What Are the Four Types of Paralysis?

The four types of paralysis are:

• Monoplegia
• Tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia)
• Paraplegia
• Hemiplegia

If you suffer from paralysis due to an accident, you may be entitled to recover your related damages. A personal injury lawyer can go over your options with you and pursue compensation on your behalf.

A Deeper Look Into What Paralysis Is

Paralysis is the loss of voluntary muscle function and feeling. It can occur due to illness or damage to certain areas of your nervous system. The severity of this condition can be classified into two categories: complete and incomplete.

According to Cleveland Clinic:

• Complete paralysis: It occurs when you lose all sensory and motor control below the affected area.
• Incomplete paralysis: It occurs when you lose only some of your sensory and motor control below the affected area.

Both types can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause and severity. If a person does regain some ability in an affected limb, it’s considered incomplete partial.

Distinguishing the Four Types of Paralysis

The four types of paralysis are caused by various conditions and injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), strokes, and spinal cord injuries.

1. Monoplegia: Only one area of the body, typically just one limb, is paralyzed.
2. Tetraplegia (or quadriplegia): It results in partial or complete loss of control below the neck.
3. Paraplegia: It’s a condition that results in partial or complete loss of control below the waist.
4. Hemiplegia: It’s paralysis that affects one side of the body – generally the arm and leg. Hemiplegia can be total or partial, depending on how much the body is affected by paralysis.

The Types of Damages You Could Recover in Your Paralysis Claim or Lawsuit

If you were involved in a car accident and suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. Recovery of damages depends on the severity of your injuries, your prognosis, your ability to work, and your financial status.

Your lawyer will help you assess these factors, but here are some common damages you can pursue in an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Past and Anticipated Medical Expenses

Your medical bills may be the first things you need to pay off after accident, but you don’t have to come up with these costs on your own.

Many paralysis victims qualify to recover the expenses for:

• Imaging scans and other lab tests
• Emergency care
• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Assistive equipment, such as a wheelchair
• Ongoing appointments
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries

Pain and Suffering

In addition to the cost of your medical treatment, you can recover compensation for pain and suffering in a paralysis lawsuit. Pain and suffering is meant to account for your reduced quality of life since your injury occurred.

Property Damage Expenses If Your Vehicle Needs Repair or Replacement

If you were in a traffic accident, you could recover the costs of your vehicle repairs. In the event your car was totaled, you may be eligible for compensation to replace your car.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If you’re unable to work because of your paralysis injuries, you may be entitled to collect compensation for lost wages, including:

• Promotions
• Tips
• Hourly pay
• Commissions
• Salary
• Bonuses
• Vacation days
• Business opportunities

If your paralysis is keeping you from working long term, you could recover the wages you would have made.

How an Injury Lawyer Can Help With Your Paralysis Case

While you’re in treatment for paralysis, you should focus on that – not a personal injury case. So, you may want to hire a lawyer to take care of all case-related factors for you.

They can:

• Collect evidence
• Consult your doctors to better understand your condition
• Review relevant medical documentation
• Identify who is liable for your losses
• File your insurance claim or injury lawsuit
• Manage emails and phone calls between you and other parties
• Request a settlement from the insurer and negotiate until they find common ground
• Litigate your case if they cannot come to a settlement

Your lawyer will always be standing by to answer your questions and address your concerns, so don’t be afraid to reach out to them at any time during your case.

Contact George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers for Legal Assistance Today

If you suffer from any of the four types of paralysis because of an accident, you may be entitled to collect compensation for your related losses.

Get in touch with George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers at (843) 779-1777 today for help with assessing your case, finding the best possible doctors, and recovering damages in your paralysis lawsuit. Our team will offer you a free consultation, and we won’t ask for any upfront or out-of-pocket fees*.