Truck accidents are among the worst collisions on the road, and they frequently involve catastrophic injuries like paralysis. Paralysis occurs when damage to the spinal cord, brain, or surrounding nerves interrupts the body’s ability to send and receive signals. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, Aurora truck accident victims may lose function and/or feeling in one or more parts of the body.
Paralysis can alter nearly every aspect of life, from work to hobbies and personal relationships. Many victims face extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs.
Types of Paralysis That Can Result from an Aurora Truck Accident
The specific form of paralysis depends largely on where the brain or spinal cord was injured. Commercial trucks are massive vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Collisions with these vehicles generate tremendous force that can compress or fracture the spinal cord or cause traumatic brain injuries that disrupt nerve function.
Monoplegia
Monoplegia affects a single limb (e.g., one arm or one leg). In a truck crash, this may occur if severe trauma damages nerves controlling a specific extremity. Although it only impacts one limb, monoplegia can make daily tasks like walking, driving, or lifting extremely difficult.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia causes paralysis on one side of the body. This type of paralysis is often associated with traumatic brain injuries sustained when a victim’s head strikes the steering wheel, window, or dashboard during a trucking collision. Sudden deceleration can also cause internal brain bleeding or swelling. Hemiplegia may affect movement, speech, balance, and coordination, and it often requires long-term neurological therapy.
Diplegia
Diplegia typically affects two corresponding limbs, such as both legs or both arms. Truck accidents can damage certain portions of the spinal cord that control these extremities. For example, a severe rear-end collision can compress the middle region of the spine and interfere with nerve signals to both lower limbs.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia involves paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs. This form of paralysis typically results from severe injuries to the thoracic or lumbar regions. Paraplegia often requires the use of a wheelchair and may involve loss of bladder or bowel control.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and is typically the result of severe trauma to the cervical (upper) spinal cord. High-speed truck crashes (especially rollovers or head-on collisions) can cause catastrophic injuries to the neck and spine. Victims with quadriplegia may lose movement and sensation from the neck down and may require specialized assistive equipment and around-the-clock care.
What Compensation Is Available for Paralysis Injuries?
Paralysis injuries often require lifelong treatment and support, which can total hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. If a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused your accident, you may have the right to pursue substantial compensation from them and their insurer.
A personal injury claim in Aurora may allow you to recover damages for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Long-term rehabilitation and assistive equipment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Depression
- PTSD
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
An experienced Aurora truck accident attorney can help you evaluate the value of your claim and work to determine the full scope of your damages. They can also assist in identifying liable parties and managing every phase of the claims process, including negotiation and litigation (if necessary).
If you or a loved one suffered paralysis in an Aurora truck crash, contact Feagans Law Group today for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and legal options.