The permanent physical limitations caused by spinal cord trauma change the course of lives, for both patients and their loved ones. These life-altering injuries may drain families emotionally and financially, triggering the need for offending parties to assume responsibility for the harm they caused. A Bridgeport spinal cord injury lawyer can help with these needs. With the guidance of a skilled catastrophic injury attorney, you may negotiate a settlement or fight for a trial judgment that properly covers your necessary medical care, emotional treatment and future living expenses. Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. can provide this guidance.
Spinal Cord Injury Basics
The spinal cord is one of the key components of the body’s central nervous system. It carries messages from the brain to all parts of the body, giving instructions and bringing back sensory information. An injury to that communication highway could disrupt the information exchange and lead to a loss of sensation, muscle weakness and paralysis. The extent of the damage dictates whether these conditions will be transitory or permanent.
What is Complete and Incomplete Paralysis?
Permanent paralysis can also be complete or incomplete. The cessation of all feeling and mobility is known as complete paralysis. If some feeling or ability to move remains, the paralysis is incomplete. The extent of the body affected depends on where on the spinal cord the injury occurred. The higher up the spine (closer to the neck and head), the more body parts and systems are implicated. Trauma impacting arms, hands, legs and organs results in tetraplegia (also referred to as quadriplegia). Paraplegia affects a more limited area – the torso, legs, and pelvic organs.
What Are Some Complications Associated with Spinal Cord Damage?
In addition to the loss of sensation and mobility, various other conditions may arise, requiring the attention of a healthcare provider on an on-going or acute basis:
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Difficulty breathing
- Nerve damage (leading to pain and stinging sensations)
- Swelling of extremities
- Sexual dysfunction
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicide or premature death
These conditions compound the emotional and economic struggles of living with a spinal cord injury. A Bridgeport spinal damage attorney can consult with the patient and their family to understand their unique needs. Together they can develop strategies aimed at securing appropriate compensation.
Restitution for Spinal Injuries
In addition to recovering medical costs, a person can recover compensation for all the harm endured without limitation. Connecticut General Statutes § 52-572h(a) explains that a person who establishes another party’s negligence may receive both economic and non-economic damages. Economic costs include rehabilitation, emotional counseling, expenses to adapt living environments and home health aides. Non-economic losses reimburse for subjective harm, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of the enjoyment of life.
If the person loses their life due to their injuries, CGS § 52-555(a) allows the family to bring a case on the deceased’s behalf as a wrongful death claim. This cause of action allows family members to continue to pursue the damages the injured party might have been entitled to, as well as recoup for funeral expenses and loss of their loved one’s companionship. By working with a local spinal cord accident lawyer, injured parties may better determine what expenses and forms of harm their damages claims should include.
Find Trusted Counsel with a Bridgeport Spinal Cord Injury Attorney
Restarting your life after a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming, while the prospect of navigating the legal system and fighting the at-fault party may seem beyond what you can handle. That is where Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. can help. A Bridgeport spinal cord injury lawyer can hold those who harmed you and your family accountable. Reach out as soon as possible.