Omaha Paralysis Attorneys
Paralysis is a catastrophic and life-altering condition that completely alters the way a person lives their life. It is defined as an impairment of voluntary muscle function caused by injury or disease of the brain, nerves, or spinal cord. According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the leading causes of paralysis and occurs when the nerves within the spinal canal become damaged or severed. Most SCIs are caused by external trauma to the spinal column. Unfortunately, once the spinal cord nerves are damaged, they can’t regenerate, and lost functions are lost forever.
Causes of Paralysis
According to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the leading causes of paralysis include:
- Stroke (29%);
- Spinal Cord Injury (23%);
- Multiple Sclerosis (17%);
- Other (9%);
- Cerebral Palsy (7%);
- Post-Polio Syndrome (5%);
- Neurofibromatosis (4%);
- Traumatic Brain Injury (4%); and
- Unspecified Birth Defect (2%).
Though some of these causes relate to a specific illness or disease, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and even stroke (though rarely) are caused by external trauma. External forces that can lead to an injury that causes paralysis include:
- Motor-Vehicle Accidents;
- Workplace Accidents;
- Falls;
- Violence;
- Birth Defects;
- Natural Disasters;
- Train Accidents;
- Plane Accidents;
- Birth Injuries; and
- Medical Malpractice and/or Negligence.
Paralysis Statistics
According to a research study by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, there are approximately 1 in 50 people living with paralysis in the U.S. This amounts to approximately 6 million people, the same number as the combined populations of Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.
According to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, there are approximately 1 in 50 people living with paralysis in the U.S.
Living with Paralysis
Paralysis is a devastating condition that can turn the lives of the victim and their family upside down. After a paralyzing injury, victims need extensive medical treatment, physical therapy and other care. They will likely need to use a wheelchair or other assistive devices. Furthermore, they may have to change jobs or not be able to work altogether. Paralysis comes with severe physical, emotional and financial hardships that are difficult to face. An experienced personal injury attorney in Omaha can help relieve some of this burden.
If you or a loved one has become paralyzed as the result of the negligent or wrongful acts of another in Nebraska, the dedicated Omaha catastrophic injury lawyers of Cullan & Cullan can help. Being both lawyers and physicians, we have a critical understanding of the effects paralysis has on the body and on daily life. In our many years of experience, we have the knowledge and resources to pursue just compensation for your losses. Call us today to learn more about your legal options at (402) 397-7600.
