Paralysis After Injury Atlanta

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), there were an estimated 5.4 million Americans living with paralysis in 2013, and the second leading cause, roughly 27.3%, of paralysis in the U.S. at that time was due to spinal cord injuries. According to the University of Alabama’s National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, about 12,000 people suffer from spinal cord injuries each year.

This means that every year thousands of people have their lives changed forever due to paralysis. Simple activities such as going for a walk or mowing the lawn are no longer possible, and the process of adapting to a completely new way of life is a challenge that requires time and moral support.

Accidents that Can Lead to Paralysis

There are many types of accidents that can cause an injury that leaves you paralyzed, two of which are car accidents and slip and fall accidents. In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there were 6,296,000 police-reported car crashes nationwide that resulted in an estimated 2,443,000 injuries. In Georgia specifically, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has indicated that 385,221 car accidents occured in our state that resulted in 19,405 accidents with people sustaining serious injuries.

Although these statistics include a host of different injuries, car accidents are currently the number one cause of spinal cord injuries in the U.S. However, car accidents aren’t the only type of accident that can result in you ro your family member sustaining a paralyzing injury. The Center for Disease Control has estimated that over 29 million Americans ages 65 or older experienced a fall in 2014, and over 800,000 of these falls resulted in the individuals being hospitalized. The trauma of a fall can cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or nerve impingement all of which can cause paralysis.

Injuries that Result in Paralysis

The majority of the injuries that result in paralysis involve damage to the spinal cord. Your spinal cord is the conduit that allows your brain to control the rest of your body. When your spinal cord becomes damaged, your brain cannot communicate with certain body parts, which in turn causes an inability move or feel one or more of your limbs. The reverse is true as well. An accident can damage your brain which in turn hinders its ability to facilitate the movement of your appendages such as your arms, legs, hands etc. A list of injuries that typically lead to paralysis are listed below:

  • Vertebral Fractures
  • Severe Cases of Herniated Discs
  • Spinal Lesions
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries

Types of Paralysis

Paralysis can be permanent or temporary depending on the type of injuries you sustained, and there are different types of paralysis. Paraplegia is paralysis of the lower half of your body, including your legs, and quadriplegia is paralysis of both of your arms and legs. Moreover, paralysis can affect only one part of your body. Monoplegia is paralysis that effects only one arm or leg, and hemiplegia is paralysis of one arm and one leg on one side of your body. The type of injury you sustained and the type of paralysis you have are two key factors that your doctor will consider when determining how your injuries should be treated.

Treatment Options for Paralysis

The appropriate course of treatment for paralysis is dictated by a number of different factors including the type of injury you sustained, the type of paralysis that you are experiencing, your age, etc. These factors will dictate which method of care is appropriate in your unique scenario. For example, if your paralysis was caused by a compression of your spinal cord due to a vertebral fracture or a severe herniated disc, your doctor might initially recommend surgical intervention to relieve the pressure, but paralysis caused by a traumatic brain injury would be approached much differently. As such, the appropriate course of treatment for your injuries should be discussed thoroughly with your doctors.

Paralysis Injuries in Atlanta, GA

An accident that results in injuries that have caused paralysis can be devastating, and the road to recovery can take a toll on all aspects of your life and the lives of your family members. The attorneys at Cambre and Associates have dedicated their careers to helping accident victims seek the compensation they deserve for their injuries and the medical care needed to make the best recovery possible. So call our office today for a free consultation and take the first step in getting the legal help you need.

 

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