{"id":2968,"date":"2026-08-13T02:06:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T02:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-74-180-255.nip.io\/glossary\/what-is-paraplegia-and-quadriplegia\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T17:43:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T17:43:55","slug":"what-is-paraplegia-and-quadriplegia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/glossary\/what-is-paraplegia-and-quadriplegia\/","title":{"rendered":"What is paraplegia and quadriplegia?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-80 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-18421\" alt=\"Woman using a wheelchair moving through a modern home office with exposed brick walls.\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/woman-using-a-wheelchair-moving-through-a-modern-home-office-photo-3.jpg\" width=\"1880\" height=\"1253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/woman-using-a-wheelchair-moving-through-a-modern-home-office-photo-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/woman-using-a-wheelchair-moving-through-a-modern-home-office-photo-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/woman-using-a-wheelchair-moving-through-a-modern-home-office-photo-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/woman-using-a-wheelchair-moving-through-a-modern-home-office-photo-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/woman-using-a-wheelchair-moving-through-a-modern-home-office-photo-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/woman-using-a-wheelchair-moving-through-a-modern-home-office-photo-3.jpg 1880w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 691px) 691px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Florida Personal Injury Guide<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Paraplegia and Quadriplegia: What the Terms Mean and What Comes Next<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">A plain-language guide for injured people and their families in Florida, from CHG Personal Injury Lawyers, on the differences between paraplegia and quadriplegia and the steps that can help.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Request a Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Request a Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published October 20, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>Paraplegia vs. Quadriplegia: What the Diagnosis Means for You and Your Family<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Paraplegia is <a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/paralysis\/\">paralysis<\/a> of the lower body. It usually affects both legs and part of the trunk. Quadriplegia (also called tetraplegia) is paralysis of both arms and both legs, plus the trunk. The difference comes down to <em>where<\/em> the spinal cord was hurt. The higher the injury, the more of the body it affects.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Maybe you or someone you love just received one of these diagnoses. You may feel scared and overwhelmed. You may be trying to make sense of new medical words while also facing hard decisions about care, home life, and money.<\/p>\n<p>This page explains both conditions in plain language. It does not replace your doctors, and it does not give medical advice. It can help you understand what you are hearing and what may lie ahead. It also explains how these injuries can connect to a legal claim in Florida, when someone else&#8217;s negligence caused them.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cargo-truck-driving-on-a-scenic-highway-at-sunset-near-tuxtl-photo-3-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Cargo truck driving on a scenic highway at sunset near Tuxtla Guti\u00e9rrez.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Paraplegia and quadriplegia in plain language<\/h2>\n<p>Both are forms of paralysis. Paralysis means the loss of movement or feeling in part of the body. It often follows a spinal cord injury. When the cord is hurt, it can no longer carry signals between the brain and the body (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/spinal-cord-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377890\">Mayo Clinic<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The simplest way to tell them apart is by which limbs are affected:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Paraplegia<\/strong> affects the lower body. The arms and hands usually still work.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quadriplegia<\/strong> affects all four limbs, both arms and both legs, and often the trunk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are permanent, life-altering conditions for many people. The facts are often easier to plan around than the unknown, and knowing them helps families prepare.<\/p>\n<h2>What is paraplegia?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/paraplegia\/\">Paraplegia<\/a> is paralysis of the lower half of the body. This usually means both legs and part of the trunk. The arms and hands usually still work, because the injury sits lower on the spinal cord. It is in the thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), or sacral (base of the spine) regions (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/spinal-cord-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377890\">Mayo Clinic<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Common effects include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Loss of movement in the legs<\/li>\n<li>Changes or loss of feeling below the injury<\/li>\n<li>Changes to bladder, bowel, and sexual function<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Two people with paraplegia can have very different abilities. The exact level and severity of the injury make a large difference.<\/p>\n<h2>What is quadriplegia (tetraplegia)?<\/h2>\n<p>Quadriplegia is paralysis that affects both arms and both legs, plus the trunk. It comes from an injury higher on the spinal cord, in the cervical (neck) region.<\/p>\n<p>Families often get confused by the two names. <strong>Quadriplegia and <a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/tetraplegia\/\">tetraplegia<\/a> describe the same condition.<\/strong> Both refer to difficulty using the arms, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs. Doctors and researchers tend to write &#8220;tetraplegia,&#8221; which is the term used in the international clinical standards. Families and older records often say &#8220;quadriplegia&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/asia-spinalinjury.org\/international-standards-neurological-classification-sci-isncsci\/\">American Spinal Injury Association<\/a>). If both words appear in your paperwork, you are looking at one diagnosis described two ways.