At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle injury lawyer understands the unique challenges paralysis victims face. We’re committed to helping individuals in Seattle and throughout Washington fight for justice and secure the financial recovery they deserve.
Common Causes of Paralysis Injuries
Paralysis injuries often result from traumatic events or negligence. Below are some of the most common causes:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, commercial vehicle, and motorcycle crashes are leading causes of paralysis injuries. High-impact collisions can damage the spinal cord, leaving victims with permanent mobility challenges and life-altering consequences. A blurry vision driving crash can lead to serious injuries that impact the lives of those involved forever.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slipping on wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained stairs can lead to severe injuries, particularly for older adults. These falls often result in spinal cord trauma that can cause partial or total paralysis.
Workplace Accidents, Including Construction Injuries
Dangerous jobs, especially in construction, expose workers to significant risks. Falls from scaffolding or accidents involving heavy machinery can lead to devastating spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
High-impact sports like football or recreational activities, such as diving into shallow water, can cause severe spinal trauma. These injuries often occur suddenly and can permanently change an athlete’s or participant’s life.
Acts of Violence, Such as Assaults
Gunshot wounds or physical assaults can cause catastrophic injuries to the spinal cord. These violent events often leave victims permanently paralyzed and facing significant emotional and physical challenges.
Medical Malpractice
Errors during surgery or a delayed diagnosis of a spinal issue can lead to preventable paralysis injuries. When medical professionals fail to provide safe and competent care, the results can devastate patients and their families.
Types of Paralysis
Paralysis injuries can affect individuals differently, depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord injury. Below are the main types:
Paraplegia
This type of paralysis affects the lower body, including the legs and lower abdomen. It often results from injuries to the mid or lower spine and leaves individuals unable to walk or perform certain daily activities.
Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia involves paralysis of all four limbs and typically results from severe spinal or neck injuries. Victims may also lose the ability to control other bodily functions, requiring lifelong medical care.
Partial Paralysis
Some injuries only cause limited movement or sensation loss in specific areas. While partial paralysis may seem less severe, it can still significantly affect a victim’s quality of life.
Temporary vs. Permanent Paralysis
Temporary paralysis might improve with treatment and time, but permanent paralysis involves lasting changes that require long-term care and adaptation.
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The Impact of Paralysis Injuries
Paralysis impacts every area of a person’s life. Physically, victims may lose mobility, deal with chronic pain, or require assistive devices like wheelchairs. The emotional toll is equally significant, with many facing depression or anxiety as they adjust to their new reality.
Financial challenges also arise, including mounting medical bills, income loss, and home modifications or caregiving costs. Additionally, the need for ongoing rehabilitation and therapy adds to the financial strain.
These injuries often require victims to completely reimagine their lives, which can feel overwhelming for both the individual and their loved ones.
Determining Liability in Paralysis Injury Cases
Identifying who is at fault is critical in paralysis injury cases. Several parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances, including:
Negligent Drivers, Property Owners, or Employers
Careless drivers, unsafe property conditions, or workplace negligence can lead to accidents resulting in paralysis. Holding these parties accountable is key to securing compensation.
Defective Products or Equipment
Faulty machinery or unsafe products, such as defective car parts or safety gear, can cause serious injuries. Manufacturers may be held responsible in these cases.
Medical Professionals in Cases of Malpractice
Paralysis caused by a surgical error, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment can lead to a claim against the responsible healthcare provider or facility.
Shared Liability Under Washington’s Comparative Negligence Laws
In Washington, even if you share some fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation. Your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. A Seattle paralysis injury lawyer can help prove that the other driver shared all or most of the responsibility, so you can maximize your recovery.
Compensation for Paralysis Victims
Paralysis is one of the most devastating outcomes of an accident, often leaving victims with life-altering challenges. Fortunately, paralysis victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help ease some of the financial strains they face. This includes compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modifications
- Assistive devices
- Long-term care expenses
If you or a loved one is coping with paralysis caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek the help you deserve. Call our Seattle paralysis injury lawyer right away to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Why You Need a Seattle Paralysis Injury Lawyer
Filing a paralysis injury claim requires the right legal support. Here’s how Bernard Law Group can help:
- Experience Handling Complex Personal Injury Claims: We have successfully represented victims of catastrophic injuries, including paralysis, and know how to build a strong case to maximize compensation.
- Understanding Washington’s Personal Injury Laws: Our team knows the ins and outs of Washington’s laws and can handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you’re treated fairly.
- Accurately Calculating Long-Term Costs: Paralysis injuries come with lifelong expenses. We’ll work to calculate the full scope of your medical care, rehabilitation, and income loss to ensure you’re fully compensated.
- Advocacy to Secure Fair Compensation: We’re committed to fighting for our clients and will take your case to court if necessary to achieve the justice you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a paralysis injury claim in Washington?
In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly gives your Seattle paralysis injury lawyer more time to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Can I recover damages if I am partially at fault?
Yes. Washington follows comparative negligence rules. For this reason, you can still recover compensation for your losses, but your percentage of fault will reduce your recovery. Even if you share some blame, you deserve to pursue the financial recovery you need.
What evidence is important for my case?
Evidence like medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and scene photos are crucial for building a strong case. The more thorough the evidence, the stronger your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
How much compensation can I expect for a paralysis injury?
Every case is unique, but compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, and the impact on your life. We’ll carefully evaluate your situation to help you pursue the full amount you deserve.
What does it cost to hire a paralysis injury lawyer?
At Bernard Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront; you only pay our Seattle paralysis injury lawyer if we win your case.
Call Our Seattle Paralysis Injury Lawyer
Paralysis injuries are life-changing, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Our Seattle paralysis injury lawyer at Bernard Law Group is here to help you understand your options and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact our team today for a free consultation to get started.
