Car accidents in Geneva, Illinois, can cause catastrophic injuries that leave lasting consequences. Among the most devastating outcomes of a motor vehicle collision is paralysis. When the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system suffers severe trauma, accident victims may lose the ability to move parts of their body.
Types of Paralysis Caused by Car Accidents
The extent and severity of paralysis depend on the location of the injury and the force of the crash. Common types of paralysis caused by significant car crashes include:
- Monoplegia: This form of paralysis affects a single limb, such as an arm or a leg. Nerve damage from the violent twisting forces of a collision can lead to monoplegia.
- Hemiplegia: Often connected to a traumatic brain injury, hemiplegia paralyzes one side of the body. Victims may struggle with speech, balance, and mobility, and many require long-term rehabilitation to adapt to the changes.
- Diplegia: Diplegia impacts both arms or both legs. They are often affiliated with spinal cord injuries. Victims may experience loss of motor control and sensation, requiring extensive physical therapy to regain any level of function.
- Paraplegia: Paraplegia involves loss of movement and sensation in the lower body. Victims frequently need wheelchairs and may also face complications with bowel and bladder control.
- Quadriplegia: Quadriplegia results in paralysis of both arms and both legs. These injuries are usually caused by severe spinal cord damage and can leave victims dependent on others for daily care.
Paralysis isn’t always immediately apparent after a car crash. Some victims initially notice subtle changes, such as weakness in an arm, tingling in the legs, or a “droopy” sensation in the face. Others may lose fine motor control or balance.
Delayed symptoms are common, which is why anyone involved should seek immediate medical attention, even if they feel “okay” at first. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improving the odds of recovery.
What is the Treatment and Rehabilitation Process for Paralysis?
Some paralysis cases are temporary, caused by swelling or inflammation around the spinal cord or brain. With timely medical intervention, victims may regain movement after months of rest and therapy. Others face lifelong paralysis and require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
The most common forms of treatment and rehabilitation include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Adaptive technologies
Many individuals with paralysis also choose to make modifications to their homes and vehicles to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices.
What Types of Compensation Are Available for Paralysis Injuries in Geneva?
Car accident victims with paralysis have the right to pursue compensation if another party’s negligence contributed to the crash. A personal injury claim can help victims recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and future treatments.
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs, including long-term physical and occupational therapy to regain function.
- Lost wages related to missed work and reduced earning potentialÂ
- Pain and suffering to reflect the physical suffering and emotional toll of living with paralysis
- Emotional distress and PTSD related to a sudden, life-altering disability
- Loss of quality of life due to the loss of independence and the inability to enjoy former activities
An experienced Geneva personal injury lawyer can help you understand what types of compensation are available after a paralysis injury. They can identify and calculate your current losses and consult with medical and financial experts to assess your future losses.
Contact a Geneva Car Accident Lawyer Today for Help
If you or a loved one experienced paralysis after a Geneva car accident, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. A skilled Geneva car accident lawyer can guide you through the process by handling all administrative tasks, investigations, and negotiations for the compensation you deserve.
An attorney can protect your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes that could reduce your recovery. Contact Feagans Law Group for a free consultation to discuss your options after a paralysis injury.