By Mya Finn
In 2015, there were more than 5 million Americans – representing about 2% of the nation – that were paralyzed in some way, many of them due to car accidents. Paralysis can result from car accidents that injure victims by either the spinal cord or the brain, interrupting the normal functioning of the central nervous system.
Although paralysis is a relatively rare occurrence from car accidents (about 12,000 cases per 11 million annual auto accidents), it is still one of the most expensive types of injuries to incur, as it often requires several years of physical therapy, medical care, vehicle and home modifications, and so much more. If you have been paralyzed due to a car accident, read on to learn exactly what you should do following the incident according to the personal injury law firm, Chaffin Luhana.
Symptoms of Paralysis
Paralysis may not always be obvious right away. Of course, if you have any of the four following conditions, you will know immediately that you’ve become paralyzed and will need immediate medical attention:
- Paraplegia: Both legs, potentially in combination with other parts of the lower body, are paralyzed.
- Quadriplegia: All extremities, arms and legs, are paralyzed. This condition is also known as tetraplegia.
- Monoplegia: Only one limb is paralyzed.
- Hemiplegia: One arm and one leg, both on the same side of the body, have become paralyzed.
Note that paralysis is not always permanent. There are cases in which paralysis is temporary, and may even occur gradually. Additionally, it does not always result in a complete loss of sensation to the paralyzed area. Oftentimes, victims may still retain some sense of sensation – this is known as incomplete, or partial paralysis. In both instances, however, there will be no motor control.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you must seek immediate medical attention, as they may be a sign that you are developing either temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Difficulty breathing
- Problems with coordination
- Loss of memory
- Numbness
Unfortunately, as you can see from the above symptoms, paralysis does not only affect motor skills and physical sensation but other aspects of your life and bodily functions as well. You will likely experience complications with your bladder, bowels, and sexual capabilities as well.
Hire An Attorney to Advocate for You
Regardless of whether you partially or completely paralyzed in your collision, you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses. Victims suffering from paralysis must undergo several years of medical and psychiatric care, often in many different forms including physical rehabilitation, invasive surgeries, psychiatrists, and vocational therapists just to name a few.
Because of everything that recovery entails, it is not uncommon for these costs to run into the millions. Many victims are unable to lead a normal life following their incident and must rely on loved ones for care and support. Other complications may manifest as well, including kidney and digestive problems.
The vast amount of injuries and chronic conditions that can arise from paralysis makes this injury particularly traumatizing. If you are the victim of a car accident and became paralyzed due to the collision, you are not alone. Hire an attorney who knows how to advocate for you and ensure you receive the right compensation to get your life back on track and your medical expenses covered.
They will confer directly with medical professionals, actuaries, and life care planners to ensure that you receive everything you need to make sure you can recover fully with as little stress as possible, and with the proper help from your insurance company.
