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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I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and incredibly responsive. He took the time to explain every step of the process in clear terms and always made sure I felt informed and supported.

His attention to detail, strong communication, and genuine dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. Derek went above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome, and I’m truly grateful for his hard work.

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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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New Orleans

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New Orleans

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I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the entire process. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had. What stood out most was how genuinely he cared. He made sure I understood every step and always made me feel supported and informed.

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Lafayette

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Brittany Johnson

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...

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New Orleans

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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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