How Paralysis Injuries Happen

Paralysis happens after damage to the spinal cord or brain. When the nerves in the brain or spinal cord are injured, they cannot heal themselves and remain damaged permanently. Nerves that no longer function can result in the accident victim losing feeling and mobility in the affected limbs.

The amount of a person’s body that is affected by paralysis depends on the location of the injury. Neck injuries can cause quadriplegia, where the affected person cannot move or feel most of their body. Injuries located lower on the spine may not affect a person’s upper body but could paralyze their legs.

While paralysis injuries can happen in many ways, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that car accidents cause almost half of all spinal injuries. The sudden jolt of a car accident can cause whiplash, fractured vertebrae, or other types of injuries that affect the back and neck. Other major causes of paralysis include traumatic brain injuries, strokes, high-impact sports and activities, and falls. Paralysis may also result from medical malpractice or assault, such as a gunshot wound or stabbing.

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Recovering after Paralysis Injuries

People in Louisiana who became paralyzed as a result of someone else’s actions or inaction can file a personal injury lawsuit. Under CC 3493.1, a victim and their Lake Charles paralysis injury attorney must file claims within two years of the date of the injury.

The paralyzed person in a personal injury lawsuit must prove that the defendant negligently or intentionally caused them harm. The at-fault person or company may have caused a car accident, started a fight, created a defective product, or acted in any number of unsafe ways. If those actions directly resulted in the plaintiff’s paralysis, they may be able to recover compensation.

In a personal injury case, a plaintiff can generally seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for the plaintiff’s actual costs as a result of their injury. These costs could include their medical expenses and hospitalizations, lost wages and earning potential, and rehabilitative care.

In contrast, non-economic damages provide compensation for losses that cannot be easily quantified. A person’s pain, suffering, and mental anguish are all bases for awarding non-economic damages. The psychological damage stemming from an accident should be included as part of a personal injury settlement or judgment.

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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 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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I had the pleasure of working with Erica Ducote, and I cannot say enough about the excellent job she did on my case. From the very beginning, Erica was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. She took the time to explain each step of the process, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and made sure I always felt supported and informed.
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Becoming paralyzed causes drastic changes in a person’s life. Fortunately, the people who cause these accidents can be held responsible for helping victims recover financially from their permanent loss.

If you or your loved one suffered spinal cord damage in an accident, contact a Lake Charles paralysis injury attorney today. Whether your injury was the result of a motorcycle accident, truck wreck, explosion, or another circumstance, our lawyers are ready to help.

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