Understanding Paralysis

Paralysis could occur when an injury causes a loss of feeling or sensation in certain areas of the body. This may lead to a loss of function in a muscle or groups of muscles. Spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis in all limbs and most of the body or may result in paralysis from the waist down. Paralysis could result in permanent incapacitation and make individuals completely unable to care for themselves. The degree of paralysis arising out of a spinal cord injury often depends on the location of the damage to the spinal cord. Nerves in the upper spinal column control the upper part of the body, whereas nerves in the lower spinal column control the lower part of the body. 

The location of the damaged nerves typically determines which parts of the body and how much of the body is paralyzed. Traffic accidents are one of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries and paralysis in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis also may result from a fall, a workplace accident, or recreational activities. Whatever the case may be, persons who were injured due to the negligence of others may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. An Alexandria paralysis victim lawyer could help determine what compensation may be appropriate for paralysis injuries.

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Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

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Megan Couvillon

Alexandria

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in ...

Renee McCaslin goes above and beyond to help the clients. Her attention to detail is unmatched! Her kind heart and sweet spirit both go a long way in making you feel heard and cared for. And, she’s, like, really pretty!

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Sylvia Roy

New Iberia

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs. Courtney. I spoke with her multiple times, and each time she was patient and answered every question I had. She made me feel like I was the only client. Grateful for her and Laborde Earls!

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Tracie Martin

Alexandria

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate her attention to detail and genuine care for her clients!

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Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go through. They checked in on us to see how things were going with DR appointment and therapy. They checked in on the phone or by text and if I had a question and I was in Lafayette and I would stop by the office one of them would come to answer my questions. I truly appreciate the response and respect that they showed to me and my husband and I would really recommend them to family and friends.

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anonymous

Car Accident

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

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kelly

Lake Charles

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

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Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, ca...

Toni is the absolute BEST!!!! Not only is she the best paralegal but she’s also the best person I know. She is so intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, and goes above and beyond for everyone in her life. She is a true gem! To know her is to love her!! Anybody would be lucky to have someone like Toni in their corner.

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Sarah Jorden

Marksville

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Proving Liability in Alexandria, LA Claims

Paralysis injury claims typically arise from negligence. This legal standard requires that claimants provide sufficient evidence to prove that their injuries directly and proximately resulted from the carelessness or negligence of others. If the potentially liable parties failed to live up to the standard of reasonable care required by this situation, they may be responsible for the costs of any resulting injuries. Proving liability in a negligence case could be crucial for an injured person to get the compensation they need to offset lost income and support their ongoing medical needs.

Hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, surgical expenses, and the costs of long-term care or home health care could result in thousands or even millions of dollars over time. As many injured people are left unable to work in their previous professions, they may lack the income necessary to support themselves or pay their steadily rising medical bills. A plaintiff could seek legal advice from an Alexandria paralysis injury lawyer, following the accident.

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A Rapides Parish Paralysis Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Case

Following your injury, you may decide to work with a paralysis attorney. 

When you work with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our team will:

  • Handle any negotiations for you
  • Gather evidence to prove your claims of negligence
  • Communicate with insurers
  • Update you on the details of your case
  • Answer any questions you might have
  • Help you reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your damages

We understand you are likely under a lot of stress after a paralysis injury. Our Alexandria, LA lawyers will support you throughout your case so you can focus on getting better.

Working With Our Paralysis Attorney is Affordable

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we know you probably have piling medical bills after suffering from a major injury like paralysis. Working with our team is affordable because we work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay our firm any money upfront or out of pocket. Your attorney will only get paid once your case has reached a fair settlement and you have been compensated. 

The fee your lawyer gets will be a percentage of your compensation. This can ease some of the financial worries you might have when it comes to seeking legal help. We also offer free initial case evaluations. If you would like to ask any questions or speak to one of our personal injury lawyers in Alexandria, you can do so for free.

Filing a Timely Lawsuit in Rapides Parish

Every state in the nation imposes time limits, called the statute of limitations, for filing different types of lawsuits. Louisiana requires personal injury plaintiffs to file a legal action within two years from the date of injury, under CC 3493.1. Filing the case within the year is imperative. Otherwise, a defendant will almost certainly object, and the court will likely dismiss the case. Our Alexandria, LA paralysis injury lawyer can help you file your lawsuit on time.

Types of Paralysis and Related Health Issues

In most cases of paralysis, head or spinal cord injuries interrupt the signals being sent to and from the brain, which prevents a victim from being able to move and/or feel parts of the body. Paralysis can either be partial –where the victim retains some movement or feeling in the affected area – or complete. While paralysis can impact just one limb or one side of the body, paraplegia and quadriplegia are the most common. Paraplegia affects both legs and, for some victims, the torso. Quadriplegia impacts a victim’s arms and legs, as well as the trunk.

Some paralysis victims may experience problems with their heart, lungs, bladder, and bowels, as well as blood clots and pressure sores. Many victims also suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A Rapides Parish paralysis injury attorney could help victims pursue compensation for such physical and mental suffering.

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Potential Compensation Available to Victims of Paralysis Injuries

Where a person either fails to exercise reasonable care or blatantly disregards known risks and causes another’s paralysis, victims in Rapides County may be entitled to compensatory – and in more limited cases, punitive – damages.

Compensatory Damages

This category of recovery includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages might include medical expenses, rehabilitation, present and future lost earnings, and damaged property. Non-economic damages typically include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, such as motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol, punitive damages may also be awarded in Rapides Parish paralysis injury lawsuits. Unlike compensatory damages which are meant to compensate victims for their losses, punitive damages are intended to punish defendants for wrongdoing.

Consulting an Alexandria Paralysis Injury Attorney

The aftermath of an accident that results in paralysis or other catastrophic injuries could be dire. You may be facing limitations that you never even considered before. The opportunity to obtain compensation for your losses with the assistance of an Alexandria paralysis injury lawyer may be invaluable.

An experienced lawyer can examine every detail of the circumstances that led to your paralysis and determine whether you are eligible for any form of relief. Call today for help determining your next steps.

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