Paralysis is a serious injury but, in some cases, there could be compensation available.
When a person acts negligently, or carelessly, and an accident results, it can lead to serious injuries. Of these, paralysis is one of the most serious an accident victim can sustain. When a person becomes paralyzed suddenly, it changes his or her entire life. The victim can no longer interact with the world the way he or she once did and is severely limited in what he or she can do. The family members of the victim, on the other hand, must also change the way they live to accommodate their loved one who is so severely injured.
It is important that accident victims and their families understand that when a serious injury is the fault of someone else, there is compensation available. Accident victims should contact a Manchester personal injury attorney who knows how to secure the compensation accident victims need.
Types of Paralysis
The two most common types of paralysis are paraplegia and quadriplegia. Paraplegia is paralysis of the legs and lower body. Quadriplegia is more serious and affects the upper and lower portions of the body. Both types of paralysis are caused by either disease or an injury to the spinal cord sustained during an accident, such as a car crash.
Paralysis is typically referred to as being complete or incomplete. Incomplete paralysis occurs when accident victims can still feel some sensation and still have control over their fine motor functions. Complete paralysis refers to the fact that an accident victim has lost all function and sensation in the affected areas.
Filing a Claim for a Paralysis Injury
In certain instances, a person suffering from a paralysis injury can file a personal injury claim. However, not every instance of paralysis gives rise to these types of claims. Under the rules of tort law in Tennessee, a person can only file a claim when the paralysis is a result of another person’s negligence.
For example, if a driver ran a red light, T-boning another vehicle and paralyzing the driver inside, the accident victim can file a claim. While it is not possible to sue for paralysis, it is possible to sue for the accident that caused the paralysis, such as a car crash. Anyone who has been injured and wishes to file a claim should speak to a personal injury attorney.
In order to file a claim, you first must establish another party was at fault for the crash. This is difficult to do when you are focusing on your recovery. When working with an attorney, he or she will collect the evidence necessary to prove liability. Evidence in a personal injury claim includes video surveillance of the accident scene, eyewitness statements, medical reports and bills, and expert testimony.
Have You Been Hurt? Call Our Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have been paralyzed due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that you speak to a Manchester personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Burch, Morrison, & Stewart, we know what it takes to win these cases and secure the compensation you need. We know how to collect information from doctors to establish when injuries are permanent, and how to collect other evidence that proves someone else was liable for the accident. If you are hurt, do not bear the financial burden of this serious injury on your own. Call us today at (931) 954-1066 to set up your free consultation.