Whether it’s temporary or permanent, partial or total, paralysis is one of the most devastating and life-changing conditions anyone can experience.
In an instant, an accident or injury can permanently alter the way you move, work, and experience the world around you. And when paralysis is caused by someone else’s carelessness, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can feel overwhelming, leaving you and your family searching for answers and guidance on what to do next.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury that led to paralysis at the hands of a negligent individual, know that you may be eligible for compensation for your resulting damages. A qualified Chattanooga paralysis lawyer can assist you in proving the liability of the party at fault, linking your injury to the incident, and negotiating a fair compensation package on your behalf. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn how skilled injury attorney can fight for your rights today.
Understanding the Different Classifications of Paralysis
Paralysis can affect different parts of the body depending on where the brain or spinal cord injury occurs. Doctors typically classify paralysis based on how much of the body is affected and whether the loss of movement is partial or complete.
Monoplegia
Monoplegia refers to paralysis that affects a single limb, such as one arm or one leg. This type of paralysis is often associated with localized nerve damage or certain types of brain injuries and may impair strength, coordination, and function in the affected limb.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia refers to paralysis on one side of the body. It usually affects one arm and one leg on the same side. It’s often caused by strokes or traumatic brain injuries and can significantly affect mobility, balance, and daily activities.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia refers to paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, including both legs. This type of paralysis is often caused by injuries to the lower spinal cord and may impact mobility, bladder control, and other bodily functions.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
Quadriplegia, sometimes called tetraplegia, occurs when paralysis affects both arms and both legs. This condition typically results from damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord and may also impact breathing, muscle control, and sensation throughout much of the body.
Partial vs. Complete Paralysis
Paralysis may also be classified as either complete or incomplete. Complete paralysis means a person has lost all sensation and voluntary movement below the injury site, while incomplete paralysis means some signals can still travel through the damaged nerves, allowing limited sensation or movement.
Common Causes of Paralysis Injuries
The brain and spinal cord are highly vulnerable to damage during many types of accidents and injuries. Trauma to either or both can impair or destroy communication between the brain and body, leading to partial or total loss of movement and sensation. While paralysis can be caused by certain medical conditions or illnesses, many paralysis injuries occur due to preventable accidents.
In catastrophic injury cases, accidents that cause paralysis are often linked to negligence. When a person, company, or other party fails to act with reasonable care, they can be held liable for the damages they cause, including paralysis. Identifying the cause of the injury that resulted in paralysis is an important step in determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Some of the most common causes of paralysis injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Boat accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents
At Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, we conduct in-depth investigations after accidents to find out exactly what went wrong, identify the responsible parties, and build a strong case to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
Potential Compensation for the Costs of Paralysis Injury
Individuals cope with paralysis in different ways. It is always desirable if someone can have a positive attitude and a candid spirit, and tries to gain as much function as possible to live their life fully. However, many patients also suffer from depression, worry and anxiety to become withdrawn from society. These individuals often require medication to treat these psychological effects from this type of injury. In addition to all of the other medical costs associated with paralysis, know that these damages are just as important to receive coverage for.
As in other personal injury cases, paralysis patients may recover both economic and noneconomic damages from the party at fault. Economic damages are quantitative and physical in nature, and can come in the form of one’s medical bills, property damage costs, and lost wages. On the other hand, noneconomic damages are qualitative and more subjective in nature, encompassing one’s pain and suffering or trauma sustained after an injury. While this makes these types of damages more difficult to calculate, they can still be awarded from a jury based on how well a skilled injury attorney can communicate one’s pain to the court.
Comparative Negligence
In Tennessee, if the injured party is at least 50% or more at fault for the injury, then that individual cannot recover any money in a civil claim. If an injured plaintiff is less than 50% at fault for causing their injury, then they have the ability to recover their damages decreased by the percentage of fault that is attributed to them. For example, if the plaintiff were found to be 30% liable by a jury with the defendant carrying the other 70% of the fault, the plaintiff’s recoverable compensation would then be reduced by 30%.
Evidence in a Paralysis Injury Claim
Building a successful paralysis injury claim often depends on gathering strong evidence that shows both how the injury occurred and how it has affected the victim’s life. Medical documentation, accident evidence, and witness testimony can all play an important role in establishing liability and damages.
In many cases, medical evidence is essential to demonstrate the extent of the injury. Doctors may perform diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies and other electrodiagnostic testing to show that nerves are no longer functioning properly or that damage to the brain or spinal cord has occurred. These records can help establish that the paralysis is real and potentially permanent.
Types of Evidence Used in Paralysis Cases
When preparing a paralysis claim, attorneys may gather a wide range of evidence, including:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Testimony from medical professionals
- Medical records and diagnostic reports
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Employment and income documentation
- Testimony from family members or coworkers
This evidence helps establish several critical facts in a paralysis case: that the victim was not paralyzed before the accident, how the injury occurred, and the extent to which the injury has affected their life and ability to work.
How Long Do I Have to File a Paralysis Injury Claim in Chattanooga?
Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations for personal injury claims in the country. In most cases, you have only one year from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
This deadline applies to many types of paralysis-related cases, including those caused by car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, or other acts of negligence. If a lawsuit is not filed within this one-year window, the court will likely dismiss the case, which means that you could permanently lose the ability to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs.
Paralysis injuries often involve complex medical evaluations, accident investigations, and extensive documentation to fully understand the long-term impact of the injury. Because of this, it is important to begin the legal process as soon as possible so that critical evidence can be preserved and your legal team has time to build a strong case.
Where to Get Treatment for a Paralysis Injury in Chattanooga
An individual suffering from paralysis should immediately go to one of the major hospitals in Chattanooga. CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital and Erlanger Baroness Hospital both have advanced stroke treatment and brain injury treatment. Erlanger is the city’s only Level I trauma center.
In addition to receiving the proper care needed to treat one’s condition, individuals need to keep in mind that a multitude of procedures and documents are required to properly demonstrate that someone’s paralysis is permanent under current medical standards. Doctors can perform the necessary tests and provide documentation that may help show the damages a person has suffered.
Contact Your Chattanooga Paralysis Lawyer Today
Paralysis isn’t just emotionally and physically devastating. It can also be financially devastating for affected people and their families.
The paralysis injury team at Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, we work hard to help our clients get every penny they deserve for all the ways their injuries have impacted their lives. From medical bills and home modifications to lost wages and physical rehabilitation, we’ll calculate and demand full compensation for you and your loved ones.
You’ve been through enough on your own already. Let our experienced Chattanooga catastrophic injury lawyers deal with the insurance company while you focus on regaining strength and spending time with the people who matter most to you. Contact us today for a free consultation and to get started on your claim.