<\/p>\n<p>The highest neck injuries can affect the muscles used to breathe. Some people need a ventilator, a machine that helps them breathe (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/spinal-cord-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377890\">Mayo Clinic<\/a>). Ask your medical team how breathing support applies to your loved one&#8217;s situation.<\/p>\n<h2>Why the location of the injury matters<\/h2>\n<p>Think of the spinal cord as a highway of nerve signals that runs down from the brain. An injury works like a roadblock. Everything <em>below<\/em> the roadblock loses its connection to the brain.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Injury in the neck (cervical) \u2192 quadriplegia.<\/strong> More of the body sits below the injury, so both arms and legs are affected.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Injury in the mid or lower back (thoracic, lumbar, sacral) \u2192 paraplegia.<\/strong> The arms sit above the injury, so they usually still work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The higher the injury on the spine, the more of the body it affects (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/spinal-cord-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377890\">Mayo Clinic<\/a>). For a plain-language overview of the neck, mid-back, and lower-back regions, see our guide to catastrophic back and neck injuries.<\/p>\n<h2>Complete vs. incomplete: how much function remains<\/h2>\n<p>The level of the injury tells doctors <em>where<\/em> it is. Whether the injury is complete or incomplete tells them <em>how much<\/em> function remains. Both matter.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Complete injury:<\/strong> no movement or feeling below the level of the injury.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Incomplete injury:<\/strong> some movement or feeling remains below the injury (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/spinal-cord-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377890\">Mayo Clinic<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Doctors grade this with the <strong>ASIA Impairment Scale<\/strong>, a standard scale that runs from A through E. &#8220;A&#8221; is a complete injury. &#8220;B&#8221; through &#8220;D&#8221; describe growing amounts of kept function (<a href=\"https:\/\/asia-spinalinjury.org\/international-standards-neurological-classification-sci-isncsci\/\">American Spinal Injury Association<\/a>). If your care team says &#8220;ASIA A&#8221; or &#8220;ASIA C,&#8221; this is the scale they are using. The grade shapes therapy goals, equipment needs, and long-term care planning.<\/p>\n<p>Only your medical team can determine the level, completeness, and outlook for your injury. Outcomes vary widely from person to person, and no one can predict them from a label alone.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What life looks like for the family<\/h2>\n<p>A spinal cord injury changes the daily routine of the whole household. Transfers from bed to chair, skin and wound care, bladder and bowel routines, and equipment maintenance often fall to a spouse, parent, adult child, or sibling, sometimes overnight. Many families also rearrange homes, work schedules, and vehicles around the new needs.<\/p>\n<p>Caregivers need support too. Ask your rehabilitation team about caregiver training, respite options, and community <a href=\"\/resources\/\">resources<\/a>. Caring for someone you love while also grieving the life you expected is hard, and you do not have to carry it alone.<\/p>\n<h2>What causes paraplegia and quadriplegia?<\/h2>\n<p>Most cases come from a traumatic spinal cord injury, a sudden, forceful event that damages the cord. The Christopher &amp; Dana Reeve Foundation lists motor vehicle crashes, falls, acts of violence, and sports and recreation injuries as leading causes (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/stats-about-paralysis\/\">Reeve Foundation<\/a>). The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center reports the same pattern. Vehicle crashes, falls, and acts of violence are the most frequent causes of traumatic spinal cord injury (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nscisc.uab.edu\/\">NSCISC<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>In the catastrophic-injury cases our attorneys handle, two causes come up again and again.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Truck crashes.<\/strong> A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A typical passenger car weighs about 4,000 pounds. That mismatch releases enormous force, which can fracture the spine and injure the cord in an instant. Liability in truck cases can involve more than the driver. Our <a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accidents\/\">truck accident<\/a> guide covers these cases in more detail.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Violent attacks on unsafe property.<\/strong> This one is hard to talk about. Imagine someone is shot, stabbed, or beaten in an apartment complex, a parking garage, a hotel, a gas station, or a store. The attack leaves them with a spinal cord injury and permanent paralysis. Afterward, they learn that the property lacked basic protection, such as working locks and gates, good lighting, security cameras, or guards. Families in this situation often ask whether the property owner should have prevented the attack.<\/p>\n<p>When a property owner knew or should have known about a danger and failed to provide reasonable protection, the injured person may have a claim against that owner. The legal term for this is <strong>negligent security<\/strong>. You do not need to know the term to ask for help. Our page on negligent security claims explains it in everyday language.<\/p>\n<h2>The lifelong cost of paralysis<\/h2>\n<p>Paralysis brings costs that can last a lifetime. These include ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, wheelchairs and adaptive equipment, home and vehicle modifications, and daily personal care. The NSCISC reports that lifetime costs of spinal cord injury run into the millions of dollars, and they rise sharply with the severity and level of the injury (<a href=\"https:\/\/sites.uab.edu\/nscisc\/files\/2026\/03\/Facts-and-Figures-English-03.25.2026-Accessible.pdf\">NSCISC<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>When someone else&#8217;s negligence caused the injury, these costs may become part of a legal claim. No lawyer can promise a particular result, but families deserve to understand their options early.<\/p>\n<h2>When another person&#8217;s negligence caused a paralyzing injury<\/h2>\n<p>After a catastrophic injury, families often ask one question first: should anyone be held responsible? That is a fair question. Common examples include a crash caused by an unsafe driver or trucking company, and an attack on property that failed to provide reasonable security. A personal-injury attorney can review what happened and explain your rights.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Timing matters.