What if I Am Paralyzed by a Car Accident?

If you are paralyzed by a car accident, you should contact an attorney at your earliest convenience. Being paralyzed in a car accident is a life-altering event that comes with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. 

If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis due to a car accident, you may have numerous questions about your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. As your New York car accident lawyer, we can represent you as a victim of a motor vehicle collision. 

What Types of Injuries Can I Expect if I Am Paralyzed by a Car Accident?

Paralysis occurs when the nervous system is damaged, specifically the spinal cord or brain, preventing signals from traveling between the brain and muscles. Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, which can result in varying degrees of paralysis. 

The type of paralysis depends on the location and severity of the injury. A New York personal injury lawyer can help you identify the type of paralysis you have experienced and notify you of your legal options as a result of your injuries. 

In the meantime, here are common types of paralysis from car accidents:

• Quadriplegia or tetraplegia
• Paraplegia
• Hemiplegia
• Monoplegia

Quadriplegia or Tetraplegia

Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, is the paralysis of all four limbs and the torso. It occurs when the spinal cord is damaged in the neck region (cervical spine). 

Victims with quadriplegia may lose motor function and sensation in both arms and legs, and they may require assistance with basic daily tasks, including breathing and eating.

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is the paralysis of the lower half of the body, including the legs and sometimes the abdomen. It typically results from injuries to the lower spine (thoracic or lumbar regions). 

While victims may retain some upper body functions, they often lose the ability to walk or control lower bodily functions.

Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body. It can occur when a traumatic brain injury damages the part of the brain that controls motor functions. Hemiplegia can significantly affect a victim’s mobility and independence.

Monoplegia

Monoplegia refers to the paralysis of a single limb, usually an arm or leg. This type of paralysis is less common in car accidents but can occur in cases of localized nerve damage or brain injury.

What Compensation Can I Receive if I Am Paralyzed in a Car Accident?

Paralysis is a catastrophic injury that can result in extensive medical bills, lost wages, and a significant reduction in your quality of life. Fortunately, victims of car accidents who have been paralyzed may be entitled to various forms of compensation. 

Here are some damages you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Home and vehicle modifications

Medical Expenses

The cost of treating a spinal cord injury or other injuries causing paralysis can be astronomical. Examples of medical expenses can include—but are not limited to—the following: 

• Emergency care and hospitalization
• Surgeries and medical procedures
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Home modifications for accessibility
• Assistive devices like wheelchairs and braces
• Long-term care and in-home nursing support

Compensation for medical expenses should cover both current and future medical needs, especially in cases where long-term care is required.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Paralysis often results in the inability to work or a significant reduction in earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during your recovery. 

If you experienced reduced earning potential due to your injuries or a loss of future income if you are unable to work at all, compensation may be available as well. We can work with financial professionals to calculate the long-term impact of your injuries. 

Pain and Suffering

Paralysis can lead to immense physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the emotional toll your injuries have taken on your well-being. 

Here are some instances where compensation may be on the table:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Mental anguish, anxiety, and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to your injuries
• Emotional trauma related to your accident

The amount of pain and suffering damages awarded will vary based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.

Home and Vehicle Modifications

Paralysis often necessitates significant changes to your living environment to accommodate your new physical limitations. You may need compensation to cover these modifications when you need them to maintain your independence and mobility after a serious injury.

Who Is Liable for My Paralysis in a Car Accident?

Determining liability in a car accident that results in paralysis requires a thorough investigation of the accident’s circumstances. Several parties could be held responsible, including the other driver, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities. 

The Other Driver

If the other driver was negligent or reckless—such as by speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted—they could be held liable for your injuries. Proving the other driver’s fault will be key to recovering compensation for your paralysis.

Vehicle Manufacturers

In some cases, defective vehicle parts or safety equipment may contribute to a crash. If a malfunctioning brake system, airbag, or seatbelt caused or worsened your injuries, the vehicle manufacturer could be liable for your paralysis.

Government Entities

Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or defective traffic signals can contribute to serious car accidents. If road conditions played a role in the crash, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway could be held accountable.

Contact an Attorney if You Were Paralyzed by a Car Accident 

At Morelli Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal costs.

If you or a loved one has been paralyzed in a car accident, the attorneys at Morelli Law Firm are here to help. To learn more about us and how we can help you, reach out today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.