Common Causes of Paralysis
Spinal cord damage is a leading cause of paralysis in the United States, and most of these injuries result from accidents. Falls, motor vehicle crashes, and sports mishaps all could lead to spinal cord injuries. In many cases, someone else’s negligence contributed to the accident that led to the paralytic injury.
An experienced lawyer at McDonald At Law could evaluate the circumstances that resulted in a paralytic injury to determine whether negligence had a role. If so, they could identify the negligent parties who could be held liable to adequately compensate the injured person.
Health Impacts of Paralytic Injury
In addition to being a severe injury, paralysis is a risk factor for other medical problems. Even though only one part of the body might be paralyzed, paralysis could have a significant impact on a person’s overall health. Limited mobility leads to potentially severe secondary health problems, including:
- Muscle atrophy
- Blood pressure dysregulation
- Respiratory problems
- Bowel and bladder control issues
- Sexual dysfunction
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Chronic or intermittent pain
- Pressure sores
In addition, people with paralytic injuries often experience mental health issues, and the accident itself might lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The healing process is extremely difficult and adjusting to limited mobility and reduced independence could lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
When a negligent party causes an accident that leads to paralysis, they are liable for all the effects of their negligence, not just the injured person’s limited mobility. A knowledgeable attorney in Lancaster could negotiate for a settlement that fully compensates the injured person and their family for all their losses associated with the paralysis, including any secondary impacts on their physical and mental health.
Timely Action is Necessary
Most negligence claims settle out of court, which generally benefits a claimant because they receive their settlement sooner and avoid the stress and uncertainty of a lawsuit. However, injured people need to be mindful of the statute of limitations even when they intend to settle out-of-court.
The time limit for someone to bring a claim seeking damages for personal injuries is set forth in 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated § 5524(2). This statute requires an injured person to file a lawsuit within two years of their accident. Once the statute of limitations has expired, an insurer has no incentive to offer an injured person a fair settlement because the injured person no longer has any recourse to the courts.
A Dedicated Lancaster Paralysis Attorney Could Help You Pursue Compensation
Learning to live with paralysis is a major undertaking for an injured person and their family. If you are in this position, you do not need the additional stress of handling an injury claim without professional help. Allow an award-winning Lancaster paralysis injury lawyer to help you through this difficult time. Schedule a consultation today and learn more.
