Losing partial or complete mobility due to a Jackson car accident is a life-changing event. You may require assistance to perform daily tasks and even become incapable of working. At Hearn Law Firm, our Jackson car accident lawyers recognize the impact of a car accident causing paralysis on your life.
What Causes Paralysis in a Jackson Car Accident?
Car accident injuries impacting the spinal cord or brain may result in paralysis. The spinal cord and brain communicate through an intricate network of nerves that may become unable to send and receive messages due to injury. Medical documentation can strengthen a personal injury case. However, receiving immediate treatment after suffering a spinal cord injury is crucial to your recovery.
Does Paralysis Always Impact the Entire Body?
Paralysis is complex. Car accident survivors may experience the following types of injuries and paralysis as a result of a spinal cord injury:
- Incomplete injuries, allowing the spinal cord to send and receive some messages to and from the brain to parts of the body below the injury site
- Complete injuries, disrupting entire communication between the spinal cord and brain below the injury site
- Monoplegia, which paralyzes a limb
- Hemiplegia, leading to paralysis in the arm and leg on one side of the body
- Paraplegia, impacting the trunk of the body and legs, while allowing the use of the arms
- Quadriplegia, resulting in the interruption of nerve messages throughout the entire body
The location of the damage to the nerves inside and outside the spine impacts the parts of the body experiencing paralysis.
What Symptoms May Indicate a Spinal Cord Injury Causing Paralysis?
Paralysis due to a spinal cord injury is not always immediate. Depending on the severity of an injury, the symptoms may progress days and weeks following an accident. However, some severe symptoms are more immediate. Getting immediate medical care following a Jackson car accident can help identify concerning symptoms of a spinal cord or brain injury causing paralysis, including:
- Numbness or tingling in the body’s extremities
- Spasms or exaggerated reflex motions
- Pain or burning sensations
- Inability to sense temperature changes
- Trouble breathing
- Losing control of the bladder or bowels
- Changes in sexual function
Complications that coincide with paralysis can be fatal. Pneumonia and other life-threatening illnesses may result when the body’s muscles are unable to keep the organs functioning properly.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After Experiencing Paralysis in a Car Accident?
Paralysis can impact every aspect of your life. In addition to the more common damages, covering these damages may be possible in the types of compensation in a personal injury case:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished or lost earning capacity
- Costs of home and vehicle modifications
The spouse of a car accident survivor in Jackson who experiences paralysis may be able to file a claim for loss of consortium when the injury impacts their companionship and intimacy. Children may also have the right to file a claim when paralysis caused by a car accident in Jackson robs them of a parent’s companionship.
When Should I Contact a Jackson Car Accident Lawyer?
You do not have to know the extent of an injury before contacting a Jackson car accident lawyer. Scheduling a free consultation as soon as possible lets us begin securing evidence in a car accident immediately.
Insurance companies understand the costs of treating paralysis and its complications. Settling a claim quickly may prevent you from seeking compensation for all your damages in a Jackson car accident.