Following a West Virginia car accident, you might be devastated to find out that you have sustained a spinal cord injury that has led to partial or full paralysis over a certain part of your body. According to recent studies, approximately one in 50 people live with paralysis, which accounts for millions of people across the U.S. For those who have obtained these serious injuries, you might be concerned about the financial toll that these injuries can take on your life.
About 38% of spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis take place every year due to car accidents. The medical expenses that continue to pile up against you after an accident caused by the care you receive or the equipment that becomes necessary in your life is an astonishing aspect that can leave you in a difficult position. This is why it is important to have a skilled attorney on your side to protect your rights at all times.
The Many Types of Paralysis Stemming from Car Accidents
Paraplegia: This is a type of paralysis that impacts the legs and lower limbs, making an individual unable to move these parts of their body.
Quadriplegia: This type of paralysis occurs when a patient is unable to control all of their limbs.
Partial Paralysis: This is a type of paralysis that occurs when a patient is unable to move different parts of their body, such as when a patient is unable to move one side of their body. These injuries occur as a result of an injury to the spinal cord or the brain.
Temporary Paralysis: Some people believe that paralysis injuries are permanent, but this is not always the case. Some relatively minor cases might be temporary and can sometimes be fixed with treatment.
Permanent Paralysis: Permanent injuries are some of the most severe cases and happen when a patient will never be able to regain use of a certain part of their body due to the injury.
Medical Needs Associated with a Paralysis Injury
The costs of a paralysis injury can be devastating and distressing to somebody who has suffered the impact of one of these accidents. You might endure these medical needs and costs:
Medical Care: Even the most minor of spinal cord injuries require ongoing medical care, which can tend to pile up. The most serious paralysis cases could cause costs that extend well-above millions of dollars in medical care. These cases might include aspects like hospital stays, medical equipment, ongoing therapy, doctor’s visits, and more.
Ongoing Rehabilitation: You might also need extensive rehabilitation so that you can get back on your feet if your condition is temporary and expected to improve with therapy. You will learn how to move around as much as possible, but therapy is not always cheap and comes at a price!
Equipment: If you are living with paralysis, especially in permanent cases, the cost of medical equipment will continue to pile up over your lifetime. You might have to have a special vehicle designed specifically for you to use, several adjustments made to your home, and even in-home care.
Help from an Experienced West Virginia Car Accident Attorney
As you can see, the cost of a paralysis injury can cause a devastating impact on your life that could last for some time. As a result, you might find that it is difficult to face the aftermath of your injuries and move forward, especially with the expenses that continue to pile up against you. Luckily, help is on your side. Our experienced car accident attorneys at Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner are here to help you amid your personal injury claim. Please reach out to us for the help you deserve at (304) 713-2014.