Verdict Spotlight
$7.1M
18 year old man paralyzed from the chest down from a shooting at a fast food restaurant which failed to provide proper security and contact police when customers were threatened
Attorneys for Spinal Cord Injuries Leading to Paralysis in Arlington Heights, Illinois
Paralysis is one of the most devastating outcomes of a serious accident. The sudden loss of mobility or function can permanently alter every aspect of a person's life, from their employment and independence to their personal relationships and daily routines. Paralysis injuries are often caused by preventable accidents, including car crashes, slip and fall accidents, and other acts of negligence. For victims and their families, the path to recovery can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging.
The attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law can provide essential support for people in Arlington Heights who have suffered spinal cord damage or other nerve injuries. By investigating the cause of the injury, determining who was responsible, and taking steps to recover compensation for a victim's damages, we can help ensure that our clients will have the resources they need to adapt and rebuild their lives.
Accidents and Incidents That Can Cause Paralysis
Paralysis is most commonly caused by damage to the spinal cord, although other forms of severe nerve damage can also impair movement or sensation. Some of the most common causes of paralysis-related injuries include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles can cause fractures in the spine and trauma to the spinal cord.
- Falls: Slips, trips, or falls from heights can result in permanent spinal injuries.
- Construction Accidents: Crushing injuries, equipment malfunctions, or falls on unsafe construction sites may lead to paralysis.
- Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds or assaults that damage the spine or central nervous system can cause paralysis.
- Medical Negligence: Issues such as surgical errors or failure to diagnose spinal conditions can result in irreversible nerve damage.
How Paralysis Can Affect a Person's Life
Paralysis may be partial, leaving a person with some feeling and the ability to use the parts of the body that were affected, or it may be complete, resulting in a complete loss of sensation and movement. It can affect different areas of the body depending on the location and severity of a spinal cord or nerve injury. Common types of paralysis include:
- Paraplegia: Damage to the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord can lead to loss of function and sensation in the lower half of the body.
- Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): An injury to the cervical spinal cord can lead to loss of function in all four limbs and the torso.
- Monoplegia or Hemiplegia: In some cases, paralysis may affect only one limb or one side of the body due to nerve damage or a traumatic brain injury.
The impact of paralysis is not limited to physical disabilities. Victims may experience:
- Loss of Independence: Assistance may be needed to address mobility, hygiene, and daily living tasks.
- Emotional Trauma: Depression, anxiety, and psychological stress are common following a life-altering injury.
- Financial Difficulties: Medical bills and the costs of adaptive equipment or home modifications can be overwhelming, especially when paralysis has affected a person's ability to work and earn an income.
- Relationship Strain: Family members may need to take on new roles and responsibilities to care for a person with paralysis, which can lead to increased levels of stress and conflict.
Treatment and Ongoing Care for Paralysis Victims
Managing a paralysis injury requires a long-term, multidisciplinary approach. Treatment may involve:
- Emergency Medical Care and Surgical Intervention: After an injury has occurred, emergency treatment may be provided to stabilize the spine, reduce inflammation, or repair damaged nerves.
- Inpatient Rehabilitation: As a person works to recover from their injury, they may need to receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
- Home Health Care and Personal Assistance: To support their basic living needs and monitor their medical condition, a person may require in-home care.
- Mobility Aids and Adaptive Equipment: Wheelchairs, lift systems, and other devices may be used to ensure that a person can adapt to their daily life. Training and therapy will typically be needed to ensure that devices can be used effectively.
- Mental Health Counseling: The emotional impact of a life-altering injury can be significant, and psychological treatment may be necessary to address these issues.
- Lifelong Medical Monitoring: To manage complications such as pressure ulcers, respiratory problems, or muscle atrophy, a person will need to receive ongoing treatment, and their condition should be closely monitored so that the proper interventions can be taken to protect their health and well-being.
Contact Our Arlington Heights Paralysis Injury Attorneys
When a spinal cord injury or other serious trauma has resulted in paralysis, a victim can work with an attorney to ensure that they will have the financial resources they need to move forward. At Schwartz Injury Law, we can perform investigations to identify the parties who were responsible for an injury, and we will advocate for the rights of victims, working to ensure that they will receive financial compensation for their damages. Contact our Arlington Heights, IL spinal cord injury lawyers at 847-582-0157 to schedule a free consultation today.