The loss of motor function in the limbs or even in the whole body is a traumatic and stressful situation with often life-changing consequences. Paralysis changes the way you view and live your life, and it also affects the lives of those who love and care for you. If you were involved in an automobile accident which led to your paralysis, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Though the situation seems complicated, there are ways you can at least get justice for the pain you are suffering. We encourage you to meet with one of our Michigan personal injury lawyers to consult your case. Paralysis can have life-altering consequences, but experienced legal professionals in Michigan can help you seek the compensation needed for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support.
Paralysis from Automobile Accidents
Paralysis can be understood as the loss of movement, sometimes with loss of feeling, in all areas of the body below the spinal nerve that was severed or damaged. The cost and extent of the medical treatment also depend on the type of paralysis from the crash. Paraplegia is a type of paralysis involving a break or injury to the lower spine. There’s the loss of motor function in the legs and feet. Because upper body movement is preserved, there’s enough mobility to navigate a wheelchair independently.
Quadriplegia, on the other hand, is caused by an injury in the upper portion of the spine. Both the upper and lower body is paralyzed. Some forms of quadriplegia can still have some motor function in the upper body preserved; this is considered to be one of the most common types of spinal cord injuries in 2010. Either type of paralysis causes undue burden on the victim and the victim’s entire family. Different complications can arise as a result of surgery, hospital stay, and chronic disability. The cost of a spinal cord injury can range from $300,000 to over $1,000,000 in just the first year, with long-term annual costs reaching up to $200,000. Medical expenses involving a spinal cord injury include: