Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, is characterized by paralysis and loss of ability to control movement in all four limbs and the torso. The condition is usually the result of suffering trauma to the spinal cord that damages the nerves responsible for controlling movement and sensation.
Quadriplegic injuries can have a profound effect on your independence. Civil laws allow you to pursue damages from the liable party if you sustained severe bodily harm because of someone else’s thoughtless actions. One of our qualified catastrophic injury attorneys could guide you through the process and work to get you the best possible result. Schedule a meeting with a qualified Burbank quadriplegia injury lawyer to ask questions and review your case.
Symptoms of Quadriplegia
Quadriplegia injuries do not cause total paralysis of the individual limbs and torso in all cases, but they experience symptoms including:
- Muscle spasms and chronic pain
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Numbness in the affected body parts
- Tingling and loss of feeling and sensation
- Difficulty handling daily tasks and personal grooming
- Breathing issues and, sometimes, the inability to breathe without assistance
After suffering quadriplegia injuries, the individual typically needs a wheelchair and other assistive devices to help them navigate daily life. Quadriplegia injuries require specialized and ongoing medical care and support. While the aftermath of the accident presents many challenges, with family and financial support, many adapt and live full lives, even when different than before. An attorney in Burbank could help someone suffering from a quadriplegia injury obtain even more financial support through pursuing damages.
Possible Damages
The monetary damages available to victims after sustaining catastrophic injuries depend on the case circumstances, and some examples include:
- Unjust hardship
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of companionship
- Psychological and emotional distress
- Cost of medical services, treatment, and ongoing follow-up and healthcare
- Physical and occupational therapy, medical equipment and devices, and prescriptions
- Lost pay, earning potential, and training to obtain a job in a different field if necessary
When determining the proper settlement amount, the court will review the details, including the evidence of liability and the effect the quadriplegia injury will continue to have on the party throughout their life. After reviewing the case, a Burbank lawyer could answer specific questions about the potential settlement.
Calculating Compensation Under the Pure Comparative Fault Rule
In personal injury lawsuits, the defendant commonly argues that the plaintiff or other third parties share fault for the accident. The guidelines of California Civil Code § 1431.2 instruct that the court does not bar recovery of damages for sharing part of the liability. Even if the jury finds that the plaintiff is 70 percent responsible, they can still collect 30 percent of the damages from the defendant.
Instead of restricting settlements, they diminish damages by the percentage of fault another party holds. When the court finds another third party financially accountable, the claimant may pursue action against that person if they wish to collect payment for that amount. An attorney in Burbank could answer questions about the civil statutes and help calculate estimated damages for the quadriplegia injury under the pure comparative fault rule.
Schedule a Consultation with a Seasoned Quadriplegia Injury Attorney in Burbank
You have every right to seek payment for damages if you sustained quadriplegia injuries because of someone else’s negligence. The injuries are often catastrophic and have devastating effects on your life.
You should not have to cover the costs of someone else’s reckless actions. A hard-working and experienced Burbank quadriplegia injury lawyer could take the legal work off your hands and advocate for the best potential in your case. Call today to learn more and schedule a consultation at the most convenient date and time.