Paraplegics are finding hope through Project Walk, a program designed to assist victims of paralysis in receiving physical therapy. Patients such as Jeff Roch of Las Vegas have reported physical improvement and some have even begun walking again. Roch hopes to join the ranks of those who are able to put their days in a wheelchair behind them. Roch was involved in a motorcycle crash that damaged his spinal cord and left him paralyzed from the waist down in 2000. Despite the doctor's repeated statement that he would never walk again, he maintains that he has always had feeling in his legs. Since beginning therapy in Carlsbad, California, Roch reported improved bone density and greater circulation in his legs. His initial success encouraged him to continue with the therapy, and has also encouraged his wife Stacie to begin a Project Walk program in the couple's home town. Of course, other challenges remain for Roch, but the future is looking brighter through Project Walk. Project Walk makes strong demands of participants.
Typically, local patients are expected to take part in two to three physical therapy sessions per week. Those who have come from out of state to participate in Project Walk are advised to stay for at least a month to fully participate in the training. A further challenge for patients is financial; since Project Walk is technically not a medical facility, insurance companies will not pay for sessions. For this reason, Project Walk is starting a foundation to financially assist those patients unable to pay.
SPINAL CORD INJURIES ON THE RISE
According to statistics, spinal cord injuries are on the increase in the United States. However, the leading cause of these injuries is no longer automobile crashes but falls. According to a report released by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, rates of spinal cord injuries are increasing, especially among older people. The report notes that far fewer serious injuries would occur if the number of falls were reduced. While simple falls accounted for 41 percent of spinal cord injuries, motorcycle accidents such as those suffered by Roch also account for over 35 percent of spinal cord injuries. Whether a person is injured by an irresponsible driver, by a fall on a slippery surface or by faulty vehicle manufacturing, a victim of spinal cord injury faces years of physical anguish and often very high medical expenses. Therefore, it is critical that patients suffering spinal cord injuries protect their rights and recover compensation if at all possible.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE ELSE'S NEGLIGENCE CAUSES A SERIOUS INJURY?
If you or someone you love has suffered an accident resulting in a serious spinal cord injury through the negligence of another, you may be entitled to financial assistance with medical treatment. Do not delay in seeking legitimate financial compensation; hesitancy may negatively affect your claim. The personal injury lawyers at High Stakes Injury Law in Las Vegas are here to fight for victims of others' negligence. For a free consultation, call (702) 444-3228. free consultation about your spinal cord injury case, contact High Stakes Injury Law today.