What Types of Accidents in Georgia Cause Paralysis?
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), the most common causes of traumatic spinal cord injuries potentially leading to paralysis are:
Proving Fault in a Georgia Paralysis Case
If someone is at fault for the injury that paralyzed you, they should also be responsible for compensating you for the harm you suffered. Proving their fault is critical to getting the money you need for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. To build your case and establish the other party’s fault, your lawyer will examine evidence from the incident that led to your injury, which could include the following:
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Footage from security or traffic cameras
- Medical records and related documentation
- Accident reconstructions made by field experts
The Cost of Living with Paralysis After an Accident
Paralyzing injuries cost millions of dollars in medical expenses alone. Costs vary depending on the type of paralysis and how many years the person will need care.
For example, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation reports that people with severe paralysis can expect over $1 million in medical expenses the first year after their injury. Any level of lost motor function can cost more than $300,000 in the first year. People with paralysis face millions in medical costs over their lifetimes.
But paralyzing injuries cost victims much more than millions in medical bills. Debilitating injuries can keep you from working and earning an income. You may need help caring not only for yourself but your family. Some people with paralysis can live independently at home while still needing help with some activities. Others need full-time assistance or nursing care.
Paralysis also has considerable mental and emotional effects along with the physical ones. Patients may need counseling and treatment to cope with their injuries, both of which cost money. There are also hidden costs for activities outside the home and travel. People with paralysis often need paid caregiver companions and special accommodations and equipment, all adding additional expense to ordinary living costs.
What Compensation Can You Recover for Paralysis Injuries?
A skilled personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for the following paralysis-related losses:
- Ambulance expenses
- Emergency room treatment
- Medical care
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages from missing work
- Lost future income
- Medical equipment
- Accessibility alterations to your home
- Modifications to your vehicle
- In-home assistance with daily living
- Assisted living and nursing facility expenses
- Lost quality of life
- Pain and suffering
What to Do After Suffering a Paralyzing Injury
After suffering a paralyzing injury, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and build a strong foundation for your case:
- Get prompt medical care and referrals to experts who specialize in paralyzing injuries.
- Follow your treatment plan, including rehabilitation and therapy, to improve your prognosis and support your claim.
- Gather evidence, including photographs, medical records, insurance details, and contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Keep records of doctor’s visits, missed work, rehabilitation and therapy appointments, medications, medical equipment, and other expenses.
- Keep a journal recording your pain levels and how your injury has changed your activities, relationships, and mental outlook.
- Get professional help if you experience depression or substance abuse problems.
- Avoid making statements to insurance companies or posting photos or comments online that insurance companies could use against you.
- Contact an attorney who specializes in helping people with catastrophic injuries like paralysis.
When to Contact a Paralysis Injury Lawyer
Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. An attorney can investigate the circumstances of the incident and build a strong case while you focus on your physical recovery. They can also refer you to the right resources in your community for support.
Contact Geiger Legal Group, LLC to Handle Your Paralysis Injury Case
When you need a paralysis injury lawyer, turn to the team at Geiger Legal Group, LLC. As a family-run law firm, we focus on helping people with serious injuries get the compensation and accountability they deserve. With offices in Alpharetta, Canton, Dalton, Marietta, and Woodstock, we support our communities throughout Georgia. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case with an experienced paralysis injury attorney in Georgia.
