Paralysis is terrifying to experience. While loss of mobility does not necessarily impact the entire body, it does change what you are able to do. Many people will face years of medical interventions. Some will be unable to work or practice self-care and must deal with an emotionally and physically draining condition.
Incidents that can lead to paralysis include car and truck wrecks, motorcycle crashes, construction job accidents or heavy equipment mishaps, falls, and physical assaults. In addition, there are organic causes of paralysis, like strokes and types of palsy. If someone’s negligent or willful behavior led to your paralysis, they may be responsible for financial damages. An Aurora paralysis injury lawyer can provide information on potential remedies. Working with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney helps protect your rights in these cases.
Learn More About Paralysis
Paralysis refers to the loss of movement or sensation in parts of the body. Damage to the brain or spinal column can result in paralysis. The cause is important because it helps dictate your prognosis. If the paralysis results from nerve or brain damage, physical therapy and other treatments may help improve the condition. If a severed or severely damaged spinal cord caused the paralysis, then the condition is likely permanent.
Types of Paralysis
Partial paralysis is a reduction in movement or sensation, while total paralysis is the total loss of movement and sensation in an area. Some people may initially have total paralysis and regain some sensation and movement over time.
Specific diagnostic terms describe the extent and location of the paralysis.
- Diplegia affects the same region of both sides of the body
- Monoplegia is paralysis of one limb
- Hemiplegia is paralysis of all or part of one side
- Paraplegia is paralysis in both legs and part of the lower body
- Quadriplegia is paralysis in all four limbs and the torso
Doctors may describe paralysis as flaccid or spastic. In flaccid paralysis, you experience muscle atrophy and shrinkage, while in spastic paralysis, you may have muscle tightening, spasms, and jerks. Spastic paralysis indicates that the nerves are not completely damaged but does not necessarily mean you are guaranteed to recover.
Paralysis is a complex diagnosis. You should have a personalized treatment regime, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical interventions. Treatments can be expensive, and traditional health insurance may not cover them all. An Aurora attorney who handles paralysis injuries could help you get sufficient compensation to cover medical expenses.
Paralysis and Quality of Life
Paralysis drastically impacts your quality of life. You may be unable to return to work or participate in activities that once brought you joy. Your independence can diminish, and you may need assistance for essential life functions. Paralysis can even impact automatic bodily processes like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Paralysis also harms mental health. You may experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder alongside it. Some injured people turn to substances to cope with these issues.
When valuing your damages, it is vital to consider the costs of aides, medical assistance devices, therapy, and other areas of your life that may have been impacted by the accident. An Aurora paralysis injury lawyer will consider all those factors when calculating potential settlement values.
Schedule a Consultation with a Paralysis Injury Attorney in Aurora
Paralysis can be an isolating experience. However, you are not alone. An Aurora paralysis injury lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation, so contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today. With over 40 years of experience, our personal injury attorneys can provide information about your rights and how to pursue a claim.