Most of us take our ability to walk and move our limbs for granted. However, some individuals are living with some degree of paralysis, which restricts their physical control and sensation. Losing movement and sensation in your lower body – or even below the neck – is devastating and life-altering for anyone.
A spinal cord injury can happen in a second, and it can then change the rest of your life. In most cases, a spinal injury happens for reasons beyond your control, and sometimes, these injuries occur because of the negligence or wrongdoing of others. When this happens, you should immediately contact an experienced paralysis lawyer so we can help initiate your personal injury claim.
Causes of Spinal Injuries
There are many different causes of spinal cord trauma, which can damage the delicate spinal cord tissue and lead to complications like paralysis. Paralysis generally occurs when the spine suffers direct trauma from blunt force or when someone breaks their neck. These can happen in different types of accidents and incidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Falls
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Sports-related accidents
- Birth injuries
- Violent assaults
Many of these incidents are the fault of another person or party, and they should be held fully liable for the lifetime of losses caused by paralysis.
The Costs of Paralysis
Paralysis can vary depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury. If the injury is “incomplete,” paralysis can be temporary, while “complete” injuries will result in permanent paralysis. Generally, paralysis occurs below the point of injury, and it can involve quadriplegia, which affects the neck and lower body, or paraplegia, which affects the lower body. Victims can lose organ functioning, as well, including the bladder, bowel, or lungs.
Not only do spinal injury victims need emergency treatment and, generally, long-term hospitalization, but they also will need ongoing treatment, medical equipment, and assistance for the rest of their lives. Experts have estimated the lifetime costs of paralysis from a spinal injury as follows:
- For a 25-year-old with paraplegia = $2,310,104
- For a 25-year-old with quadriplegia = $4,724,181
- For a 50-year-old with paraplegia = $1,516,052
- For a 50-year-old with quadriplegia = $2,596,329
In addition to the financial costs of paralysis, there are many intangible losses, as well. These can include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment and disability
While these losses are hard to quantify, an experienced attorney can determine the value of your claim after a spinal cord injury.
Protecting the Rights of Clients Paralyzed in Accidents
At Bednarz & Bednarz, we work with clients who have suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries. We understand that these claims can be a challenge, and we are here to advocate for your rights as an accident victim. Contact us for a free consultation with a paralysis attorney serving Hendersonville and Nashville, TN.
