)
- • Reduced earning capacity (difference analysis)
- • Loss of enjoyment of life
- • Loss of consortium for spouse
Quadriplegia Claims
Quadriplegia (tetraplegia) — loss of function in all four limbs from cervical injuries — represents the most severe category of SCI. These cases produce the highest damages because the care needs are the most extensive.
Functional Impact
- • Loss of arm, hand, and leg function
- • High cervical (C1-C4): ventilator-dependent
- • 24-hour attendant care often required
- • Complete dependence for daily activities
- • Temperature regulation dysfunction
- • Earning capacity often reduced to zero
Damages Focus
- • 24-hour attendant care ($200K+/year)
- • Full home modification ($150K+)
- • Powered wheelchair systems ($40K+ each)
- • Complete lost earning capacity
- • Ventilator and respiratory equipment
- • Lifetime medical costs exceeding $5M
The Level Difference
Even within quadriplegia, the specific cervical level matters enormously. A C5 injury preserves shoulder and biceps function, allowing some independence with adaptive equipment. A C4 injury may require ventilator support. A C7 injury preserves wrist extension, enabling limited hand function. Each level changes the care plan, the equipment needs, and the lifetime cost by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
Approximately 65% of all SCIs are classified as incomplete — meaning some motor or sensory function is preserved below the injury level. Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize incomplete injuries, arguing that "some function preserved" means the victim is fine. This is far from the truth.
Many incomplete SCI patients experience debilitating chronic pain (sometimes worse than complete injuries, because preserved nerves carry pain signals), significant mobility limitations requiring wheelchair use, bowel and bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and reduced independence requiring attendant care. Lifetime costs for incomplete injuries regularly exceed $1 million.
Central Cord Syndrome
Greater weakness in arms than legs. Often from hyperextension injuries. May walk but can't use hands effectively — devastating for most occupations.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome
Damage to one side of the cord. Motor loss on injured side, sensory loss on opposite side. Complex functional limitations.
Anterior Cord Syndrome
Damage to front of the cord. Motor function and pain sensation lost, but touch and position sense preserved. Often poor recovery prognosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Paralysis Demands Full Compensation
Whether your SCI is incomplete, paraplegic, or quadriplegic, the lifetime costs are real and substantial. We build the medical and economic case to fight for every dollar.
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