Paralysis injuries can be devastating to your way of life. The loss of mobility is probably one of the most difficult things to overcome both physically and emotionally, and carries with it considerable financial burden. Paralysis injuries can result from:
- Vehicle accidents (car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian)
- Medical malpractice
- Accidents on another’s property
- Birth injuries
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
Learning to adapt to a paralysis injury takes full-time commitment and dedication. Attorney Bruce A. Blaylock, an experienced Maryland paralysis injury attorney, understands that you need to focus on what is important – putting your life back together. His experienced legal team can help ensure you receive the care you need through their knowledge of quality medical professionals in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Contact attorney Bruce A. Blaylock to arrange a free consultation and evaluate your paralysis claim. Contact the firm today at 301-951-1800 for more information.
Types of Paralysis
Traumatic events can result in several different types of paralysis, each presenting a unique set of challenges for the victim. The different types of paralysis include:
- Monoplegia: paralysis of one part of the body.
- Hemiplegia: paralysis of an arm and a leg on the same side of a body.
- Paraplegia: paralysis of both legs.
- Quadriplegia: paralysis of both arms and both legs.
The most serious type of paralysis, quadriplegia, usually results from an injury at or above the base of the neck, according to Johns Hopkins University Medical Center. Quadriplegia can also affect the victim’s chest muscles and this may require the victim to breath with the assistance of a ventilator.
Secondary conditions commonly associated with paralysis injuries include depression, pain, skin care and bowel and bladder management. These injuries can quickly become overwhelming for the victim.
Overwhelming Consequences
Paralysis comes with significant changes in daily life physically, emotionally and financially. The medical costs of care and rehabilitation can be extraordinary, and the paralysis victim often loses a significant amount of income while receiving treatment and coping with their injuries. The average paralysis injury victim will spend 12 days in the hospital initially, followed by an average of 37 days in a rehabilitation unit, according to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
For example, the average medical care of a victim suffering from paraplegia is $508,904 the first year, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. In each subsequent year following their injury, the average cost is $67,415. These costs can soar into the millions over the course of the paralysis injury victim’s lifetime.
In addition, the victim’s home and vehicle may need to be modified to accommodate their disability and mobility limitations. These modifications may be simple, such as a modified door handle or a grab bar, or more complex such as the installation of a wider door, special showers and tubs or even an elevator.
Emotional Toll of Paralysis
The emotional toll of paralysis can be just as severe as the physical toll. When a person has been rendered paralyzed through someone else’s negligence, they are often frustrated, depressed and scared for the future. They must learn how to adapt, and re-learn how to perform the most basic of daily tasks.
The amount of adaptation will depend on the type of paralysis and the level of the injury in the spinal cord causing the paralysis, according to Johns Hopkins. For example, a high-level injury to the neck near the base of the skull will usually leave a paralysis victim totally dependent on others for all their care. It will also require the use of assistive devices for basic support, such as breathing through a ventilator.
Paralysis victims who sustained an injury to their lower neck or below may be able to use a wheelchair themselves, transfer themselves, and be employed. Some paraplegics may even be able to walk short distances with braces and assistive devices.
Protecting Your Future
How will you pay for your medical care now and in the future? How will recover your losses when you are unable to work? How will you provide for your family in the future? These are common and obvious questions for paralysis injury victims. An experienced accident lawyer can help you understand these rights and answer your questions.
With over 30 years of experience, attorney Bruce A. Blaylock has the knowledge and skills to zealously handle your claim with the insurance company and in front of a jury, if necessary. He and his team will work with medical experts, economists and life-care planners to ensure you are made financially whole after your paralysis injury accident.
Call 301-951-1800 for a free and confidential consultation.