<\/strong> Legal deadlines apply to these claims, and waiting can narrow your options. Contact a lawyer promptly so that someone can review the time limits that may apply to your situation.<\/p>\n<h2>Talk with a Florida firm about your situation<\/h2>\n<p>CHG Personal Injury Lawyers is a Florida-based firm. Our attorneys are admitted to the Florida Bar. We handle catastrophic injury and <a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injuries\/\">spinal cord injury<\/a> cases for clients throughout Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. The responsible lawyer for this page is Igor Hernandez.<\/p>\n<p>Our first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">request a free case evaluation<\/a> and talk through what happened, what you have been told, and what questions to bring to your medical team. Our team is available to listen, explain your options in plain language, and answer your questions without pressure.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/person-using-a-wheelchair-looking-forward-with-a-quiet-resol-photo-4-1024x572.png\" alt=\"Person using a wheelchair looking forward with a quiet, resolute expression.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia?<\/summary><p>Paraplegia affects the lower body, usually both legs and part of the trunk. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs, both arms and both legs, plus the trunk.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is quadriplegia the same as tetraplegia?<\/summary><p>Yes. They are two names for the same condition, paralysis affecting both arms and both legs. Clinicians usually write &#8220;tetraplegia,&#8221; and families often say &#8220;quadriplegia.&#8221;<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What part of the spine is injured in paraplegia versus quadriplegia?<\/summary><p>Quadriplegia comes from an injury in the neck (cervical region). Paraplegia comes from a lower injury in the mid-back (thoracic), lower back (lumbar), or base of the spine (sacral).<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a high spinal cord injury affect breathing?<\/summary><p>Yes. The highest neck injuries can affect the muscles used to breathe, and some people need a ventilator. Your medical team can explain what this means for your loved one.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a violent attack on someone else&#8217;s property cause paralysis?<\/summary><p>Yes. An assault, shooting, or attack on an unsafe property can cause a paralyzing spinal cord injury.<\/p><\/details><hr \/>\n<p><em>This page is educational and is not medical or legal advice. For a diagnosis and prognosis, talk with your medical team and follow their care. To discuss your legal options, <a href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>This is attorney advertising. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Cornish Hernandez Gonzalez, PLLC, 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 300, Coral Gables, FL 33134.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Get Medical Care First<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you or someone you love may have a spinal cord injury, get emergency medical care right away and follow your doctors&#x27; treatment plan. Your health comes first. Legal questions can wait until you are stable.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Talk to Our Team When You Are Ready<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Talk to Our Team When You Are Ready<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How Our Firm Can Help<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compassionate Guidance<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We understand that a paralysis diagnosis changes your family&#x27;s daily life. We listen first and explain your options in plain language.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear Case Review<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We review the accident, the medical records and the available evidence to understand what happened and who may be responsible.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advocacy for Your Future<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Serious injuries often bring lasting medical, home and work needs. We focus on making sure those long-term needs are part of the conversation.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bilingual Support<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team can explain your case in English or Spanish, so you can make decisions with full understanding.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Common Questions Families Ask<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is paraplegia the same as quadriplegia?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Paraplegia usually affects the lower body, including both legs. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and the trunk. Your medical team can explain which applies to your situation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What causes these injuries?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both are most often linked to spinal cord damage from traumatic events such as car and truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, falls and other serious accidents.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can these conditions change over time?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people regain function over months or years, and others do not. Your doctors can explain your prognosis and recommended care.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do next?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep your medical appointments, save records of your treatment and accident, and contact our team to talk through your options.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">You Do Not Have to Face This Alone<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/\">Glossary<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/spinal-cord-injury\/\">Spinal Cord Injuries: A Guide for Victims and Families Facing Paralysis<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/what-is-partial-paralysis-and-how-does-it-occur\/\">What is partial paralysis and how does it occur?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/what-is-post-cauda-equina-syndrome\/\">What is post-cauda equina syndrome?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/what-is-spastic-quadriplegia\/\">What is spastic quadriplegia?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/what-is-the-cause-of-tetraplegia\/\">What is the cause of tetraplegia?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/what-is-the-difference-between-diplegia-and-paraplegia\/\">What is the difference between diplegia and paraplegia?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is paraplegia and quadriplegia? Paraplegia affects the lower body; quadriplegia affects all four limbs and the trunk. 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