Paralysis Injury Attorney in Indianapolis
Paralysis injuries are among the most devastating injuries people can experience in Indianapolis. The long-term effects of these life-altering injuries go far beyond movement limitations, as people with paralyzing injuries often have to find new work and adjust to a profoundly different way of living. There are also considerable medical expenses for treating and managing paralysis injuries.
If you have been paralyzed due to another party’s negligence, the legal team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC wants to help you seek the money you need to make your future brighter. For over 20 years, our Indianapolis paralysis injury attorneys have helped people seek justice and fair compensation for their losses.
Our team of 10 attorneys and a large support staff are ready to work with you throughout your case, so you’ll benefit from our collective knowledge and experience. We have a proven record of success for our clients, and we’ll aggressively work to recover the money you need to rebuild your life.
Call our law office today or complete our contact form for a free consultation about your personal injury claim.
What Is a Paralysis Injury?
A paralysis injury happens when someone can’t move or feel part of their body, usually because of damage to their spinal cord or nerves. This kind of injury can vary considerably. Some people might only lose movement in one arm or leg, while others might not be able to move anything from the neck down.
Spinal cord injuries result from different causes, including car crashes, falls, medical malpractice, and sports accidents, for example. Some people recover full or partial mobility after sustaining a paralysis injury, while others must live with the effects for the rest of their lives.
Types of Paralysis Injuries and Severity
Paralysis cases vary widely in terms of which parts of the body they affect and how severe they are. Doctors typically classify these injuries by how much of someone’s body no longer has sensation or motor control. Using these criteria, the four main types of paralysis injuries are:
- Monoplegia – Someone with monoplegia cannot use one arm or leg, but the rest of their body functions as usual. This type of paralysis injury can sometimes improve with treatment and rehabilitation.
- Hemiplegia – If someone has this type of paralysis, it means one side of their body – both an arm and a leg – doesn’t have normal movement or feeling. Hemiplegia can vary in severity and, depending on the cause, might improve over time with proper care.
- Paraplegia – Paraplegia affects both legs and sometimes the lower part of the body, causing loss of sensation and motor function. People with paraplegia often use wheelchairs to get around and might need help with daily tasks.
- Quadriplegia – Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, is the most severe form of paralysis, affecting bodily functions in all four limbs and the torso. That means someone with quadriplegia cannot move or feel anything from the neck down, significantly changing how they live their life. Many quadriplegia patients require ongoing care and full-time assistance.
Doctors also classify paralysis by the extent of the loss of movement and sensory function below the injury site. Patients with partial paralysis (incomplete paralysis) still retain some motor function and feeling in the affected part of the body, while patients with complete paralysis lose all function and sensation in the paralyzed area.
Accidents and Circumstances That Cause Paralysis Injuries
Most paralysis injuries result from a spinal cord injury, neck and back injuries, or some other form of nerve damage. Some common causes of these injuries include:
- Auto accidents
- Falls
- Sports and recreational injuries
- Medical and surgical complications
- Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds
Liability for Accidents Resulting in Paralysis in Indiana
When an accident leads to a spinal cord injury or other personal injury causing paralysis, identifying the responsible parties is a crucial step in seeking justice and compensation. The parties liable vary based on the accident’s circumstances and may include examples such as:
- Drivers – If a negligent driver causes a car accident that leaves someone paralyzed, they may be liable for the injury and must compensate the injured party.
- Property owners – Owners of properties where slip and fall incidents and other accidents occur could be liable if a hazard on their property caused someone to be injured.
- Product manufacturers – Companies that make and sell products can be liable if flaws in the product’s design or manufacturing or inadequate warnings caused an injury resulting in paralysis.
- Medical professionals – Doctors and other healthcare providers may be liable for a paralyzing injury if their negligence, such as a surgical error or misdiagnosis, caused the patient’s injury.
Lasting Effects of Paralysis Injuries
Paralysis injuries have profound and lasting effects on people’s lives, and understanding these long-term impacts is crucial to getting paralysis injury victims the help they need. Some of the long-term effects of paralysis in Indianapolis include:
- Physical health – Individuals with paralysis may experience ongoing health issues, such as pain in the affected areas or complications like pressure sores from sitting or lying in one position for too long. Paralysis can also affect sexual function, bowel control, and other pelvic organs.
- Mobility and independence – Loss of movement can significantly reduce a person’s ability to perform daily tasks independently, as they often require assistance for basic needs and transportation.
- Emotional and mental health – The drastic life changes following a paralysis injury can lead to intense emotional struggles, including depression and anxiety.
- Social relationships – Paralysis can affect social interactions and relationships, as individuals might feel isolated or find it challenging to participate in social activities they once enjoyed.
- Financial impact – The cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and adapting living spaces and vehicles for accessibility can place a significant financial burden on individuals and their families.
- Employment and career – Many people with paralysis face challenges in continuing their careers or finding new employment opportunities that accommodate their condition.
How Much Is a Paralysis Injury Claim Worth in Indiana?
How much money you can recover in personal injury claims depends on many factors, including your medical bills, the extent of your injury, and your long-term prognosis. With assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney at our law firm, you can demand compensation for many losses related to your life-changing injury, including:
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Past and future medical expenses
- The cost of altering your home and vehicle to make them handicapped-accessible
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Diminished quality of life
How Our Attorneys Help Individuals with Paralysis Injuries
Our Indianapolis paralysis injury attorneys provide comprehensive legal support to individuals affected by these life-altering injuries. We’ll gather your medical records and other evidence to substantiate your claim, handle all the legal work, negotiate with the liable party and their insurance company for you, and represent you in court if necessary.
We strive to make the entire process efficient and painless so you can recover the resources you need to live as comfortably as possible.
Our Paralysis Injury Lawyers Are Ready to Help You
You have a short window to take legal action after suffering a paralysis injury caused by someone else, so don’t wait to speak to an attorney. Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today for a free case evaluation.