Fairfax, VA Paralysis Injury Attorney

Compassionate Paralysis Injury Attorneys Pursuing Lifelong Compensation in Fairfax, Virginia

When people suffer serious injuries, they can be affected in many ways. In cases involving catastrophic injuries, paralysis may occur, and it may involve the loss of movement or sensation in multiple parts of the body. Paralysis can completely change a person's life, affecting their ability to work and the ways they move through the world. People who experience paralysis may be permanently disabled, and they may need extensive medical care, adaptive equipment, and lifelong assistance.

Paralysis injuries can occur in car accidents, commercial truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, and other situations that may be caused by the negligence of others. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney can provide legal representation for injury victims. He can make sure the full extent of a person's injuries is documented so that they will be able to receive the care they need throughout the rest of their life. By providing personal attention for every client, he can address their concerns while fighting to obtain the compensation they need and deserve.

How Paralysis Occurs

Injuries that disrupt the communication between the brain and the muscles of the body may lead to paralysis. Signals are typically sent through the spinal cord and other nerves, and damage at any point along these pathways can affect a person's ability to feel sensations and use different parts of their body.

The force involved in a serious vehicle crash can cause spinal cord injuries, fractured vertebrae, or herniated discs that press against nerves. Other types of nerve injuries may affect specific areas of the body, resulting in paralysis that may affect a limb or another body part rather than the body as a whole.

Types of Paralysis and Where They Occur in the Body

The extent of paralysis will usually depend on where an injury has occurred and how severe that injury is. Types of paralysis may include:

Monoplegia

In some cases, paralysis may affect a single limb, such as an arm or leg. This can occur due to nerve damage or certain types of incomplete spinal cord injuries. A person with monoplegia may still be able to use other limbs and maintain a degree of independence. However, adaptive devices or other forms of treatment may be needed to address the loss of function in a limb.

Hemiplegia

In some cases, paralysis may affect one side of the body, such as one arm and one leg. While hemiplegia may occur due to strokes or other neurological issues, it may also be caused by spinal cord injuries or brain injuries that occur in accidents. A person with hemiplegia will need to adapt to daily tasks using one side of their body, which can be challenging.

Paraplegia

Paralysis may occur in the lower body, and it may affect both legs and the lower part of a person's torso. A spinal cord injury in the middle or lower back can result in paraplegia. A person with paraplegia may still have the full use of their arms and hands, which may allow them to maintain independence while performing many daily activities, but they may require a wheelchair, and they may face significant physical limitations.

Paraplegic injuries may also affect a person's control over their bladder and bowels, and they may experience disruption to sexual functions. Managing the effects of paraplegia can be difficult, and in some cases, injury victims may experience complications such as urinary tract infections or pressure sores.

Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia

Paralysis of all four limbs and the torso can occur because of spinal cord damage in the cervical region of the spine, which runs through the neck. The consequences of tetraplegia can vary depending on the location of a cervical injury. A person with an injury lower in the neck may still have some ability to move their arms and hands, while an injury higher in the neck may result in complete paralysis of the arms. Injuries at the highest levels of the neck can also affect the muscles that control breathing, and mechanical ventilation may be required.

People with tetraplegia will need extensive assistance with nearly every aspect of their daily lives. Personal care and assistance with feeding, dressing, and transferring into and out of bed will be required. Assistance will also be needed to manage a person's medical needs.

How Paralysis Can Affect a Person's Life

Injury victims will need to understand the full extent of the ways their lives may be affected. This can ensure that they will be able to receive the compensation needed to address medical treatment, personal care, and more. Paralysis may affect issues such as:

Personal Care and Independence

A person will often need assistance with personal care, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and using the restroom. A part-time or full-time caregiver may be required, and care may be provided by a family member or a paid professional. The emotional impact of the loss of independence may also affect a person's overall well-being.

Mobility and Transportation

A wheelchair may be needed when a person suffers from paraplegia, tetraplegia, or other forms of paralysis. For transportation, a person may need to use a specially equipped vehicle with hand controls or other types of adaptive technology, or they may rely on transportation options for people with disabilities.

Home and Environment

A person's home may need to be modified to ensure that it will be accessible and functional. Doorways may need to be widened, wheelchair ramps may need to be installed, and bathrooms and showers may need to be modified. If a person's home cannot be modified to meet their needs, they may need to relocate to an accessible residence.

Employment and Career

After an injury that has resulted in paralysis, physical or manual labor may no longer be possible. Even if a person can perform office-based or remote work, they may require workplace accommodations, adaptive technology, and transportation. In cases involving severe paralysis, a person may be permanently disabled and unable to work at all.

Social Life and Recreation

Activities that a person previously enjoyed, such as playing sports, hiking, or traveling, may no longer be possible. Paralysis may lead to social isolation when a person requires assistance to leave their home or connect with others.

Emotional Well-Being

Depression and anxiety are common among people living with paralysis. Adjusting to the changes in a person's life can be difficult, and issues such as pain and physical limitations can add to their emotional trauma. Mental health care may be needed to help a person cope with these issues.

Contact Our Fairfax, VA Paralysis Injury Attorney

When an accident results in paralysis or other forms of severe bodily harm, Shevlin Smith, P.C. can help an injury victim understand their options for recovering compensation. Our attorney will work to ensure that a victim will have the resources they need throughout the rest of their life while addressing the emotional and personal impact of paralysis. Contact our Fairfax paralysis lawyer at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation.