Paralysis is the temporary or permanent loss of sensations or ability to control motor function in muscles throughout the body. It happens when something causes a disruption of messaging between the brain and muscles throughout the body and may leave you unable to work or care for yourself. This injury often occurs after suffering trauma, such as a blow, that damages the spinal cord.
You could be eligible to collect monetary damages through a negligence claim when you suffer a loss of motor function in an accident caused by another person’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions. A seasoned catastrophic injury attorney could help you every step of the way throughout the legal process to obtain the compensation you need and deserve to move forward. Call a Tavares paralysis injury lawyer today to schedule an initial consultation.
What Are the Common Causes of Paralysis?
Accidents that frequently lead to victims suffering paralysis include:
A person may suffer paralysis in any accident that causes the spinal cord to sustain trauma and partially or entirely severs the organ.
Types of Paralysis
The severity and location of spinal cord damage determine the body parts the trauma affects and whether it is temporary or permanent. There are four primary types of paralysis:
Monoplegia
Monoplegia causes the person to lose control of movement in one limb. Loss of the ability to function usually occurs in an arm, but it could also be a leg.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is the loss of motor function and sensation to one side of the body, including an arm, leg, and side of the face. It can involve the left or right side of the body, depending on where the spinal cord damage occurs.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is paralysis of extremities below the waist, including the trunk, pelvic organs, and legs. Individuals suffering from paraplegia usually require long-term medical care and cannot function independently.
Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia causes paralysis of all four limbs and the torso. After suffering these injuries, the individual may require lifelong medical care and assistance to care for themselves.
Recoverable Damages in Paralysis Claims
The cost of medical and personal care after paralytic injuries is often substantial. The injured party suffers severe physical, psychological, and financial damages from the accident, and the settlement may be significant. The court may award compensation to cover various losses, including:
- Permanent disability.
- Losing the enjoyment of life.
- Medication and medical devices.
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
- The cost of current and future medical care.
- Loss of salary, benefits, and future earning potential.
Damages for these claims will vary depending on the specific circumstances; however, a skilled Tavares paralysis injury attorney could help calculate the potential settlement after reviewing the unique details of the case.
Statute of Limitations to File a Paralysis Lawsuit
The civil court sets a time limit called the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. While there are a few exceptions, missing the statute’s cutoff date means losing eligibility to collect compensation in most cases.
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), an injured person must commence legal action against the defendant within two years of the accident. Though, the court could grant extensions for civil actions involving minors or injuries causing mental incapacity. An experienced paralysis injury lawyer in Tavares could answer questions about the statute and time frame for filing a claim in more detail during an initial meeting.
Enlist the Help of a Tavares Paralysis Injury Attorney
Paralysis injuries are catastrophic in nature and can have devastating long-term consequences for you and your family. Unfortunately, the spinal cord cannot heal itself, and no medical cure can reverse the damage and its effects. However, quality medical care and rehabilitation services provide the best chance of living independently and a better quality of life.
You could be eligible for compensation when someone else’s negligence causes you or a loved one to suffer paralysis. Call today to a compassionate Tavares paralysis injury lawyer today to seek justice.
