The spine plays a pivotal role in the body. It contains nerve bundles that allow the brain to communicate with the body and perform assorted tasks, such as walking, sitting, cooking, typing, and dancing. As such, an injury to the head, neck, or spinal cord itself can have life-altering effects.
If you or someone you love was recently paralyzed because of a serious accident, contact an experienced attorney to discuss options for recovering compensation. An Atlanta paralysis injury lawyer could help you pursue damages to ease your financial burdens and gain a sense of accountability.
Common Causes of Paralyzing Injuries
Paralysis can result from various catastrophic incidents, many of which are caused by negligence or intentional acts of violence. Some of the most common causes of paralyzing injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents, including car, bus, RV, and motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction site accidents and other workplace injuries
- Defective products
- Hazardous premises
- Medical malpractice
Types of Paralysis and Related Symptoms
There are several types of paralysis that affect different parts of the body. Monoplegia affects one part of the body, whereas paraplegia impacts the body from the waist down. Quadriplegia occurs when the body is paralyzed from the neck down. Many paraplegic and quadriplegic individuals experience various complications such as:
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of motor control
- Loss of sensation
- Bladder, bowel, and sexual function issues.
Additionally, paralyzed individuals often experience secondary health complications. These could include:
- Bedsores
- Respiratory health problems
- Chronic pain
- Spasticity
- Upper extremity problems
- Mental health issues, such as depression
Because the damage from a paralysis injury can be so extensive, victims should speak with an Atlanta attorney about potential claims for compensation to cover all their losses.
Damages in Paralysis Cases
Paralysis claims often include long lists of damages due to the life-altering effects of these types of injuries. Typical economic damages may cover losses such as:
- Emergency treatment and ongoing medical care
- Counseling
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Lost past and future wages
Non-economic damages, or losses without a specific monetary value, could include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, mental and emotional anguish, and loss of life quality.
Establishing Fault in Atlanta Paralysis Injury Cases
Georgia follows modified comparative negligence rules, which means that a paralysis victim can collect damages as long as they are 50 percent or less to blame for the accident. For example, say a plaintiff was found 5 percent responsible for the accident that caused their injuries. The plaintiff would have their total damages award reduced by 5 percent to reflect their role in causing the accident. As such, a paralyzed victim should retain experienced legal counsel in their area to help argue for the full value of their case and contest allegations of fault.
Speak with an Atlanta Paralysis Attorney for Legal Guidance
If you were in a catastrophic accident caused by someone else, contact an Atlanta paralysis injury lawyer to help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. A skilled attorney could review your case and determine an effective legal strategy for your recovery. Paralyzing accidents are often life-altering for victims and their families. Contact legal assistance to help you move forward from this traumatic event.