Of all the personal injuries, paralysis may be the scariest one. Paralysis impacts every aspect of quality of life. It reduces a person’s earning capabilities, prevents people from doing things they enjoy, can lead to further medical complications, and can impact every relationship you have.
When someone else’s negligence leads to paralysis for you or a loved one, you may be able to recover for those injuries. Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, loss in earning capacity, accommodation necessary because of the injury, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and more. A Lynnwood paralysis injury lawyer could examine your case and advise you about potential remedies. Contact our catastrophic injury attorneys to start your case.
What is Paralysis?
Paralysis is the result of nerve damage. When the nerves connecting a part of the body to the brain cease to function correctly, a person experiences a loss in coordination and strength in that section of the body. Paralysis can be partial, involving reduced motion, strength, or mobility. It can also be total, which means losing all movement and sensation in the area. A person may experience any degree of paralysis, and the degrees can vary at different parts of the ailment.
There are five main types of paralysis — paraplegia, quadriplegia, monoplegia, diplegia, and hemiplegia. Monoplegia involves one limb. Diplegia means paralysis on both sides of the same region of the body. Hemiplegia involves one side of the body. Paraplegia means paralysis in both legs. Quadriplegia consists of paralysis in both arms and legs.
In addition to the region of the body, a medical team may use some other terms to describe paralysis. Flaccid paralysis involves muscle atrophy and shrinkage and is often related to more complete nerve damage. Spastic paralysis can include spasms and jerks, along with muscle tightening.
Paralysis can be partial or complete. Complete paralysis means a person has no control over the voluntary muscle movements in that body region. Partial paralysis implies they retain some movement.
Paralysis may be temporary or permanent. Knowing that diagnosis is critical because permanent paralysis has no cure. Once the spinal cord is damaged, it cannot regenerate. That does not mean someone with paralysis does not need additional treatment, including physical therapy. Interventions can help people regain some function or focus on non-paralyzed areas to use them to compensate for the injuries. With enough physical treatment, some people can resume normal activities. However, others may never be able to regain any normal functioning.
The degree and type of paralysis affects a person’s quality of life and may whether it is temporary or permanent. In addition to the prognosis, it can impact the available damages. A paralysis injury lawyer in Lynnwood will look at a person’s medical description to learn more information.
How People Become Paralyzed
Many things can cause paralysis, such as damage to the brain, spinal column, or nerves. Some organic causes include strokes, neurological diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In those instances, a person may assume that no one is liable for their injuries. However, if negligent or delayed medical treatment contributed to the paralysis, the person may have a medical malpractice claim.
Accidents are a leading cause of paralysis. Any type of accident that causes a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Any accident could cause these injuries. However, common causes include falls, car accidents, and head injuries. Depending on the cause of the paralysis injury, a Lynnwood lawyer may be able to establish liability for the damages.
Schedule a Meeting with a Lynnwood Paralysis Injury Attorney
Paralysis is one of the most frightening injuries imaginable. It can completely alter your life, leave you unable to work, and leave you physically vulnerable. It is also a costly condition. In addition to medical expenses, you may require expensive accommodation for everyday life.
Personal injury law aims to ensure the person who created the harm pays for the harm. Schedule a consultation with a Lynnwood paralysis injury lawyer. We could evaluate your case and determine whether someone else’s negligence caused your injury. If so, we can advise you on the next steps to get the compensation you deserve.