A paralysis injury is a life-altering event. It can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. It’s important to take immediate and decisive action to protect your health, rights, and future. A paralysis lawyer can give you valuable guidance and help you through the legal complexities of your situation.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
It goes without saying the first step is to seek immediate medical care. Paralysis often results from serious trauma, like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or severe nerve damage. Prompt treatment will help stabilize your condition and prevent further complications.
Emergency medical professionals will evaluate your injuries, provide the necessary care, and possibly perform surgeries to address any life-threatening conditions. They’ll also create an extensive record that will serve as evidence later on.
Even if your symptoms seem minor initially, you’ll need to follow through with all tests, scans, and treatments that your doctor recommends. Ignoring or delaying care can worsen your condition and have a severely negative impact on your case.
Document Your Injuries and Gather Evidence
Make sure to document your injuries and gather all of the evidence related to the incident that caused your paralysis. This information will help you prove liability.
Start by keeping a detailed journal documenting your experience and symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury has affected your daily life. Include any emotional or psychological challenges, as these can also be a part of your claim. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and anything else that might be relevant.
If someone witnessed the accident, get their contact information and statements. Their testimony is important for corroborating your version of events. Your paralysis lawyer can help you organize all of this information and present it effectively.
Report of the Incident
You’ll want a copy of the report of the incident as evidence, but where you go to get that depends on the circumstances. For instance:
- Car Accidents and Similar Events: The responding officers will have filed the reports
- Workplace Injuries: Your employer should have filed a report with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and/or filed a workers’ compensation claim
- Accident on Another’s Property: The property owner or manager will have the information you need
These are some of the more common situations. In other cases, you may have to dig a little to figure out who has the incident report. Regardless, always make sure you have a copy. The information will serve as an official record of what happened and support your claim by providing an unbiased account.
Insurance Claims and Hospital Bills
After a paralysis injury, you’ll likely face significant medical bills and costs for ongoing treatment. Navigating insurance claims can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with such severe trauma. The situation must be approached carefully to make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Start by reviewing your relevant insurance policies — whether that’s health, auto, or worker’s compensation coverage — so you understand what is available to you. Your lawyer can talk to the insurance companies to make sure your claims are filed correctly and on time.
Be aware that insurance companies are always more concerned about their own bottom line. They like to minimize claimant injuries or downplay the seriousness of the situation. As such, they’re likely to offer a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Have an attorney review any offers before you accept them.
Build a Strong Case
To make sure you get the compensation you deserve, it’s vital that you build the most robust case possible. A catastrophic injury attorney will guide you through each step and see to it that all requirements are met and your rights are protected throughout the process.
Your lawyer will first conduct a detailed investigation into the details of your injury. They’ll also go through medical records and any other relevant documents to calculate the full extent of your damages.
In addition to proving liability, your legal counsel will work to show how your trauma has affected your life. They may present evidence of the cost of ongoing medical care, rehab, and lost wages. They’ll also highlight how much you’ve had to pay for modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Partial and Complete Paralysis?
Partial paralysis refers to the loss of some, but not all, of the muscle function in a specific part of the body. Complete paralysis means there has been a total loss of movement and sensation.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Yes. In Ohio, you can still file a claim even if the accident was partially your fault as long as the other party is more responsible. However, due to comparative negligence laws, your payout may be reduced.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Paralysis Injury Claim?
The exact timeline for completing a paralysis injury lawsuit can vary greatly and often depends on whether parties are willing to negotiate or whether the claim goes to trial. It can take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve.
What Should I Avoid Doing to Protect My Case?
Don’t make statements to insurance companies without talking to your lawyer first. You should also avoid posting about your situation on social media, as that can negatively impact your case.
Protect Your Future After a Paralysis Injury
After a paralysis injury, it’s important that you take the right steps and hire a skilled paralysis lawyer. Doing so can have a big impact on your recovery and your ability to secure the compensation you need.
At The Moore Law Firm, our award-winning team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal counsel to clients in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. If you or a loved one has suffered a paralysis injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to set up a free consultation.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one as a result of another person's negligence, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. The simple fact is that you should not be forced to pay the price for another person's careless or reckless actions.