Paralysis attorney in Allentown

Injury cases involving paralysis are among the most devastating that personal injury lawyers encounter. Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in one or more areas of the body, and can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car accidents, falls, medical malpractice, and sports injuries. The medical vocabulary surrounding paralysis is complex, and understanding the nature of these injuries is essential for effective representation of clients.

According to data from statista.com*, As of 2021, the estimated lifetime costs for a 25-year-old patient who suffers from paraplegia in the United States are around $2.6 million. Each year, approximately 18,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries occur in the United States, with an average age of injury being 43 years. These lifetime costs, which are attributed to healthcare and living expenses, do not include any loss of wages, fringe benefits, or productivity. This statistic presents the estimated lifetime costs sorted by severity for individuals who have sustained spinal cord injuries. 

Considering high inflation in recent years, that cost statistic could be approaching a $3 million average currently.

Paralysis can be classified based on its location and severity. 

There are many forms of paralysis, some of the most common ones include:

• Paraplegia: Paralysis of the legs and lower body.
• Quadriplegia or Tetraplegia: Paralysis of the arms, legs, and torso.
• Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body, either left or right.
• Monoplegia: Paralysis of a single limb, usually an arm or leg.
• Diplegia: Paralysis that affects symmetrical body parts, such as both legs or both arms.
• Paresis: Weakness or partial paralysis of the muscles.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the leading cause of spinal cord injury is motor vehicle accidents, accounting for approximately 38% of new spinal cord injuries each year. Falls are the second leading cause, followed by acts of violence (primarily gunshot wounds) and sports/recreation injuries.

Regardless of the cause, KaplunMarx has the capabilities and resources to build a case for any injury involving paralysis and other serious conditions caused by another party’s actions (or negligence).

The most severe form of paralysis is quadriplegia, which involves the loss of muscle function in all four limbs and the torso. Paraplegia involves the loss of muscle function in the lower half of the body, including both legs. Other forms of paralysis include monoplegia, hemiplegia, and tetraplegia. Each of these types of paralysis can be caused by different types of injuries, and an experienced personal injury lawyer must be able to differentiate between them in order to build the strongest case for their client.

Injuries that cause paralysis are often caused by trauma to the spinal cord or brain. Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord is severed or crushed, and can result in permanent paralysis. Traumatic brain injuries can also cause paralysis, as they can disrupt the communication between the brain and the nerves that control muscle movement. Medical malpractice can also lead to paralysis in some cases, such as when a patient is not properly monitored during surgery, leading to damage of the spinal cord or brain.

The consequences of paralysis are significant, and can impact a person's quality of life in numerous ways. In addition to the loss of mobility, paralysis can also cause chronic pain, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder and bowel control. Many individuals with paralysis require extensive medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and long-term nursing care. These expenses can be overwhelming, and a personal injury lawyer can help clients pursue compensation for these costs, as well as for lost wages and pain and suffering.

When building a case for a client with paralysis, an experienced personal injury lawyer must carefully consider the medical and scientific evidence in order to identify the cause of the injury and the extent of the client's damages. This may involve consulting with medical experts, reviewing medical records and diagnostic imaging, and conducting interviews with witnesses and family members. An attorney must also be able to effectively negotiate with insurance companies and litigate in court, in order to ensure that their client receives the compensation they deserve.