A paralysis injury can happen from being involved in a car accident, a workplace injury, a slip and fall accident, or an unsuccessful medical procedure. Paralysis is usually the result of a trauma to either the nerves or the spinal cord.
Proving the extent of paralysis injuries suffered in an accident may involve complex legal procedures, such as the review of medical reports, witness statements and potential negotiations with insurance companies or opposing counsel. A qualified Clarksville paralysis injury lawyer could help explain complicated court procedures and assist in identifying different legal strategies. Contact a seasoned attorney today.
Types of Paralysis Injuries
Different types of paralysis may impair a person’s nervous system and frequently stem from a traumatic injury. Four of the most common types of paralysis are monoplegia, hemiplegia, paraplegia, and quadriplegia.
Monoplegia is where there is only one extremity paralyzed. Hemiplegia occurs when an arm and a leg on the same side of the body are paralyzed. Quadriplegia occurs when there is no movement of any of the extremities below the neck. Paraplegia may occur when a person is paralyzed below the waist. However, there is typically still movement in the arms and neck.Paralysis Treatments
Someone with paralysis may experience numbness or tingling sensations in extremities and in some cases, even blindness. Based on the severity of the sustained injuries, paralysis could be temporary or permanent.
Following an accident in which paralysis occurs, someone may visit neurologists, orthopedists, plastic surgeons, or other para-health professionals for medical care. Possible treatments could include: surgery, rehabilitative physical therapy, or pain management. During this time, expenses can become costly. Instead of concentrating on wellness, an injured person may feel forced to focus on financing their recovery. A Clarksville paralysis injury lawyer could help alleviate some of this stress and frustration by working to determine potential compensation opportunities.
Suing for a Paralysis Injury in Clarksville
Negligence is a common factor in many personal injury claims. In these cases, a plaintiff must prove that the other party owed them a duty of care, and that the duty of care was breached. Furthermore, they typically must show that the claimant’s injuries occurred directly from the actions of the allegedly negligent party.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. §28-3-104, a plaintiff must file an action within one year after the cause of action accrued. One year may seem like a considerable amount of time, however, it also takes time to collect records from medical establishments, police records, witness accounts and to begin filing any additional documents with the court. By speaking with a Clarksville paralysis injury lawyer, a person may increase their ability to meet the deadline set by the statute of limitations.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Paralysis Cases
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-39-102, a person may be awarded economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that can be quantified. These may include medical expenses, lost wages (past and future), loss of earning capacity and property damage. Whereas non-economic damages may regard those of which a dollar amount cannot be assigned. These damages can include: emotional pain and suffering (past and future), loss of consortium, decreased quality of life and trauma.
In some cases, regulations may have set a cap for potential damages. Typically, the damages could be as high as $750,000. However, paralysis is often considered a catastrophic injury under Tenn. Code Ann. §29-39-102(d)(1), and so the cap on non-economic damages may be increased to $1 million.
Call a Clarksville Paralysis Injury Attorney
Paralysis is a severe injury that could permanently and negatively impact a person’s life. Additionally, the physical limitations may cause a person to require assistance completing simple everyday tasks. The costs of living can become further expensive when a person is no longer able to work and support themselves financially.
A compassionate Clarksville paralysis injury lawyer could review your case and fight tirelessly to uncover potential damages which could relieve the financial pressure on you and your family.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.