Paralysis—whether temporary or permanent—can have a lasting impact on your quality of life, your ability to meet your own basic needs, or even your employment options. When paralysis occurs as the result of an act of negligence, a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney might be able to help.
When you suffer a paralysis injury due to negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation in a civil claim against the at-fault party. Let a Melrose Park paralysis injury lawyer guide you through every stage of the litigation process and fight to get you the justice you deserve.
Not all forms of paralysis are the same. Many forms of paralysis do not stem from physical injury. While rare, some conditions–including cerebral palsy–can cause paralysis in specific body parts.
Most cases of paralysis involve damage or injuries to the spinal cord or nervous system. When paralysis injuries involve recklessness, a hardworking attorney in Melrose Park could pursue legal action. Common types of paralysis injuries include:
Each of these conditions varies depending on the body part that is impacted. For example, monoplegia involves paralysis in a single limb, while quadriplegia is the loss of sensation and motor control below the victim’s neck.
Some paralysis injuries happen because of unfortunate timing or unavoidable circumstances. But sadly, an act of negligence is often the ultimate cause of these injuries. When a careless party causes a victim to suffer from a paralysis injury, a Melrose Park lawyer might be able to help.
Establishing negligence is a central part of any personal injury case. That said, the plaintiff must be able to show that the defendant’s negligence resulted in their paralyzing injury to collect compensation. In total, there are four elements needed to prove negligence, including:
The first step in a paralysis case is to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, which can often be challenging. In automobile accidents, there is little doubt that drivers owe each other a duty of care; however, this duty can be less distinct for property owners after a visitor has a slip and fall incident on their land.
Once it is established that a duty existed, the next step is to prove that the defendant breached that duty. Breaching the duty of care can happen when any careless or reckless act results in an injury.
There must also be a link between the breached duty of care and the paralysis injury the plaintiff suffered. This link is known as causation.
The final element of negligence includes financial damages. Even when a legal representative can prove other aspects of negligence, there must be compensable damages for the plaintiff to obtain a monetary award. In a paralysis case, these damages typically come in the form of medical expenses or pain and suffering.
Living with paralysis can be challenging from a physical, emotional, and financial standpoint. While a successful injury suit cannot undo these hardships, it can reduce stress by providing much-needed financial resources. Contact a Melrose Park paralysis injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn more and get started on your claim.
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