Accidents that lead to serious injuries, such as paralysis, are especially unfortunate. Even worse are accidents that could have been avoided if someone had not cut a corner, taken an unnecessary risk, or not followed proper safety standards.
When you are paralyzed in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you deserve to have your life returned to normal as much as possible. Although no one can totally reverse what happened to you, a New Orleans paralysis injury lawyer may be able to help. A knowledgeable catastrophic injury attorney could help you get a financial payout to cover medical bills and other expenses that came about by your paralysis.
Causes of Paralysis
Paralysis can be caused by some naturally occurring medical conditions, such as a stroke or a birth defect, but one of the more common causes of paralysis is injury to the spinal cord.
The nervous system and the spinal cord allow the brain to control the body’s muscles through a kind of messaging system. An injury to the spinal cord can disrupt that communication so the brain’s messages cannot get through to the muscles—like when a storm knocks over a telephone line. This can cause a person to lose the ability to move or control their limbs.
Paralysis can happen in any instance where severe force is put on the spine, including:
- Car accidents
- Boating or swimming accidents
- Slip and falls
- Worksite or construction accidents
An experienced paralysis injury attorney in New Orleans could handle a lawsuit due to any incident that was caused by someone else.
What Can Someone Recover in a Paralysis Lawsuit?
Most people or companies will not willingly take full responsibility for their actions. A lawyer in New Orleans with knowledge of paralysis injuries could help hold the negligent parties responsible for the costs of the injury by naming them in a lawsuit. A successful lawsuit can lead to a variety of compensation for the injured person, including:
- Past medical expenses such as initial treatments at a hospital or emergency room
- Future medical expenses such as physical therapy and pain management
- Loss of earnings, which is meant to cover the difference when the injured person’s ability to work or earn a living is reduced
- Pain and suffering, which can include both physical and mental strains
While medical bills will be easy to account for, an injured person should work with a New Orleans lawyer to discuss how to recover for the pain and suffering, and other emotional or psychological losses they experienced.
When to File a Lawsuit
According to Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3492, there is a one-year deadline to file any lawsuit based on an injury caused by another person. Taking steps to file a lawsuit immediately could help increase the chances an injured person can recover compensation for their paralysis. There are a few exceptions to this general rule, and a New Orleans paralyzing injury attorney could explain what filing rules apply to a person’s case.
Call a Paralysis Injury Attorney in New Orleans Today
When you are paralyzed in an accident, you have enough to deal with without worrying about how to pay your medical bills. Scott Vicknair can help. You do not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless we help you recover damages for your injuries.
Make an appointment to discuss your case with a New Orleans paralysis injury lawyer as soon as you are able.
