
Paraplegia and Quadriplegia Injuries in New Jersey
Paraplegia and quadriplegia are life-altering injuries that can devastate an accident victim physically, emotionally, financially and professionally. Not only is there loss of sensation in the body and a dramatic reduction in physical abilities, this type of injury can lead to serious depression, total disability and a lifetime of lost income and bills for medical care, daily home care and rehabilitation.
Paraplegia and quadriplegia can happen in vehicle accidents, including those involving other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. A slip and fall from a great height or down stairs could also cause this type of injury.
Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in part of your body.
- It can be complete or partial.
- It can occur in one area of your body or it can be widespread.
- Paralysis of the lower half of your body, including both legs, is paraplegia.
- Paralysis of the arms and legs is quadriplegia.
Paralysis happens when something goes wrong with the way your brain and muscles communicate. In cases of accidents it’s normally caused by an injury to the spinal cord.
- Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves running through the middle of your spine. It carries signals between your body and your brain allowing you to control (consciously and subconsciously) parts of your body. A spinal cord injury disrupts those signals.
- Spinal cord injuries are normally caused by a blow that fractures or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks making up your spine.
- The spinal cord is not cut through in most injuries. Instead, pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or put pressure on the nerve parts that carry signals, injuring the cord resulting in a loss of signals between the body and brain.
- Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. After a complete spinal cord injury, the cord can’t send signals below the location of the injury and paralysis occurs below the injury. With an incomplete injury, there is some movement and sensation below the injury.
The side effects of paralysis can result in medical issues that can degrade one’s quality of life and could potentially be life threatening. Those who are paralyzed or confined to bed due to a spinal cord injury require skilled nursing care to prevent complications caused by the person’s lack of movement:
- Pressure sores can develop due to pressure on the skin, especially when over or between bony areas, and reduces or cuts off blood flow to the skin. If this occurs for more than a few hours, the skin dies, breaks down and an open sore (ulcer) develops.
- Urinary problems may occur if the person is immobile and uses a urinary catheter, which may cause an infection.
- Pneumonia occurs when fluid collects in the lungs. The person may need to use deep-breathing exercises to reduce the risk of it occurring.
- Blood clots also form if the blood doesn’t flow properly due to lack of movement by the person. They could potentially cause a stroke or heart attack.
If you are suffering from paraplegia or quadriplegia due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to file a legal claim for compensation from the party responsible for your losses. The damages that could be obtained through such a lawsuit could include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Past and future wage loss
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium (the negative impact on the relationship with loved ones and family members)
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence or intentional acts by the defendant).
Depending on the plaintiff, the extent of the injuries and the facts of the case, these damages could be in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. If you decide to try to resolve your case on your own and negotiate with insurance companies, that may be a mistake that could cost you a substantial amount of money that you may regret for years to come.
- If you don’t know personal injury or insurance law, you don’t know what your case is worth.
- There may be multiple responsible parties and several insurance policies involved.
- You may make statements and sign documents that could severely impair or end your ability to obtain compensation for your injuries and economic losses.
Contact DeZao & DeZao, P.C. Today
If you or a loved one have suffered paraplegia or quadriplegia due to the negligence or intentional act of another, call DeZao & DeZao, P.C. at (973) 358-6134. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Therefore, please call or fill out our contact form right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

Client Testimonials
Read What Clients Have to Say About Our Firm
-
I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Law Offices of DeZao & DeZao for helping me with my legal needs. Especially attorney Margaret Meade and Valentina Failla, Paralegal/Case Manager. They were both instrumental in getting my matter resolved. They went out of their way to keep me informed and on top of al my legal needs. They both truly made this a wonderful experience.Jerry D.
-
I can't say enough about this office. It is absolutely amazing. They were quick, efficient and took care of all of my needs, and explained every detail as I went through this process. Yessica was absolutely amazing! She was professional and helpful. I'm so glad I chose this office!Crystal P.
-
I had a motor vehicle accident and this firm has been so patient with me throughout the 3 years of my case. Valentina and Rachel have really been a lot of help. They talked me through everything and helped me understand what was going on. I've had accidents before but nothing like this. My car was totaled. It was scary and DeZao & DeZao made made me feel at ease. They always got back to me. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my case and the services this office gave me. Also I LOVE their pens!Carol R.
-
My experience with the DeZao & DeZao was amazing! They were very professional, polite, supportive and respectful. My case manager Megan, was a huge help to my family and I. I was a pedestrian who was hit by a car and throughout the process, DeZao & DeZao were with me. My best friend referred me to this law office ,and I would recommend anyone to them at any time. I truly thank and appreciate the experience with them. I would never second guess them at all!Whitney I.
-
Yessica was exceptional in handling my legal matter. She handled every aspect of my case with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that all necessary documents were prepared accurately and on time. DeZao & DeZao was always one step ahead, anticipating potential issues and addressing them proactively. Their knowledge of the legal process was evident in every interaction, and they were always ready to answer my questions, no matter how complex.Jose T.
-
I will highly recommend this team to anyone who's in need of legal advice Ms.Megan, You rock! Thanks for making m feel so comfortable and listening to all my concerns. Thank you so much to everyone who participated in helping resolve my case. Much love!Elzafir B.
-
I was thoroughly impressed and happy with the service I received and couldn't have asked for better treatment, From day one, I felt very happy with my decision to go with DeZao & DeZao. They were very transparent with all aspects of my case and kept me fully updated on matters concerning my case. I highly recommend this firm 100%. All associates are top of the line. On particular associate, Valentina Failla, goes above and beyond the call of duty. You won't be disappointed with this team/family/firm.Eddie M.
-
Veronica Melo was very attentive during my time with her. She is an excellent negotiator for clients to have valuable gains for injuries sustained. I can personally attest to this with my no-fault MVA case. Thank you!Nandranie J.


Successful Results
Millions Recovered in Verdicts & Settlements
-
$2,000,000 Work Accident Case
-
$3,100,000 Motor vehicle Accident
-
$3,000,000 Bus Accident
-
$8,000,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
-
$2,000,000 Bus Accident

