While most injuries heal after enough time has passed, paralysis often lasts forever. Additionally, the loss of sensation and motor control in parts of your body can have a tremendous impact on your independence and quality of life.
If you have suffered a paralyzing injury through no fault of your own, The Law Offices of David W. Holub is here to help. Our skilled catastrophic injury attorneys could investigate your case and advise you on how you should proceed. You should talk to a Merrillville paralysis injury lawyer before you attempt to resolve your claim alone.
Types of Paralysis
The form of paralysis a person experiences depends on the location and severity of their injury, as a Merrillville attorney could explain. In general, there are four different types of paralysis to be aware of. Monoplegia affects only one limb, often resulting from nerve damage or stroke. Hemiplegia causes paralysis on one side of the body, typically tied to brain injuries. Paraplegia refers to the loss of movement and sensation in both legs, often due to spinal cord damage below the chest. Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is the most severe form, involving paralysis of both arms and legs, usually caused by a cervical spinal cord injury. Each type drastically alters a person’s mobility and quality of life, and the cost of living with this condition can be overwhelming for most people.
How Does Negligence Lead to Paralyzing Injuries?
Paralysis does not always lead to a viable case for financial compensation. In order to be entitled to damages, your Merrillville attorney must show that you suffered the paralyzing injury due to another person’s careless or reckless actions.
There are four elements you must prove to establish negligence. If you fail to demonstrate even one of them, you may lose your opportunity to receive the damages you deserve. First, you will need to prove that the other party owed you a duty of care. Next, there must be evidence that they breached this duty. Third, there must be a link between their actions and your paralysis. And finally, you have to show that you suffered compensable damages related to your injury.
When it comes to paralysis, there are countless ways negligence could have contributed. From a car accident that involves a back injury to a fall in a grocery store that leads to spinal cord damage, our attorneys are here to help you seek justice.
The Statute of Limitations
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a paralysis injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. It is crucial that you comply with this legal deadline, as the court could otherwise dismiss your case with prejudice. This type of dismissal ends your case, but it also permanently bars you from recovering damages for your injuries.
It is worth noting that certain exceptions may extend or pause the deadline. For example, if the injured party is a minor at the time of the injury, the statute sometimes may be tolled until they reach the age of 18. Additionally, claims against government entities often involve shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements. Our team of paralysis injury attorneys in Merrillville could ensure you comply with this time limit.
Call a Merrillville Attorney About a Paralyzing Injury Today
Paralysis can alter the course of your life forever, but you do not have to face this challenge on your own. With the support of the right legal team, you could recoup your financial losses and hold the at-fault party accountable for their negligence.
Let us help you build the strongest case for compensation possible. Reach out to a Merrillville paralysis injury lawyer today to learn more.