Depending on the degree, paralysis can involve anything from reduced movement and sensation in part of the body to a complete inability to feel from the neck down. Paralysis changes lives overnight, impacting working capacity and participation in leisure activities.
In addition to being traumatic, paralysis is expensive. Many injured people are no longer capable of self-care, which either means that a family member has to become a caregiver or they need to hire a professional.
You deserve compensation for the harm you sustain, and one of our knowledgeable catastrophic injury attorneys can help. Contact a Portland paralysis injury lawyer at Gideon Asen, LLC to explore your potential remedies today.
Common Causes of Paralysis
Paralysis is typically the result of illness or stroke but can also occur due to accidental and intentional injuries. The most common causes of paralysis include the following:
- Car accidents
- Truck wrecks
- Motorcycle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Slip and falls
- Construction and heavy equipment accidents
- Gunshot wounds
- Physical assaults
Another person may be liable if their negligence contributed to someone else’s paralyzing harm. A reliable Portland attorney can seek damages for paralysis injuries on behalf of their client.
Understanding Paralysis Injuries
Paralysis is the total or partial loss of movement or sensation in any body part. Generally, the more of the body that is paralyzed, the more significant impact it will have on a person’s ability to care for themselves and work.
The terms total and partial refer to how much movement or sensation is lost, not to the extent of the body impacted. Paralysis exists on a continuum, which can go from some loss of sensation and movement to total loss.
Some injuries can lead to temporary paralysis, which may be treated with medical interventions like medication, surgery, and physical therapy. Other forms of paralysis, like those linked to a severed or severely damaged spinal cord, currently have no treatment available. However, medical advances may offer a solution in the future.
Spastic vs. Flaccid Paralysis
Spastic and flaccid describe the impact paralysis has on muscles. Spastic paralysis involves muscle spasms, jerks, and other involuntary movements. However, flaccid paralysis is associated with muscle atrophy. While spastic paralysis is usually less convenient for patients, it indicates some nerve connections and offers a better chance of recovery.
Patterns of Paralysis
Several terms describe the patterns of paralysis. Localized paralysis impacts a small body part, usually hands, feet, face, or vocal cords. Generalized paralysis affects a more significant part of the body. There are various other terms for the types of paralysis, including the following:
- Diplegia is paralysis that occurs in the same area on both sides of the body
- Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body
- Monoplegia is paralysis of a single limb
- Paraplegia is paralysis of both legs and sometimes part of the torso
- Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is paralysis of all four limbs and usually involves the torso
Paralysis affects more than movement and sensation; it can impact involuntary body functions. It may hinder breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and the ability to regulate body temperature.
It can also cause problems with the bowels, bladder, and sexual function. A Portland paralysis injury lawyer can help evaluate the impact of paralysis on their client’s life to calculate an appropriate damage amount.
Connect With a Portland Paralysis Injury Attorney Today
Paralysis can have a devastating impact on individuals and their families. While money cannot take away those damages, it can help people deal with the aftereffects.
A Portland paralysis injury lawyer can help you understand whether you have a claim, identify potentially liable parties, and give you an estimate on potential damage awards. Schedule a consultation with one of our hardworking personal injury attorneys today to learn more.
