Quadriplegia—sometimes called “tetraplegia”—is a form of paralysis that results in a person losing motor or sensory function in every part of their body below the neck. When quadriplegia occurs as the result of an avoidable accident, those responsible should be held fully accountable for the injured person’s physical, financial, and personal losses.
While no amount of money can undo someone’s reckless or careless actions, seeking financial recovery with the help of a tenacious injury attorney could relieve the financial stress that accompanies an accident. Throughout your legal proceedings, a dedicated Lafayette quadriplegia injury lawyer could ensure your rights are respected and tenaciously pursue every cent of the restitution you deserve.
Holding Someone Else Liable for Causing Quadriplegia
While certain medical conditions can cause varying degrees of paralysis, including total loss of function across the entire body, the most common cause of quadriplegia is damage to the cervical spine, which is the uppermost portion between the base of the skull and the upper shoulders. “Incomplete” injuries that involve twisting, bruising, or slight tearing of the spinal cord may cause partial loss of function and offer some prospects of long-term recovery. “Complete” severing of the spinal cord causes permanent quadriplegia.
In almost all situations, people have a legal duty to act reasonably to avoid injuring others. Anyone who violates this duty of care and causes serious harm, such as quadriplegia, to someone else can be held legally accountable for their negligence. Experienced Lafayette attorneys know how to handle quadriplegia cases involving motor vehicle accidents, slips or trips and falls, sports-related trauma, and more.
Recovering Fairly for Long-Term Losses
Individuals who develop quadriplegia due to another person’s misconduct are often unable to return to their previous job. Paralysis victims usually will require extensive—and expensive—medical treatment both in the short term for stabilizing their injuries and in the long term for rehabilitation. Additionally, Louisiana’s statute of limitations allows injured people only one year to file suit, even for permanent and life-altering injuries, which is why it is crucial to take legal action immediately.
Specific damages that can be factored into a quadriplegia claim include:
- Lost working capacity and/or earnings
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Psychological and emotional distress
- Lost overall enjoyment/quality of life, including lost consortium
- All expenses for emergency medical care, plus expected costs of future medical and/or rehabilitative care
- Injury-related costs for things like assistive equipment, home/vehicle modifications, and in-home care
A tetraplegia injury attorney in Lafayette could provide invaluable assistance with identifying recoverable losses, estimating fair values for them, and incorporating them into a comprehensive settlement or lawsuit.
Speak with a Lafayette Quadriplegia Injury Attorney Today
Quadriplegia injuries can be devastating for everyone involved. Although money alone cannot make up for the consequences of a negligent accident, recovering fair civil compensation could go a long way toward improving your quality of life.
The dedicated Lafayette quadriplegia injury lawyers at Tomeny | Best know how to handle cases like yours successfully. We have a track record of success across the state, and we leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting you what you deserve. Call today to set up your free consultation. Our detail-oriented team is prepared to get to work for you.
