If you or a loved one have become paraplegic due to someone else’s negligence, there are a series of important steps to consider for both your well-being and search for justice. Paralysis cases, especially those involving negligence, are complex and require an attorney with experience in spinal cord injury litigation.
A Houston paraplegia injury lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas can determine if you have a viable personal injury claim and identify the liable party or parties involved. Our paralysis injury attorneys can also handle the intricacies of filing a lawsuit, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Common Categories and Consequences of Paraplegia
Paraplegia is a form of paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, typically resulting from damage to the spinal cord or other parts of the nervous system responsible for controlling those areas. Complete paraplegia involves a complete loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the injury, meaning no movement or sensation is possible in the lower body. Incomplete paraplegia involves some preservation of motor or sensory function below the injury site, and the injured individual may retain some movement or sensation.
Common causes of paraplegia include:
- Falls
- Acts of violence
- Motor vehicle accidents
High-speed collisions in motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of paraplegia due to the forceful impacts that can damage the spine. Negligence in these cases can include speeding, reckless driving, or drunk driving. Falls from heights, especially in construction areas or from unsafe premises, can result in spinal cord injuries. Property owners and employers may be liable for injuries sustained due to negligent maintenance or unsafe conditions. Gunshot wounds and other violent acts can cause spinal cord damage. In cases where security was inadequate, property owners may be held responsible.
Paraplegia can have wide-ranging consequences that impact a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being. These consequences include loss of mobility, bowel and bladder dysfunction, chronic pain, respiratory problems, and potential psychological challenges, such as depression. If paraplegia results from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, an attorney can play a vital role in helping injured individuals in Houston recover appropriate compensation.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Paraplegia Injury Lawsuit?
A Houston lawyer can help you recover a wide variety of potential damages in a successful paraplegia injury lawsuit. These damages can be categorized as economic (quantifiable losses) and non-economic (subjective losses).
Compensable economic damages can cover past, present, and future costs associated with treatment. These could include costs for the following:
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Hospital stays
- Rehabilitation
- Emergency care
- Physical therapy
- Home adaptations
- Necessary medical equipment
An attorney can also help you recover compensation for income lost due to the injury, as well as any diminished ability to earn income in the future.
Non-economic damages can include compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. You could also be entitled to compensation for the psychological impact of the injury and your diminished quality of life. In cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
Contact a Skilled Paraplegia Injury Attorney in Houston
Determining liability in paraplegia cases can be challenging, especially in complex scenarios involving multiple parties. Negligence must be proven, and establishing a direct link between the negligent act and the resulting injury can require detailed investigation. Due to the high potential for large settlements or jury awards in these cases, insurance companies and defendants often aggressively defend against these claims.
A Houston paraplegia injury lawyer is familiar with the medical aspects of these injuries, the legal precedents, and the strategies for maximizing compensation. Our attorneys can push back against low offers and negotiate for fair settlements that cover present and future needs. Contact us today to receive your free case review.