Paralysis has many causes and comes in many forms. It can occur through a genetic condition or an injury. It can be permanent or temporary. It can also impact a single limb or your entire body.
When paralysis occurs due to another person’s negligence, a civil claim might be appropriate. With the help of a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney, you can sue the negligent party for damages related to your condition.
Paralysis is a complex condition, and establishing how these injuries occurred can be difficult. With the guidance of a Columbus paralysis injury lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, you can identify the at-fault party and bring a lawsuit against them for damages. Schedule a consultation with a trusted injury attorney who will oversee your claims and work towards getting the justice you deserve.
What Are the Different Types of Paralysis?
Paralysis comes in four general forms. This is true whether the paralysis results from an illness or an injury. In either case, these categories are divided based on the part of the body impacted by the condition.
Monoplegia
Monoplegia is the loss of sensation and motor control in a single body part. In the vast majority of cases, this involves an arm or a leg. This form of paralysis is uncommon and typically results from a form of cerebral palsy or similar genetic issue. It is possible for nerve damage or impingement to lead to monoplegia, however.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia is also uncommon and is similar to monoplegia in that it typically results from genetic issues. Hemiplegia is paralysis that impacts one side of the body or the other, specifically the arm and the leg. In some cases, hemiplegia is only temporary.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is a more common form of the condition and routinely results from back and neck injuries. This form of paralysis impacts the body from the waist down, including the legs and organs below the damaged part of the spine.
Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia is considered by many to be the most severe form of paralysis, as it impacts the body from the neck down. While recovery is occasionally possible after these injuries, it is uncommon. This form of paralysis typically stems from an injury to the head or neck. This could occur in a vehicle collision, a fall at work, or a sports injury, among other possibilities.
Liability in Columbus Paralysis Cases
Liability for paralysis injuries borne of negligence is determined on a case-by-case basis and involves reviewing the incident report and witness testimony. If your or your loved one’s paralysis stemmed from a car accident, for example, the police report will have all the facts from both sides, as well as any witnesses. Within the collection of narratives lies the truth regarding fault for a paralysis injury.
If, however, you or your loved one were paralyzed on someone else’s property, the property owner will want to shift as much of the blame onto you as possible. They may argue that a hazard was unforeseeable by a reasonable property owner or that it was open and obvious to visitors and should have been easily avoidable to a reasonable guest. If their argument is successful, the proprietor will not be responsible for your or your loved one’s paralysis-related damages.
A knowledgeable lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy will use the evidence in your paralysis case to demonstrate that you or your loved one bears less responsibility than the opposing party.
Comparative Negligence
In Ohio, a claimant who bears more responsibility for the incident that caused their injuries than the other parties involved will not be able to recover any damages whatsoever. As long as the other driver was more at fault, however, you can recover compensation. With so much at stake, it is advisable to work with a local Columbus lawyer when attempting to establish another party’s total liability for your or your loved one’s paralysis injury.
How Long Can Someone File a Paralysis Injury Claim?
Financial recovery for a paralysis injury claim is only possible if you abide by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations serves as a time limit for filing a lawsuit, and the courts typically enforce this deadline strictly.
The statute of limitations in an injury claim is governed by Ohio Code Section 2305.10. According to state law, you must file the claim within two years of the date the injury occurred or risk the dismissal of their case forever. Considering the harsh restrictions that come with filing a claim outside the statute of limitations, it is wise to consult with an attorney in Columbus who will help ensure that your paralysis injury claim is filed before the statute expires.
Talk to a Columbus Paralysis Injury Attorney Right Away
There are many things to consider after a paralysis injury. You will need to make arrangements with your employer, seek medical treatment, and assess what adjustments need to be made to your life at home.
With so much on your plate, you can benefit from letting a skilled professional at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy take on your injury claim. Schedule a consultation with a Columbus paralysis injury lawyer to learn more.
