Paralysis Injury Attorneys in West Long Branch NJ
Monmouth County Law Firm Assists Clients with Paralysis Injuries Caused by Accidents and Negligence
Paralysis affecting one part, or all of one’s body, is a traumatic event with repercussions that extend far into the future. If you or a loved one has experienced some sort of paralysis, such as quadriplegia or paraplegia in New Jersey, you are best advised to protect your rights and to consult an attorney. It is of paramount importance that you determine whether you can be compensated for pain, suffering, and the complicated, far-reaching financial and other repercussions involved with this condition.
Paralysis is not as rare as you might believe. According to the National Institutes of Health, as of 2013, nearly 5.4 million people suffered from paralysis of some sort in the U.S. That amounts to one in 50 persons. Spinal cord injuries happen to people of every race, gender, and age. The average age of people who suffer from spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis is 43, and males comprise the majority of the new cases. Almost 50% of all spinal cord injuries happen to people ages 16 to 40. Their care involves an average stay in an acute care unit of 11 days.
Main Causes of Paralysis Injuries in NJ
The major percentage of paralysis cases are the result of medical problems—stroke, multiple sclerosis, or a permanent condition like cerebral palsy. However, the Reeves Foundation, founded by actor Christopher Reeves and a leading paralysis research organization, says that of the 5.4 million who suffer from paralysis, 1.2 million cases were caused by a spinal cord injury, and 77% of that 1.2 million cases were caused by a car accident, workplace accident, sporting accident, or a fall. Sadly, many of these could have been avoided.
The majority of paralysis cases are caused by the factors described above, but there are some other causes:
- Tumors
- Gunshot wounds
- Violent crimes
- Severe arthritis of the spine
- A herniated disk
- Surgical or other medical malpractice
- Spondylosis (deterioration of the cartilage and bones of the neck due to unusual wear and tear).
Other accidents may cause paralysis injuries as well, including truck accidents, boating accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. All of these can cause damage to the spinal cord, which carries a multitude of messages from the brain to other bodily systems. Damage to the spinal cord can affect movement and bodily sensations.
Common Symptoms of Paralysis
Symptoms often involve loss of feeling, limited mobility, spasms, loss of control of bodily functions, and changes in sexual function.
Different Types of Paralysis
The general types of paralysis include:
- Quadriplegia: Quadriplegia (also called tetraplegia) involves the upper and lower limbs, the trunk, and the pelvic organs.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia does not affect the upper portion of the body. It involves the full or partial paralysis of the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
- Hemiplegia: Hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body. It is primarily caused by stroke.
Depending on how much sensation an individual has lost from an injury, these injuries are further categorized as “complete” or “incomplete.”
- “complete paralysis” means the patient has completely lost sensation below the spinal cord injury.
- “incomplete paralysis” means the patient has partially lost motor control and sensation below the injury.
The effect of spinal cord injuries on a person’s motor control and sensation can be permanent or temporary.
Heavy Costs Due to Paralysis Injuries
Care during the first year after the injury for a paraplegic costs more than $500,000. For quadriplegics, this expense averages between $800,000-$1.2 million. Private insurance will pay almost half of these costs, then Medicaid. But deductibles, copayments, items not covered, and insurance premiums can leave the victim in astounding debt, causing added stress above and beyond all the other losses he or she is enduring. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, motorcycle accident, construction accident, or been the victim of violence, you may have a case against the party at fault and may be able to recover compensation for your out-of-pocket expenses and many more of the heavy costs of your injuries.
Difficulties that Paralysis Can Cause in a Personal Injury Claim
Paralysis has a radical effect on the quality of life of the injured person, and on their families as well. A broken limb might keep a person out of work for one month, but paralysis may mean the person can’t return to the job they used to have, or perhaps not return to work at all. On top of that, paralysis can mean that the person needs medical treatment and rehabilitation for the rest of their lives. These factors make filing a personal injury claim a matter that requires great expertise. You may be able to file and win a personal injury claim based on the circumstances of your case. However, you want to ensure that it is done right, taking all factors into account the first time. Expenses for medical and therapeutic treatment, lost income, lost ability to earn, and loss of enjoyment of life must be projected far into the future, the process to accomplish this task is complex. As such, you need a dedicated personal injury attorney with the education and practical experience to handle your paralysis injury lawsuit. They will also draw into the case the expert medical and financial professionals needed to assess the remuneration you and your family deserve.
Recovering Damages in Paralysis Accident Injury Cases
People enduring paralysis need to recover medical expenses not covered by other means, but there’s a whole lot more involved:
- They may need ongoing physical therapy and continued medical care.
- The person may need to remodel their homes to accommodate a wheelchair by widening doorways and building ramps.
- They may need to retrofit their car or purchase a new one with specially adapted features.
- They will need to take a significant amount of time away from employment.
- They will need to purchase a wheelchair and possibly other medical equipment, like hoists.
- They may need to hire caretakers part or full-time.
In addition, people who are paralyzed often experience new medical problems because of their paralysis. They might need treatment for pressure sores, depression, and heart issues as their blood flow and breathing changes.
Important Considerations when Determining Liability for Paralysis
When determining who is liable when someone is paralyzed in New Jersey, it depends largely on the type of accident that occurred, how it occurred, who was involved, and what party or parties were responsible for negligent or reckless conduct that led to the event. For example, if your spinal cord injury was the result of a car accident, you may file a personal injury claim against the other driver or even a product liability claim against the product manufacturer if defective equipment induced the accident and resulting injuries. If, however, the accident was caused by an insufficiently maintained property, you would perhaps file a premises liability claim against the property owner. In some situations, multiple parties may be liable for your injuries. Or, you may be partially responsible for your accident, which can complicate your claim due to comparative negligence laws. You will need the skilled counsel of a personal injury attorney to better understand your legal options and how to take the next steps.
7 Reasons Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh can Help You Seek the Compensation You Deserve
1. First, we will provide a free evaluation of your options.
2. After that, we investigate the accident.
3. We gather the evidence necessary to present a strong claim.
4. We bring in medical and financial experts, if applicable, for consultation.
5. We keep you informed every step, with clear, compassionate communication.
6. We seek to negotiate a settlement that covers your economic and non-economic losses, including future expenses.
7. We unwaveringly represent you with skill in court if the case takes the route to trial.
At Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, our personal injury lawyers are committed to seeking the best possible outcome for people who suffer from paraplegia, quadriplegia, or any other type of paralysis as the result of an accident that was caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness. You deserve to be compensated for all that you have been forced to endure. For an attorney review of your paralysis case in Freehold, Neptune, Belmar, Little Silver, Middletown, and other Ocean and Monmouth County towns, call us today at 732-440-3950. You can also fill out a form to request your free consultation.