Paralysis

New Jersey Paralysis Injury Lawyers

Representing NJ clients suffering from spinal injuries

After surviving a horrific traffic accident, workplace accident, or a fall on someone else’s property, hearing that you are suffering from paralysis will alter the course of your life completely. While medical research advancing the treatment of paralysis can have miraculous results for some people, there are no guarantees. Those who are stricken with partial or complete paralysis will need ongoing medical care, and they will have other expenses because of their injury.

At Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, our New Jersey paralysis injury attorneys have secured more than $750 million in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. While we are known for taking on and winning some high-profile cases, we are here to help all our clients recover the compensation they need to get on with their lives after a serious injury has sidelined them. With offices in Edison, Red Bank, and Toms River, we are able to serve the entire state. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more.

What is paralysis?

Healthline defines paralysis as the loss of muscle function in a part of the body which can be localized or generalized, partial or complete, and temporary or permanent. In addition to lack of muscle function in the paralyzed area, there is also a loss of sensation, a person will not feel pain in paralyzed areas.

Different types of paralysis

There are several ways to classify paralysis including the following:

  • Localized paralysis, which can affect a single part of the body, such as the face or a hand.
  • Generalized paralysis can affect multiple body parts and can be many types including:
    • monoplegia, affecting only one arm or only one leg
    • hemiplegia, affecting one arm and one leg on the same side of the body
    • paraplegia, affecting both legs
    • quadriplegia or tetraplegia, affecting both arms and both legs
  • Severity of the paralysis. Partial paralysis leaves you with some control over the muscles in the affected parts of the body, while complete paralysis leaves you with no control over the muscles in the affected parts.
  • The duration of the paralysis. Paralysis can be temporary, or the effects can be permanent.
  • Flaccid or spasticity. Flaccid paralysis can cause the muscle to shrink, become flabby and weak, while spastic paralysis tightens the muscles and makes them hard, twitch, or spasm uncontrollably.

(HealthLine)

What are some of the most common causes of paralysis?

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation report that stroke is the leading cause of paralysis in the U.S., accounting for nearly 33.7 percent of all cases. Spinal cord injury accounts for the next largest cause of paralysis at 23.3 percent, and muscular sclerosis (MS) causes 18.6 percent of cases.

Spinal cord injury is the most common accidental cause of paralysis. Its leading causes include:

Treatment and long-term effects of paralysis

Healthline reports that a paralysis treatment plan will vary depending on the cause of the paralysis and the symptoms the patient is experiencing including:

  • Surgery
  • Amputation
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Mobility aides such as wheelchairs or braces
  • Medication

While your life will change after a spinal cord injury, there is every reason to look forward with hope. Advances in medical research may one day make it possible for doctors to repair spinal cord damage. In the meantime, adaptive devices such as vehicle and home modifications can make it possible to live independently. Rehabilitation and treatment can help you recover as much function as possible.

Advances in spinal cord injury research include a breakthrough at the Kentucky Spinal Cord Research Center in the form of a clinical trial that allowed someone who had been paralyzed after a 2014 car accident to walk again.

Again, every case is unique, and the long-term prognosis will depend on the extent and the type of paralysis. A person suffering from paraplegia and uses a wheelchair can live a full and productive life, while a person with quadriplegia will need assistance and support for the activities of daily living and may be unable to resume his or her previous career.

There are some common complications of paralysis such as urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Depression is also not uncommon in those who have survived an accident that left them paralyzed.

Skilled New Jersey paralysis injury lawyers obtaining compensation for the paralyzed

If you have been paralyzed in an accident, it probably feels like every part of your life has changed. At a time like this, you should surround yourself with people who can help you, such as your family and doctors. Experienced attorneys can serve an important role in helping you obtain compensation you will need to obtain the best medical care and we also provide a degree of financial security for your future.

Our experienced New Jersey paralysis injury attorneys fight diligently to recover the following types of compensation on behalf of our clients:

  • Medical expenses, physical and occupational therapy, wheelchair, scooter or walker and other necessary treatments
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Loss of consortium
  • Other losses related to the injury

Serious injury cases are extremely complex and require a law firm that has the experience not only to prove liability for your injury but also to establish damages for all the services you will need for the rest of your life. Our attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts to help our clients who have suffered paralysis as a result of auto accidents, medical malpractice, or other accidents involving negligence. No matter how you were injured, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Representing paraplegia and quadriplegia victims throughout New Jersey

From offices in Edison, Red Bank, and Toms River, our NJ personal injury lawyers advise and represent spinal cord injury victims throughout New Jersey. You may call Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP at 732-777-0100, or contact us to arrange a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey paralysis attorney. We offer home and hospital visits.