Paralysis Injury from Car Accident in Greensboro

Despite recent advancements in motor vehicle safety, traffic accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the United States among people under age 65. These injuries can result in either partial (incomplete) or full (complete) paralysis, which can have life-altering effects.

If you or a loved one was paralyzed in a North Carolina car accident that someone else caused, you deserve to be compensated for the expensive medical bills, lost and diminished income, and physical and emotional repercussions of a severe injury that wasn’t your fault. The attorneys at Ward Black Law want to advocate for you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact our skilled legal team today for a free, no-obligation case review with a car accident paralysis lawyer.

Causes of Paralysis from Car Accidents

Paralysis occurs when an injury to the spine blocks nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the body. The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS) and control the body’s ability to move.

The three most common causes of paralysis from car accidents are:

• Spinal cord injuries – The forces exerted in a car accident can cause injuries to the spinal cord. These injuries include herniated discs or vertebrae fragments entering the spinal canal or spinal cord, fractured vertebrae, compression fractures in vertebrae (hairline cracks that can grow over time), and the severing of the spinal cord. If nerve signals from the brain cannot travel through the spinal cord and reach other parts of the body, the result is paralysis, which can be either incomplete or complete. The former is usually caused by a spinal cord injury in the lower back, while the latter is caused by spinal cord injuries in the upper back.
• Neck injuries – The area where the spinal cord meets the brain is a vulnerable point in the central nervous system. If the bones of the neck are injured or severed, nerve signals may not be able to reach the spinal cord from the brain, resulting in paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries – A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external object or force damages the brain and impacts its ability to function correctly. Because the brain is responsible for controlling all our bodily functions, a brain injury can result in paralysis. In a car accident, the force of the collision and the sudden change in momentum is often enough to cause a traumatic brain injury. A crash victim might also suffer a traumatic brain injury if they hit their head on something in the car or if a flying object penetrates their skull.

Beyond these injuries, nerve damage in a particular part of the body can result in loss of movement and function. While paralysis is typically permanent, there are certain uncommon cases where the effects are temporary. Only a doctor can diagnose your injuries and determine your prognosis.

Car Crash Injuries Resulting in Paralysis

Several injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis after a car accident. These injuries include:

• Monoplegia – Localized nerve damage can lead to paralysis that affects a single limb, like an arm or leg. While these injuries are less severe than other types of paralysis, they can still make it challenging to work and perform many everyday tasks.
• Hemiplegia – Two different sides of the brain control the two sides of the body. A traumatic brain injury that affects one side of the brain can lead to paralysis on one side of the body.
• Diplegia – A severe brain or spinal cord injury can cause lost sensation and motor control in the arms or legs, though the rest of your body may be unaffected.
• Paraplegia – If you suffer a major spinal cord injury in the lower part of your back, you might become fully paralyzed from the waist down. People with paraplegia often lose the ability to walk and control certain bodily functions, which can seriously affect their quality of life.
• Quadriplegia – A particularly catastrophic car accident could leave a crash victim paralyzed from the neck down. Quadriplegia injuries are usually the result of a massive brain injury or the severing of the spinal cord at some point in the upper back.

What Are the Odds of Being Paralyzed in a Car Accident?

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), of the more than 34,000 people in its database who have suffered spinal cord injuries, approximately 32 percent were injured in auto accidents. That is the most prevalent cause of spinal cord injuries among participants in the NSCISC’s database, followed by falls at approximately 23 percent.

Who Is Responsible for Paralysis from Car Accidents in Greensboro?

If you were paralyzed in a car accident that was not your fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries from the at-fault driver and their insurance coverage. In a lawsuit, you must prove that the driver failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can gather evidence to build a strong case in your favor.

Some types of evidence that could be used in a car accident lawsuit include:

Compensation You Could Get If You Are Paralyzed After a Car Accident in Greensboro

The costs of being paralyzed in a car accident can be prohibitive and affect all areas of your life. By working with an experienced car accident attorney, you can seek compensation for:

• Medical bills, including the cost of future care you may need
• Lost wages and reduced future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Renovating your home to accommodate your disabilities