Crofton Paralysis Injury Lawyer

Wes Henderson - Paralysis Injury Attorney Crofton, MD

Maryland Paralysis Injury Lawyer

Paraplegia and Quadriplegia
Our nervous system is one of the most complex and integral parts of our bodies. Provided that everything works appropriately, few people give much thought to exactly how much work their nervous system does. A tear or rupture within a person’s nervous system, however, can result in partial or total paralysis that changes that person’s life forever. These devastating injuries are more common than you might believe. One 2013 study published by the American Journal of Public Health found that approximately 5.4 million people in the United States have incurred some type of paralysis injury.

Common Types of Paralysis Injuries

There are three common types of paralysis, which include:

• Hemiplegia involves paralysis of one side of a person’s body. While hemiplegia is primarily caused by health-related issues and various diseases, the condition can also occur when a traumatic brain injury impacts only one side of a person’s brain. These brain injuries commonly result from car accidents, slip and falls, and many other accidents. The brain is divided into two sections connected by nerve fibers. The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, and vice versa. When a person experiences paralysis on only one side of the body, this often means that the person is experiencing problems with the other side of his or her brain.
• Paraplegia involves paralysis of a person’s lower body and legs. This injury occurs when nerves in a person’s lumbar or thoracic vertebrae are injured. The location of the injury on the spine determines whether a person’s abdomen, hip flexors, or legs are impacted.
• Quadriplegia is the most common type of paralysis and impacts both the upper and lower portion of a person’s body. Individuals who face quadriplegia are injured at either the thoracic or cervical vertebrae. If the location of the spinal cord injury is particularly high, the victim might end up requiring a ventilator to breathe for the rest of his or her life.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Paralysis Injuries

It can be challenging to determine the extent of a paralysis injury, which is why it is a good idea to receive a prompt medical evaluation if your spine has been injured in any way. Some of the symptoms most commonly associated with spinal injuries include:

• Chronic pain caused by nerve damages
• Impaired sexual function
• Loss of the ability to sense touch or perceive hot and cold
• Loss of bladder control or bowel function
• Respiratory problems
• Spasms

Common Causes of Paralysis Injuries

Many medical conditions can result in paralysis injuries. Some of the other common causes of paralysis conditions include:

• Gunshot injuries
• Knife injuries
• Medical malpractice
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Sports injuries

Living with Paralysis Injuries

Whether the symptoms associated with an injury are reversible or permanent, learning to live with these complications often requires substantial lifestyle changes. One of the most common adaptations requires dealing with limited mobility. This often means that a person is no longer able to operate a motor vehicle. Other times, a person might need to learn how to drive using assistive devices.

Despite the many challenges involved with paralysis injuries, all is not lost. The survivors of spinal cord injuries are often able to resume their pre-accident lives after they become reacquainted with their new modes of mobility. There are, however, some additional medical concerns involved with these types of injuries, including blood clots, pneumonia, blood pressure changes, pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and pain. While some of these complications result from lack of movement, others are due to a lack of nerve signals in the body.

Deciding Fault After Paralysis-Causing Accidents

To obtain compensation for an accident that results in a paralysis injury, you must be able to prove that the party responsible for the accident was at-fault. This often involves establishing that someone’s negligence or recklessness directly caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. Sometimes, it might be necessary to split fault between multiple parties. An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you with this.

Determining the Monetary Value of Your Accident Case

The compensation that you are awarded by an insurance carrier or a court of law will take certain damages into consideration, including medical bills to treat the injury, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Calculating the amount of damages can be more challenging when factoring in pain and suffering or disfigurement. Your attorney will help you determine the appropriate value of your injury claim.

Speak with an Experienced Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one faces a paralysis injury after an accident, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable attorney at Henderson Law. Contact our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation.

As a trusted law firm in the Crofton, Maryland community and a reliable partner to our clients, we are proud of each of the 5 star reviews on our Google business listing. Please call us today and learn exactly why we are the right paralysis injury lawyer for you.