A spinal cord injury leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia can change your life in an instant, affecting mobility, independence, and day-to-day living. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to seek compensation with a personal injury claim.
This guide explains the differences between paraplegia and quadriplegia, the challenges they bring, and how you can take legal action if your injury wasn’t your fault.
Quadriplegia vs paraplegia
Both conditions result from spinal cord injuries, but they affect mobility and daily life in different ways. Below is a breakdown of what each condition involves:
What is paraplegia?
Paraplegia is a form of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, including the legs and, in some cases, parts of the trunk. It typically results from damage to the thoracic, lumbar or sacral regions of the spinal cord. Paraplegia can cause the following symptoms:
- Loss of movement and sensation in the lower limbs
- Muscle spasms or involuntary movements
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Changes in sexual function and fertility
What is quadriplegia?
Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a severe form of paralysis that affects all four limbs and the torso. It is usually caused by damage to the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, resulting in complete loss of movement and sensation below the site of the injury. Quadriplegia can cause the following symptoms:
- Loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Total dependency on caregivers for daily activities
- Increased risk of pressure sores, infections and chronic pain
Key differences between paraplegia and quadriplegia
While both conditions result from spinal cord injuries, they differ in how they impact movement, independence, and long-term care needs. Below is a comparison of their effects:
| Paraplegia | Quadriplegia | |
| Affected body parts | Lower limbs | All four limbs and torso |
| Common causes | Spinal cord injuries, medical conditions | Cervical spinal injuries, medical conditions |
| Mobility impact | Wheelchair use, some upper body function | Total dependence on mobility aids, caregivers |
| Breathing issues | Generally unaffected | Often requires ventilator support |
| Daily life | Some independence possible | High dependency on assistance |
Causes of spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
A spinal injury can have devastating consequences, affecting movement, sensation, and overall quality of life. Because the spinal cord is one of the most delicate and vital parts of the body, any damage puts a person’s health and wellbeing at serious risk.
Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Compensation claims for paraplegia and quadriplegia
If you’ve suffered paraplegia or quadriplegia due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. To make a successful claim, you’ll need to prove that negligence played a role in your injury.
Negligence can come from road users, employers, or medical professionals — all of whom have a legal duty of care to keep you safe. If they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for the consequences.
Depending on the severity of your injury and its impact on your life, compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Specialist equipment
- Care and assistance
- Pain and suffering
For an estimate of how much your spinal injury claim could be worth (excluding special damages), use our compensation calculator.
Rehabilitation and life after paralysis
Adjusting to life after a spinal injury is challenging, but rehabilitation can help restore strength, independence, and quality of life. Physiotherapy plays a key role in regaining movement and learning new ways to perform daily activities. Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and prosthetics, along with home adaptations, can improve accessibility and make day-to-day tasks easier. Mental health support is also essential, as adjusting to life after paralysis can be emotionally and psychologically demanding.
When you make a spinal injury claim with Injury Lawyers 4u, we’ll not only help you build a successful case, we’ll also put you in touch with rehabilitation specialists who can support your recovery. Get in touch today to discuss your case.
How to start your claim
Whether you’re living with paraplegia or quadriplegia, if your paralysis was caused by negligence, get in contact with Injury Lawyers 4u as soon as possible to make a claim. Before you contact us, be sure to gather as much evidence as possible — this could be medical records, accident reports, witness statements or financial losses.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia?
Paraplegia affects the lower body, while quadriplegia impacts all four limbs and the torso. Quadriplegia is generally more severe and may involve breathing difficulties.
Can spinal injuries caused by medical negligence lead to compensation?
If a medical error, like a surgical mistake or delayed diagnosis, contributed to your injury, you might have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
How long do paraplegia/quadriplegia claims take?
The duration of your claim will vary depending on its complexity, but serious injury cases typically take around 12-36 months to settle.