Omaha Paraplegia & Paralysis Injury Attorney
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Some of the most devastating accidents result in spinal cord injuries which lead to varying degrees of paralysis. Paraplegia is one such resulting type of paralysis that can severely impact a person’s ability to lead an ordinary life. Thousands of accident victims sustain injuries which result in paraplegia each year. The majority of these accidents are often preventable, and you may be entitled to receive compensation for injuries sustained in the accident by you or your loved one with the help of an experienced injury lawyer.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is one form of paralysis which occurs when the spinal cord sustains an injury below the first thoracic spinal nerve. Injury below this point results in the complete or incomplete paralysis of the victim’s legs or torso. Paraplegia differs from quadriplegia and tetraplegia since the victim will still maintain control of their hands and arms. However, some paraplegia cases are worse than others, and therefore each paralysis is evaluated on a case by case basis to determine the best form of treatment. Some paraplegics may be able to stand with leg braces and walk short distances, while others may be completely confined to a wheelchair. Out of the roughly 12,000 spinal cord injuries which occur each year, paraplegia occurs in a little under half of all cases.[1]
The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Car accident
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents
Most spinal cord injuries are caused by accidents and acts of violence, emphasizing the need for immediate medical care and legal support.
Paraplegia Treatment and Recovery
Paraplegic recovery is often not an easy task, as both victims and family members can attest to. While paraplegics do not require the ongoing care that quadriplegics may require, this type of paralysis still requires extensive hospital stays and rehabilitation. Within the first year alone, the average expenses for paraplegics is estimated to be approximately $500,000, and approximately $65,000 per year after.[2] In some cases, paraplegia may result from medical malpractice, making it crucial to seek legal advice.
The transition from a healthy, fully functioning person to one who is reliant on others for the most basic daily functions takes a toll on the mental psyche of the injured party, especially in cases of paralysis injuries. A victim of an accident leading to paraplegia should not be forced to cover all related medical bills while going through the difficult recovery process.
The responsible party for the accident should be held liable for any and all damages associated with the accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitative care
- Ongoing medical care
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Filing a personal injury claim can help secure compensation for these damages, holding the negligent party accountable.
An experienced personal injury attorney will assist you in calculating out the full amount of damages, since many of these require a careful analysis of the future. This type of paralysis will often affect a victim’s ability to care for themselves or hold a job. An attorney will take this into consideration when drafting the claim, making sure to project out the potential future earnings the injured party would have received if not for the accident.
It is important that you not speak with the negligent party’s insurance company after the accident occurs. If you agree to come to a settlement with the insurance company, you may lose your ability to bring a claim for the full amount of damages. An insurance company tries to settle for the lowest amount possible, and will not be projecting out future costs of living with paraplegia. Understanding the process and timelines involved in filing a spinal cord injury claim is essential to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
The Knowles Law Firm | Omaha, Nebraska
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident resulting in paraplegia, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys of the Knowles Law Firm. Our attorneys have years of experience in assisting our clients with severe paraplegic injuries to receive the compensation they deserve. We will work tirelessly to defend your claim and the damages amounts. Contact our Omaha, Nebraska office today for your initial free consultation.
[1] https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_figures_docs/Facts%202012%20Feb%20Final.pdf
[2] https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_figures_docs/Facts%202012%20Feb%20Final.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions About Paraplegia Lawyer In Omaha
What qualifies as a spinal cord injury, and how does it lead to paralysis?
A spinal cord injury occurs when trauma impacts the spinal cord’s ability to send and receive signals from the brain to the body, often leading to paralysis. Catastrophic injuries like these can result in various types of paralysis, such as paraplegia and quadriplegia, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Paraplegia, for example, typically results from injuries below the thoracic spinal nerve, affecting movement and sensation in the lower body.
Can paralysis victims recover compensation after a catastrophic injury?
Yes, paralysis victims can seek compensation if their injury resulted from another party’s negligence, such as a car accident or a workplace incident. Recovering compensation may include financial coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation, physical therapy, lost wages, and future earnings. Spinal cord injury victims often face long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges, making legal support crucial for their recovery. Working with an experienced attorney can be critical to maximizing the compensation amount by assessing both immediate and future costs.
What are the common types of paralysis associated with spinal cord injuries?
Spinal cord injuries can cause various types of paralysis, including paraplegia (paralysis of the legs and lower body), quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs), and sometimes partial paralysis where some function is retained. Paraplegia occurs in nearly half of spinal cord injury cases and greatly impacts mobility and independence, often requiring adaptive devices and physical therapy for daily life.
What role does physical therapy play in the recovery of those who have suffered paralysis?
Physical therapy is essential for paralysis victims, aiding in muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility to maximize independence. It helps victims adapt to new physical limitations and can support paraplegia recovery by building strength in unaffected muscles. Regular therapy can improve quality of life and help paralysis victims regain some level of autonomy.
How can an attorney help a client who has suffered paralysis due to a spinal cord injury?
An attorney can provide critical support for those who have suffered paralysis, helping them pursue the financial resources necessary for long-term recovery and care. By building a case to recover compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, lost income, and other expenses, a lawyer can ensure the responsible party is held accountable, offering victims the means to manage a catastrophic injury’s life-altering effects.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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