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The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the back from the neck to the waist. Because nerves are responsible for movement and pain sensation, damage to the spinal cord can impede the body’s ability to move, touch, and feel. When the damage is severe, it can result in paralysis.

Paralysis is a condition that can affect either the entire body at times and in most cases, results in the victim being unable to work for at least several months, if not for the rest of their lives.

If someone else is responsible for the injury, victims can seek compensation. However, due to the many different causes of paralysis, the number of potentially responsible parties, and North Carolina compensation caps, these cases can quickly become complicated.

It is important that anyone seeking compensation for a paralysis injury speak to a Durham paralysis injury lawyer that has the experience needed when handling these cases.

Types of Paralysis

Paralysis can affect the body in two different ways, and the type of paralysis suffered will depend on where the damage in the spinal cord occurred.

  • When the damage occurs lower in the spinal cord, typically in the mid to lower back, the victim may suffer from paraplegia. This is a type of paralysis that affects the lower body, including the legs and waist. While a wheelchair is required, paraplegics can usually still move their arms and torso normally.
  • This type of paralysis is a result of damage that occurs higher up on the spinal cord, such as in the upper back or neck. Quadriplegics are also unable to move their legs, but they also do not have movement in their upper body including their torso, arms, and fingers. In some instances, quadriplegics cannot move their neck or head either.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord can be unpredictable and can happen at any time. However, there are some causes of spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis that are more common than others.

  • Car and motor vehicle accidents
  • Defective products, especially sports equipment
  • Slip and falls
  • Workplace accidents

Seeking Compensation

When victims have been paralyzed due to someone else’s negligence, they can seek compensation that will help with:

  • Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality and enjoyment of life

Those wishing to hold responsible parties liable can do so, but they will need a qualified paralysis injury attorney in Durham to help. Paralysis cases can be much more complicated than other types of lawsuits, and it can be difficult, if not impossible, for individuals to do it on their own. A paralysis injury lawyer in Durham can help someone:

  • Determine who is responsible. Figuring out who is responsible for the injury may be more complicated than it seems at first. In car accident cases, it could be another driver or the manufacturer of the vehicle. With product liability cases, it can be anyone who handled the product from the time it was created to the time it was sold in store. In some cases, there can be multiple parties responsible, making it harder to determine who is at fault.
  • Seek compensation. Paralysis can be costly to treat, and North Carolina has rules and caps on amounts awarded. In addition to that, car insurance companies and Workers’ Compensation Insurance may be involved.

Contact a Paralysis Injury Attorney Today

If you have been injured in an accident, and that injury led to paralysis, do no wait another minute to contact a Durham paralysis injury attorney that can help you. This is one thing you do not want to handle on your own, and an experienced attorney will help.