What Kind of Compensation Can I Get When a Car Accident Leads to Paralysis?

 Posted on December 23,2022 in Personal Injury

More than five million people in the United States have some form of paralysis. People’s lives are forever changed when they lose the ability to move part or all of their body. A car crash is one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis which can be physically difficult. Adapting to your new way of life can also be challenging psychologically. If you or a loved one was paralyzed due to a car crash, and the injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the responsible driver.

Recognizing Paralysis

Paralysis occurs when someone is unable to make voluntary muscle movements. The ability to control your body after a spinal cord injury hinges on the severity of the injury and what part of the spinal cord sustains the injury. The impact of a car crash often injures the spinal cord and although you may not feel the pain right away you should see a doctor right away. These are some signs and symptoms that something is not right:

• Loss of movement

• Altered sensation

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Spasms

• Changes in sexual function and fertility

• Intense pain caused by damaged nerve fibers

• Difficulty breathing and clearing secretions from your lungs

Lifelong care will be needed for someone who is paralyzed and they will likely experience other medical problems due to their paralysis including mood changes, sores, and heart problems. 

Personal Injury Claim

Paralysis affects nearly every aspect of a person's life. If you were left paralyzed due to a car crash, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to hold a driver responsible. You could be entitled to compensation for some of the following:

• Medical expenses including rehabilitative therapy, medication, and hospitalization

• Medical devices and equipment including prosthetics

• Home modifications

• Home Care

• Loss of income and lost earning capacity

• Diminished quality of life

• Pain and suffering 

• Psychological counseling 

• Financial reimbursement may be available for medical expenses, lost income, and much more

Contact a Joliet Personal Injury Lawyer

If you suffered paralysis due to a car accident, contact Schwartz Injury Law for help. A Cook County catastrophic injury attorney will work aggressively on behalf of our clients. We can help you hold the responsible party accountable to try to receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/can-paralysis-be-reversed#ability-to-walk-again

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15345-paralysis 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23974-quadriplegia-tetraplegia