According to a study by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, nearly one in 50 individuals in the United States — about six million — are suffering from some form of paralysis. That number is roughly equal to the populations of Chicago and Los Angeles combined. The study went on to report that five times as many individuals (around 30 million) are living with a spinal cord injury. In general, those who are paralyzed earn substantially less income and bear substantially higher medical expenses than the rest of the population at large. And when the paralysis is the result of a careless or reckless act by another party, the victim has the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income and diminished quality of life. If you or someone you know has suffered from paralysis and you believe another party may be at fault, it is important to seek legal guidance from an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney who can help you recover full damages.
Forms of Paralysis
Generally speaking, paralysis is the loss of muscle function of any part of the body resulting from nerve damage. Paralysis can impact the body in various ways. Common forms of paralysis include:
- Localized Paralysis: This type of paralysis takes place in a particular part of the body.
- Global Paralysis: This type of paralysis causes weakness throughout the entire body.
- Hemiplegia: This condition causes weakness impacting one side of the body, often associated with strokes.
- Paraplegia: This condition makes your legs unusable as before, frequently resulting from lower spinal cord injury.
- Quadriplegia: This is the most severe form of paralysis, rendering all four limbs unusable and often resulting from an upper spinal cord injury.
Accidents Causing Paralysis
Just about any type of major accident can cause one or more victims to become paralyzed. Some of the more common include:
- Automobile, bus, truck, boat and motorcycle accidents;
- Train and aviation accidents;
- Sporting and recreation accidents;
- Gymnastics, swimming, diving and contact sports;
- Medical malpractice including birth injuries and negligent spine surgery;
- Defective consumer products; and
- Dangerous premises.
Paralysis Accident Claims
Paralysis is one of the most traumatic personal injuries a person can endure. The financial, physical, and emotional costs of paralysis treatment and rehabilitation can be staggering for the victim and his/her family. In addition, determining whether another individual or company is responsible for your paralysis or that of a loved one can be quite difficult. These cases involve extensive research and investigation to determine the root cause and who is ultimately at fault.
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we have over 20 years of experience representing victims of paralysis accidents in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout the country. Our legal team works with you, the treating physicians, investigators, and other experts to find out who is responsible for the accident and hold them fully accountable. If you or someone you love has been paralyzed by another party’s negligent acts, contact an experienced Chicago paralysis injury attorney at HM&M today to schedule a free no obligation consultation.
For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you.
