Few injuries are as life-altering as paralysis. A truck accident can cause the kind of catastrophic damage to the spinal cord or brain that leaves a victim unable to move parts of their body, sometimes permanently. The physical, emotional, and financial toll is enormous, often extending to the victim’s family as well.
Tennessee law allows truck accident victims who suffer paralysis to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. If you or a loved one are dealing with this kind of injury, learning about your legal rights is an important first step. Read on for more information about how Nashville truck accident claims work.
Types of Paralysis Caused by Truck Accidents
The type of paralysis a victim experiences depends on where the damage to the spinal cord or brain occurs. The most common forms include:
- Monoplegia, which affects one limb
- Paraplegia, which affects both legs and sometimes the lower trunk
- Hemiplegia, which affects one side of the body
- Quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and typically the torso as well
Quadriplegia is the most severe and often results from damage to the upper portion of the spinal cord. Victims may lose not only the ability to move but also control over basic bodily functions. Many require around-the-clock care for the rest of their lives.
However, less severe forms of paralysis can still fundamentally change a person’s day-to-day reality. Paraplegia, for example, often means relying on a wheelchair permanently and making significant modifications to your home and vehicle just to maintain basic independence.
What Are My Legal Options After a Paralysis Injury?
If your paralysis was caused by someone else’s actions, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to recover compensation. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system, which means you can still pursue a claim as long as your share of fault for the accident is less than 50%.
The compensation available in these cases typically reflects the severity of the injury. Victims can recover economic damages, like medical expenses and lost wages, in addition to non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. Punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases too.
Keep in mind that you generally have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee. Missing that deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely, which is why speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later is so important. An experienced lawyer can also help identify every liable party in your case, which could increase the amount you ultimately recover substantially.
Contact Woodard Injury Law After a Truck Accident in Tennessee
Paralysis affects every part of a person’s life, and the costs that come with it can be immense. Woodard Injury Law can help you pursue the full value of your claim so that you have the resources you need going forward.
Call (615) 314-4626 today for a free consultation to learn more about your next steps and what we can do to help.