Serious Auto Accidents Can Lead to Paralysis
Whenever someone is involved in a major auto accident, the injuries sustained can be quite devastating. A life can be changed forever by just a tragic instant. While all sorts of fractures, organ injuries, and soft tissues injuries have to be taken seriously, injuries that result in paralysis are often the most tragic. The lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC in Oklahoma City unstand this, which is why we take serious car accidents that result in catastrophic injury so seriously.
Paralysis refers to the loss of the ability to move a part of one's body or, in severe cases, almost all of one's body. This can be caused by spinal cord injuries or severe damage to nerves. Let's look at each right now.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries Causing Paralysis
When a serious spinal cord injury causes paralysis, it typically means irreparable damage to the spine. There are two types of paralysis linked to spinal cord injury:
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Paraplegia – Paraplegia refers to the loss of the use of the legs and lower body. Sensation in the lower body is similarly impacted. Paraplegia is typically the result of spine injuries occurring from the lower back to the middle portion of the back.
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Quadriplegia – Quadriplegia refers to the loss of use and sensation in all extremities. This can also mean an inability to control the torso. This is often the result of injuries to the upper portion of the spine, particularly the cervical portion of the spine located in the neck. The higher up the injury, the worse the condition. In serious cases of quadriplegia, an injury victim is unable to control their own lungs and diaphragm to breathe, which means that they will require a machine to assist with breathing.
Nerve Damage and Paralysis
Major injuries to soft tissue can lead to nerve damage. This nerve damage may result in numbness to muscles and parts of the skin, though in other cases the nerve damage may lead to difficulties moving certain limbs and performing basic actions one has taken for granted. Surgical treatment will be required to restore movement and sensation to the affected area, though in some cases the restoration of movement and sensation may be limited.
The Challenges of Life Following Paralysis
Whether one suffers from nerve damage or serious spinal cord damage, the affects on life and livelihood can be extreme.
In the case of nerve damage, surgeries may not be able to fully restore the use of a limb, meaning changes to career path and the need for assistive devices to do day-to-day work.
For paraplegia and quadriplegia, injury victims will be left in a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. Changes in career path and daily activities are necessary, and simply getting from the front door to the grocery store can become a major ordeal. In the case of quadriplegia, constant assistance and perhaps even medical monitoring may be necessary, which is quite costly.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Injury victims and their loved ones need strong legal counsel on their side to ensure that their legal rights are respected and that they receive damages for the hardships they face. That's why our attorneys are here for you.
Contact Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC
To learn more about your legal rights and options after a serious auto accident, be sure to contact our personal injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC are here to help you in your time of legal need.
