Paralysis Injuries from Car Accidents
There are virtually an infinite number of ways that you can be injured in a car accident. Damage to your skull, neck, or back can result in paralysis due to the damage sustained to nerve tissue.
Many people sustain nervous system damage even in accidents at low speeds, and in many cases where they are hit by cars as they travel on bikes or by foot. While every case is different, some of the most common causes of car accident paralysis injuries are:
- Lacerations to nerves – If your injury involves a puncture or laceration wound, you may have a partially or completely severed spinal cord.
- Crushing injury – A crushing impact to your spinal column can break your vertebrae and cause a rupture or laceration to your spinal cord.
- Deceleration impact – Often described as whiplash, a sudden deceleration or change of direction can cause painful damage to your spinal discs or even a tear on your spinal cord.
Legal Options for Paralysis Victims
It’s very common for victims to be uncertain about what they should do in the aftermath of a terrible car wreck or other accident. The most important thing you can do is make sure that you and your loved ones get the medical attention you need.
Ohio law allows you to seek damages from the negligent party, and for this reason, it is important to call a lawyer immediately. Do not accept a financial settlement without consulting a knowledgeable lawyer. An attorney will be your best resource in building a strong case and filing a claim for the compensation you’ll need.
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit for Paralysis
While you or your loved one’s paralysis injuries may be obvious, demonstrating that another party’s negligence as the cause can be challenging. Preexisting health issues, symptoms, medications, and medical treatments all play a role in pursuing a successful claim. Likewise, your case may require expert testimony from doctors and other medical professionals.
Holding Someone Liable for Paralysis
To establish liability, prove negligence, and ultimately have a successful paralysis claim you must meet the following elements:
- The other party had a duty of care toward you
- This duty was breached by a failure to act reasonably under similar circumstances
- The breach of this duty caused your paralysis
- You suffered harm that you can be compensated for
For instance, if you were paralyzed after a car accident, you and your lawyer will need to show that the other driver had a duty to follow the traffic laws, they breached this duty by driving recklessly, and you became paralyzed because of the collision. Finally, you’ll have to demonstrate that you suffered financial and other harm in connection to your injuries. This could be your extensive medical bills, inability to work, or otherwise live as you did prior to being paralyzed.
Compensation for Paralysis
Depending on the severity and other factors involved, you may be able to recover compensation for the economic and non-economic damages associated with being paralyzed. Whether your paralysis is from a car crash, a construction site accident, or some other traumatic event, you may be entitled to your:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
KNR Can Help File Your Claim
Kisling, Nestico, & Redick has considerable experience successfully representing clients and family members suffering from paralysis caused by negligence.
At KNR our attorneys will:
- Answer your questions and concerns
- Keep you updated during all stages of the process
- Obtain medical records about the extent of your paralysis
- Identify the responsible party
- Determine the fair and full value of your damages
- Negotiate for maximum compensation
- Fight for everything you deserve in court if necessary
Consider the Long-Term Cost of Paralysis
Suffering from a head or neck injury can be incredibly painful and requires immediate medical attention. Your doctors may have to perform invasive surgery in the hours or days after your accident. While your medical bills can quickly get out of control, they might not be the only expenses that you face.
Many injured people will need medical attention for years after a wreck, and your mobility might forever be reduced. Your injuries can require changes to your everyday life. Having a skilled lawyer can make sure that you recover all the compensation that you will need as a result of your car accident.
The insurance companies involved in your case will want to pay you as little as possible for your damages, and they will want to end your catastrophic injury case quickly. However, our lawyers have decades of negotiating and trial experience and are ready to take your case to court if you are not offered the financial help you need.
Paralysis Injury Claims Have Time Limits
Ohio’s statute of limitations law can prevent you from filing a lawsuit for damages caused by an accident if more than two years have gone by. Your lawyer will have to investigate every detail of your case to identify who was responsible and to determine the complete scope of your damages. For this reason, it’s very important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after suffering from a catastrophic injury.
Contact a Paralysis Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one are suffering from paralysis because of an accident that was not your fault, contact the Ohio injury lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick today. Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-obligation consultation.
