Paralysis

Washington Paralysis Attorneys - Seattle Lawyers Fighting for Those Struggling with Paralysis

When someone is injured in the spinal cord area, the worst fear is that he or she will suffer permanent damage to that ultra-sensitive area and pay the physical, emotional and financial consequences for the rest of his or her natural life. If that happens, that unfortunate person can expect his or her entire life to change immediately.

If someone suffers paralysis because of someone else's actions or failure to act properly, then it would most likely give rise to a legal claim in Washington. Below is an overview of paralysis, paraplegia and quadriplegia as they relate to a typical legal claim in terms. You will find information regarding common causes of paralysis, types of paralysis, medical results from these conditions and how you should proceed if this condition is the result of someone else's wrongdoing.

Common Causes of Paralysis in Washington

There are many common causes of paralysis, but the basic common thread is that it involves an injury to the spinal cord. Some common examples of this condition appear below:
  • Auto accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Athletic injuries
  • Battery
  • Strokes
  • Brain trauma
If this condition is caused by the actions of someone else, then it's quite possible that it could give rise to a valid legal claim.

Types of Paralysis

Paralysis can vary in terms of how much of the body it affects and how long it lasts. Some paralysis is extremely temporary, while other forms will last an entire lifetime. Below is a look at the two most common types of paralysis.
  1. Paraplegia - Paraplegia is the type of paralysis that is defined as being unable to move the legs and anything else below the waist. It is usually caused by trauma to the lower spinal cord, and this trauma usually involves compression of that area of the spinal cord or the invasion of bone fragments to that area because of some nearby trauma.

  2. Quadriplegia - Quadriplegia is the more severe form of paralysis whereby the patient is unable to move his or her arms and legs, and injuries above the C-4 level of the spine may require feeding tubes and ventilators in order for the person to remain alive. Perhaps the worst aspect of this scenario is that many quadriplegics are completely able to cognitively process what's happening to them. If a person is paralyzed, he or she not only loses the ability to move the areas affected, but they lose any sensation as well. While most feel that there is little to no pain in the areas that are no longer able to move, the 'pain' that's involved includes psychological trauma from the feelings of helplessness, dependence on others and depression.

Washington Medical Results of Paralysis

If someone is permanently paralyzed in any way, there will be an enormous amount of ongoing costs and suffering for the patient to handle. Below are just some of the necessities of life for some who have suffered from this type of injury.
  • Wheelchairs - Whether someone suffers from quadriplegia or paraplegia, he or she will most likely need a wheelchair for mobilization. Wheelchairs can cost several thousand dollars, and while they are of great help, they are far from a cure-all for getting through a normal daily routine.

  • Lifts - Anyone who is unable to walk or move properly will need lifts installed in the home, in any place of work and into what are usually specialty vehicles - most often vans - in order to get to where he or she needs to go. These lifts are mechanical in nature, must be individually built to fit the needs of the patient and like wheelchairs, can cost several thousand dollars.

  • Physical rehabilitation - Many who suffer from paralysis must also endure years, if not an entire lifetime, of grueling, ongoing physical rehabilitation. This rehabilitation is usually performed for several reasons. Some patients never stop attempting to walk or move again on their own, while other goals of this process include the periodic movement of the muscles in the areas affected to prevent atrophy and other serious medical issues that can result from lack of use.

  • Ventilators - If someone suffers a severe spinal cord injury, he or she may need the aid of a machine in order to breathe. While there are possible options for such a machine to be installed in a home, this is exceedingly rare given the need for constant supervision.

  • Feeding tubes - If someone is paralyzed from the neck down, he or she is unable to create movement in the throat and stomach muscles, which by result means that he or she can no longer eat without the proper assistance. Much like ventilators, this is almost always only possible in a medical care facility and with direct supervision.

Seattle Washington Paralysis Lawyers Helping Everyday

If you or someone you love suffers from paralysis because of someone else's actions, you are clearly facing the challenge of a lifetime. You must relearn basic life skills and you must also commit yourself to working relentlessly to maintain some modicum of health. Therefore, rather than attempt to deal with any liability issues by yourself, you need to enlist the help of Washington personal injury attorneys who have been fighting for the rights of those who suffer from this situation for many years. Contact the attorneys at Phillips Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.
 



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