Making an Injury Claim for Paralysis After an Accident in Georgia

Paralysis is one of the most distressing and life-altering injuries to deal with after an accident in Georgia. Becoming paralyzed is a scary situation that can affect an injury victim for the rest of their life.

Even temporary paralysis is serious and requires immediate medical treatment to help prevent permanent damage. If someone else’s actions left you paralyzed in any way, you may be able to make an injury claim for paralysis after your accident.

What Causes Paralysis After an Accident in Georgia?

Paralysis from an accident is normally caused by damage to the nervous system, especially the nerves, brain, or spinal cord. When someone is paralyzed, they lose strength and control in certain muscles because the nerves can no longer send signals to move them.

Accidents that can lead to paralysis include:

• Car or truck accidents, especially rollovers or head-on collisions
• Drunk driving accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Slip and fall accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Motorcycle or bike accidents
• And more

Types of Paralysis Caused by Accidents in Georgia

There are two main areas of injury that typically lead to paralysis in an accident:

1. Spinal cord injuries
2. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Paralysis from serious auto accidents is often caused by damage to the spinal cord, although neck or brain injuries can also cause paralysis.

Where and how much of the spinal cord is injured can determine the severity and location of the paralysis. If the paralysis is caused by a brain injury, it’s because the damaged brain can no longer affect muscle function as before.

An injury victim can have temporary or permanent paralysis as well as partial or full paralysis. Any of these situations can leave you with ongoing medical costs and other damages.

Temporary vs Permanent Paralysis

Temporary paralysis is caused by swelling or pressure from an injury. If either of these subsides with time, the paralysis should go away. However, permanent paralysis is not irreversible—and temporary paralysis can become permanent if not treated property. That’s why getting medical attention is the first thing you should do after an accident.

Partial vs Full Paralysis

Partial paralysis means only certain parts of the affected area lose muscle function. Total paralysis means a victim has control over any muscles in the affected area.

Paralysis can happen anywhere and affect one or more body parts, one or both sides of the body, or even the entire upper or lower body. A neck injury from a car or other type of accident often leads to paralysis in the chest, arms, and legs.

How to Make an Injury Claim for Paralysis After an Accident in Georgia

Many accident injuries are painful and expensive—but temporary. However, paralysis from an accident can change a victim’s entire life going forward. Everyday activities or work can become difficult or impossible. Plus, recovery from paralysis typically happens within the first six months after the injury occurs, which means it can take time before someone knows whether or not their condition is permanent.

These are all reasons why making an injury claim for paralysis after an accident is so important. If you did not cause the accident that injured you, you have a right to seek damages for what you’ve suffered. That starts with filing an insurance claim against the negligent party and considering the following steps.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

When you have injuries as serious as paralysis after an accident in Georgia, it’s best to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can make sure you take the correct steps in building a strong personal injury claim.

You need the financial recovery you’re entitled to, and the insurance company will likely fight back before paying out what you deserve. Protect yourself by getting a lawyer experienced in personal injury cases on your side as soon as you can.

See a Doctor Immediately

Seeing and communicating with your doctor is crucial after an accident. They can make sure you get the treatment you need right away, monitor you for changes over time, and help you prepare for all future treatment or assistance you will need.

Many injury victims are worried about mounting medical costs, but paralysis requires treatment right away to prevent further problems later. Your insurance claim is then meant to seek reimbursement for those treatment costs and other expenses. Plus, getting treatment immediately will show the insurance company your injuries are serious when you file your claim.

Keep Track of All Damages

You will also need to consider all the ways paralysis can affect your life going forward after the accident. You may face:

• Current and future medical bills for treatment, tests, and hospitalization
• Lost wages from missed work time
• Disabilities and inability to work or live as before
• Rehabilitation, occupational therapy, or physical therapy
• The need for braces, wheelchairs, or other equipment
• Psychological counseling for pain and suffering from your paralysis

These are all damages you’re entitled to include in your injury claim. While recovering these costs cannot bring your old life back, it can help you cope with any new life changes and avoid debt from damages you didn’t cause.

Making an injury claim for paralysis after an accident can help “make you whole” as much as possible despite the circumstances. The person or party who caused your paralysis injuries is legally liable for your damages, and filing an injury claim helps hold them responsible.

Talk to an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer for Free Today

Becoming paralyzed after an accident can turn a person’s world upside down. You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of an accident that wasn’t your fault as you try to heal and move on with your life.

At John Foy & Associates, we can help. We’ve been helping injury victims recover what they deserve for over 20 years, and working with us is risk-free. We don’t get paid unless you do. To get started with a FREE consultation today, call us or fill out the contact form on this page.