It is easy to take your ability to walk and use your arms for granted. Once it is taken away, you will likely have to make significant and sometimes permanent adjustments to your life. If this has happened to you after an accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation to help take care of yourself and your family.

A Richmond paralysis injury lawyer from Latham & Martin could guide you through the legal process and advocate for the maximum amount that your claim is worth. Dealing with the complications of this kind of injury is challenging and emotional enough, so let our catastrophic injury attorneys handle your case while you focus on healing.

What Are the Causes and Types of Paralysis?

The spinal cord is a tightly wrapped column of nerves that runs from the base of your brain down your back. It is a vital organ for everyday life because it acts as a central highway through which brain signals travel to and from other parts of the body.

Damage to this highway could interrupt or block your brain’s signals, preventing them from reaching their destination. This is known as paralysis, and it is one of the most complex types of injuries because the severity depends on the exact location along the spinal cord. Since the signals travel down from the brain, victims experience issues below the site of the injury.

Paraplegia

If the injury is lower in the back near the hips or waist, victims may experience loss of control and movement in their legs, called paraplegia.

Quadriplegia

On the other hand, if the damage is closer to the head, then it could mean loss of movement in the entire body, known as quadriplegia.

Incomplete vs. Complete Paralysis

Further complicating the matter is that paralysis could be classified as either incomplete or complete. As the names suggest, incomplete paralysis is when there is still some connection between the brain and the body, which allows for some function and feeling, but not as strong as before. In contrast, complete paralysis means the connection has been severed, resulting in a total loss of function.

Whether it is paraplegia or quadriplegia, these injuries may be permanent, so retaining a trusted paralysis lawyer in Richmond is crucial to navigating the challenges and effectively seeking compensation.

Recoverable Compensation

Getting paralyzed by an injury to the spinal cord usually happens because of a traumatic event, like a car crash, which is why talking to a Richmond attorney could help you understand your options. When the accident is caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you may be able to file a claim for financial damages.

Some examples of the potential compensation include:

  • Lost income if you are unable to work
  • Medical costs, such as hospital bills and surgeries
  • Emotional distress that comes from a permanent disability
  • Adaptive devices like wheelchairs or communication technology
  • Long-term assistance if the injury prevents you from taking care of yourself

Every claim is different, and the exact types and amounts of compensation that you may be entitled to heavily depend on the extent of your injuries and other factors. A knowledgeable attorney could review your case to give you an idea of what your claim could be worth.

If You Have Been Paralyzed, Talk to Our Richmond Lawyers

Losing your ability to walk and move on your own is a truly distressful and confusing time. A Richmond paralysis injury lawyer at Latham & Martin could provide you with advice on your legal options.

Our legal team is here to support you throughout the process and work to get you the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free initial case consultation to learn more.