Paraplegia could permanently change your mobility, independence, and ability to work. When another party causes spinal cord trauma, a Memphis paraplegia injury lawyer could investigate fault and pursue compensation tied to the full scope of the injury.
At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, our paralysis injury attorneys could protect your claim from early pressure by an insurer and develop evidence around both the cause of the injury and the long-term support you will need.
How Does an Accident Cause Paraplegia?
Paraplegia often results from damage to the lower part of the spinal cord. A severe impact can fracture the vertebrae or compress the cord. The trauma may interrupt nerve signals that control movement and sensation below the injury site.
The effects depend on where the damage occurred and whether the injury is complete. A complete spinal cord injury may eliminate movement and sensation below the affected area. An incomplete injury may leave some function, but the person can still face major limitations.
A Memphis attorney for paraplegia injuries must connect the spinal cord damage to a specific act of negligence. Car crashes are a common cause because the body can be thrown forward on impact. Motorcycle collisions and truck accidents can create even greater force. Falls may also result in permanent lower-body paralysis.
We review the available evidence, including scene photographs and video footage, to determine how the event occurred. Vehicle damage or unsafe property conditions may also be important.
The Long-Term Cost of Lower Body Paralysis
The financial impact of paraplegia extends beyond the initial hospital stay. Many people require rehabilitation before returning home. Ongoing therapy may also be necessary to preserve strength and reduce further complications.
Assistive Equipment
Mobility equipment creates continuing expenses. Your wheelchair may need repairs and later replacement. You may also require transfer aids for safe movement between a bed and chair, and your home may need structural changes so you can use essential spaces.
A paraplegia injury attorney in Memphis could work with medical professionals to estimate your future needs. A life-care planner can project long-term costs, helping insurers or juries understand the full scope of future expenses.
Reduced Earning Capacity
Paraplegia could also reduce earning capacity. Those in physical jobs may be unable to return, and even office work might be difficult when pain or treatment disrupts schedules. Vocational evidence may show the impact on your future employment.
Claims may also include non-economic damages. Pain may persist despite limited movement, and loss of independence can cause significant emotional distress. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-39-102, state law treats spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia as catastrophic for non-economic damage limits.
Protecting the Value of a Paraplegia Claim
An insurer may focus on current bills while giving less attention to future care. It may question whether home modifications are necessary and dispute the need for personal assistance or replacement equipment.
A Memphis paraplegia lawyer could respond with evidence that explains the long-term impact of your injury. We could review available insurance coverage and identify every party that may share responsibility. We could also gather medical and financial documentation before settlement discussions begin.
Timing is critical under state law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104), which generally requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within one year after the claim accrues. The exact deadline can depend on the facts. Acting promptly also helps preserve evidence before it is lost.
Contact a Memphis Paraplegia Injury Attorney Today
Your paraplegia claim should reflect both the immediate disruption and the long-term consequences of the injury. At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, we prepare these cases with a focus on ongoing care and financial stability.
Contact us today for a case review with a Memphis paraplegia injury lawyer and learn how we could pursue compensation for the lasting impact of your injury.