Paralysis is a lack of movement or feeling in some part of the body and is one of the most life-altering injuries someone can experience. For people with significant or total paralysis, the impact is not only physical—but also mental, emotional, and financial. It can leave them utterly dependent on others, unable to work, and unable to take care of themselves, which can be emotionally and mentally draining. It can also come with additional physical issues, such as pressure sores and muscle atrophy, and ongoing medical expenses, thus causing financial stress. This type of injury leads to lifelong medical care, even for people with partial paralysis.
You deserve compensation when an accident caused by someone else’s reckless or careless actions leaves you paralyzed. This compensation should be enough to cover ongoing medical expenses, compensate you and your loved ones for trauma and loss of quality of life, and cover missing wages. A New Orleans paralysis injury lawyer could help you assess the value of your claim, determine whether settlement offers are adequate, and represent you in court, if necessary. Call soon to work with a compassionate catastrophic injury attorney.
Almost any accident can lead to paralysis. Damage to the neck or spine and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to paralysis and loss of motor function. However, while any accident can cause those injuries, some have a higher risk of paralysis than others. Leading causes include:
Paralysis is not always the result of an accident or intentional injury. Strokes, cerebral palsy, and other types of illnesses can also cause this condition, which could be temporary or permanent. If those illnesses or conditions are the result of someone’s negligence, a victim may still be able to work with a New Orleans attorney to recover damages in a paralysis injury lawsuit.
Any loss of feeling or function is a form of paralysis. It can impact part or all of the body, and be temporary or permanent. Some paralysis is treatable and may improve with medical interventions and physical therapy. Some paralysis has no current medical treatment—severe damage to or severing of the spinal cord leads to permanent, irreversible injuries.
Total paralysis refers to the amount of sensation lost rather than the amount of the body impacted.
Partial paralysis is anything less than total. Any loss of sensation or movement is a form of paralysis, but not all degrees of paralysis have the same impact on a person’s life.
Paralysis may also be flaccid or spastic. In flaccid paralysis, there is muscle atrophy and even shrinkage. In spastic paralysis, the person experiences spasms and jerks. Spastic paralysis can be painful but is also a sign that the nerves are relaying some messages. The nerves are not completely damaged, but this does not necessarily mean the person will recover.
The degree of paralysis is one of the significant factors impacting a victim’s quality of life. Quadriplegia usually prevents people from returning to work, interferes with hobbies and other activities, and can completely disrupt relationships. In addition to movement and sensation, it can also impact breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Lesser degrees of paralysis may not impact people the same way.
Paralysis can also affect mental health, leading to conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some people may even develop substance abuse problems, deal with suicidal ideations, and other secondary issues to cope with their paralysis injury. A New Orleans lawyer could work to ensure that any settlement is sufficient to pay for mental health care.
Paralysis may be the most catastrophic of all personal injuries and can greatly affect the victim and their family. When you have been paralyzed because of someone else’s negligence, no amount of money will ever fully compensate you for that injury. However, a New Orleans paralysis injury lawyer could fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
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