Suffering any injury is always unfortunate, but when an incident results in paralysis, the person’s life will be permanently and profoundly changed. When muscle function and sensory capacity are lost, the financial strain, physical suffering, and emotional stress produced can be overwhelming, particularly if another party’s negligence is to blame.
A Creve Coeur paralysis injury lawyer could offer the guidance you need during this difficult time. A trustworthy injury attorney from the area could collect and present important evidence to hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions.
While many cases of paralysis are the result of cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or other chronic illnesses, others stem from traumatic, accidental harm such as slip and falls, vehicle crashes, gunshot wounds, construction site mishaps, and more. Medical and surgical malpractice also account for a number of new cases of paralysis every year.
Some paralyzing injuries can result in severe limitations on a person’s ability to make independent movements and handle the routine tasks of daily life. When motor function and sensory capacity is lost, whether partially or entirely, even the simplest of personal needs can be exceedingly difficult to meet.
It is also important to note that paralysis is often responsible for a range of secondary effects on the body, such as respiratory compromise, incontinence, muscle spasticity, and the risk of blood clots. Due to the serious impairments known to stem from the broader affliction of paralysis, patients frequently require substantial ongoing care. For this reason, it is vital for paralyzed claimants to work with an attorney in Creve Coeur who could consider their long-term needs when putting together a damages claim.
Paralysis resulting from an injury caused by another person is a devastating outcome not just for the patient but also for their loved ones. In addition to the physical pain and mental trauma sustained, the cumulative financial toll is often more than a family can sustain. The expensive medical bills, therapy costs, home accessibility renovation expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity could have a devastating financial impact.
Fortunately, victims of paralyzing injuries are afforded the right to pursue significant financial compensation from parties whose negligent acts or omissions caused the harm suffered. A local paralysis injury attorney could investigate the facts underlying the injury event, gather and assess treatment records, and collaborate with medical and economic loss valuation experts to build the strongest possible claim on behalf of claimants and their families.
When seeking accountability and financial recovery for a paralysis injury, claimants in Missouri need to note that the time to initiate legal action is limited. According to Mo Rev Stat §516.120(4), a lawsuit of this nature must be filed within five years of the events at issue, or the right to pursue compensation will be lost. A seasoned lawyer representing a paralyzed claimant could ensure their claim is filed before the local deadline expires.
Potential claimants should also be aware that, according to MO Rev Stat §537.765, Missouri follows a system of comparative fault when assessing injury claims. This means that even if the injured party bears some of the blame for the events that led to their injury, financial recovery is still possible. However, any damage award will be reduced in proportion to the injured party’s percentage of responsibility.
Few injuries bring the kind of lasting implications of those resulting in paralysis. While overcoming such a traumatic event can be challenging, it is important to know you do not have to face this alone. If you became paralyzed due to another’s reckless or careless actions, a trustworthy paralysis injury lawyer could serve as an ally in your pursuit for fair compensation. Call our office today to learn more.
