Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating injuries a person can experience. They can lead to partial or complete paralysis, completely changing a person’s life. Paraplegia, a type of paralysis affecting the lower body, is a common outcome of severe spinal cord injuries. This article will explain paraplegia, its causes, and how jury verdicts in Washington State can impact the lives of those who suffer these life-changing injuries.
What is Paraplegia?
Paraplegia is a form of paralysis that affects the legs and lower part of the body. The extent of the paralysis depends on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury. Someone with paraplegia may have some sensation and movement in their legs, or they may have complete loss of both.
Common Causes of Paraplegia
Paraplegia is usually caused by trauma to the spinal cord. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, including those that result in paraplegia.
- Falls: Falls, especially in older adults or from significant heights, can cause spinal cord damage.
- Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football, diving, and horseback riding carry a risk of spinal cord injuries.
- Acts of Violence: Gunshot wounds and other violent acts can damage the spinal cord.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery or other medical procedures can, in rare cases, lead to spinal cord damage.
The Life-Altering Impact of Paraplegia
Paraplegia dramatically changes a person’s life. Beyond the loss of mobility, individuals with paraplegia often face a range of challenges:
- Medical Complications: These can include bowel and bladder dysfunction, respiratory problems, pressure sores, and chronic pain.
- Loss of Independence: Daily tasks that were once simple, like getting dressed or using the bathroom, may now require assistance.
- Financial Burden: The costs of medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications can be overwhelming.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact: Adjusting to life with paraplegia can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
- Career Limitations: It can become difficult or impossible to continue in a previous occupation.
Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuits in Washington
When paraplegia results from someone else’s negligence, the injured person may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. In Washington State, these lawsuits aim to recover compensation for the economic and non-economic pain suffered.
Washington State does not typically allow for punitive damages in personal injury cases, except for a few specific statutory exceptions.
How Jury Verdicts Matter
In Washington, personal injury cases, including those involving paraplegia, can be resolved through a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company or through a trial. If a case goes to trial, a jury will decide whether the defendant was negligent and, if so, the amount of damages to award the injured person.
Jury verdicts in paraplegia cases can be substantial, often reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. This is because juries recognize the profound and lifelong impact of these injuries. The size of a verdict or settlement is influenced by several factors:
- Severity of the Injury: More severe injuries, leading to greater disability and higher medical costs, typically result in larger awards.
- Liability: The clearer the defendant’s fault, the stronger the case for a significant award. Washington follows a “comparative fault” rule, meaning the injured person’s compensation can be reduced if they were partially responsible for the accident.
- Available Insurance Coverage: The amount of insurance coverage the at-fault party has can limit the amount recoverable.
- Expert Testimony: Medical experts and economists can testify about the long-term medical needs and financial impact of paraplegia, strengthening the case for a larger award.
- Impact on the Victim’s Life: Juries consider how the injury has affected the person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
The Importance of Legal Representation
If you or a loved one has suffered paraplegia due to someone else’s negligence in Washington, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if a trial is necessary.
- Help you understand your legal rights and options.
- Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your damages.
Paraplegia is a life-altering injury with profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident in Washington and suffered paraplegia or another serious injury, Monge & Associates is here to help. We have 32 offices in 19 states, including Washington, Georgia, and Colorado, and we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims. Call us now for a free consultation at (888) 477-0597. Let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.