An injury causing paralysis changes your life in a split second. Those changes are both physical and emotional because you may have lost the ability to do many things you took for granted. If someone else’s recklessness has left you with a catastrophic injury, a Marlborough paralysis injury lawyer could fight for the money you need to get your life back on track.
Causes of Paralyzing Injuries
About 5.5 million Americans suffer from some form of paralysis. Although some medical conditions such as strokes cause varying degrees of paralysis, it can also be accident-related. If the brain or spinal cord is injured, and neurological signals are not received, the muscles do not move. Some cases are temporary and will get better on their own, but many victims will have to face paralysis for a lifetime.
Some common injuries that lead to paralysis include:
- Medical conditions such as strokes, Muscular Dystrophy, and Multiple Sclerosis
- Recreational accidents such as diving, skiing, and skydiving
- Jobsite accidents, mainly in construction
- Medical malpractice
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Violent crimes
People living with paralysis are often hurt because of other people’s negligent acts. Fortunately, a Marlborough with experience handling paralysis cases could fight for appropriate compensation on behalf of injury victims.
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Types of Paralysis
The degree to which a person is paralyzed may help determine the amount of compensation the victim will need over a lifetime. A Marlborough attorney might consider the type of paralysis injury a victim is suffering from when damages are calculated.
Monoplegia
Monoplegia is usually caused by cerebral palsy, but in rare cases it may be caused by other factors. One limb, commonly an arm, is affected. Many monoplegia victims can care for themselves, but over time this condition can worsen.
Diplegia
Diplegia affects symmetrical parts of the body, such as both arms or both legs. It is the most common form of paralysis in children.
Hemiplegia
Usually caused by a stroke, hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body and can be caused by an accident. The arm is traditionally impacted the most, and the face may or may not be paralyzed.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia occurs when the lower extremities are paralyzed, usually due to a spinal cord injury. This type of paralysis is common in diving accidents.
Quadriplegia
Also called tetraplegia, quadriplegia is either partial or complete paralysis of both arms and legs. Sometimes internal organs are affected, usually the pelvic region.
Comparative Fault in Marlborough
Accidents are not always 100 percent the fault of one person, and sometimes even the victim is partially at fault. Connecticut law allows an injured party to sue a negligent party as long as the victim is no more than 50 percent at fault. However, damages awarded will be reduced by the proportion of fault by the victim. A plaintiff who is determined to be 20 percent at fault, for example, may have their damages reduced by 20 percent.
In some cases, more than one party is at fault. A victim paralyzed in an automobile accident may be able to sue a driver who was drunk, but also the automobile manufacturer if the brakes were faulty and failed to engage. The laws are complicated, and a Marlborough attorney can explain them to a paralysis injury victim.
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Recoverable Compensation
A victim of a paralyzing accident may face lifelong physical issues, such as difficulties with breathing, speaking, swallowing, bladder and bowel control, or recurring skin ulcers. Emotional difficulties can also plague the victim, who may never walk or be able to work again. An attorney could gather all the evidence from a particular case and determine how much money a victim will need for extended care. In Connecticut, a victim may also receive punitive damages if the defendant acted outrageously or intentionally.
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A Marlborough Paralysis Injury Attorney is on Your Side
The emotional difficulties and economic hardship you might be facing after an accident could make it difficult to take on a lawsuit by yourself. You need someone on your side if you suffer a paralyzing accident because another person was careless or malicious. A Marlborough paralysis injury lawyer understands your situation and could fight for your right to be compensated for your injuries. Call for a free consultation.
