Westbury Paralysis Injury Lawyer
Millions of paralysis victims and their families endure challenges that can permanently impact their daily lives. If you suffered an injury that left you paralyzed, you should consider your options for legal recovery. However, pursuing a claim without a local catastrophic injury attorney can leave you at a disadvantage against complicated legal obstacles. An experienced Westbury paralysis injury lawyer could review your case and help you determine what options you and your family may have.
Types of Immobilizing Conditions
Paralysis can come in many forms and affect different parts of the body in varying levels of severity, depending on the accident which caused it. Some common types of paralysis include:
- Paraplegia – immobilization of both legs
- Diplegia – paralysis in both arms, legs, or face
- Hemiplegia – immobility of one side of the body
- Monoplegia – paralysis in one arm or leg
- Quadriplegia – immobilization of both arms and legs
- Locked-in-syndrome – paralysis in all muscles except the eyes
Any of these forms of paralysis can affect a person temporarily or permanently. A person who becomes immobilized may also experience partial or complete paralysis. Partial paralysis affords the victim some feeling or control over their affected muscles. On the other hand, complete paralysis leaves no feeling or ability to control the affected areas. A Westbury attorney could review a victim’s case and determine how their type of paralysis injury may influence civil litigation.
No-Fault Insurance in Paralysis Injury Cases
New York courts adhere to a no-fault system when determining whether motor vehicle insurance would cover the costs of someone’s injury. A person who is left paralyzed after a car crash may only seek coverage under their own insurance up to their policy limits, according to the no-fault system.
If an injured party wants to seek additional damages, they may only file a personal injury lawsuit if they meet the state’s threshold requirements outlined in New York Insurance Law § 5102(d). This legal threshold requires a plaintiff to incur over $50,000 in monetary losses before they can file a civil claim. Some of the most common serious injuries related to paralysis include:
- Permanent loss or limitation of a bodily function, organ, or system
- Significantly limited use of a body function or system
- Inability to participate in activities for at least 90 days within the first 180 days after sustaining the injury
If a plaintiff’s injuries qualify as a serious, their recovery may still be limited. Under the state’s pure comparative fault rule, a claimant who contributes to the cause of their injuries would have their damages reduced by their assigned percentage of fault.
However, an injured party may still receive damages even if they bear a majority of fault for the accident that caused their damages. A Westbury lawyer familiar with paralysis cases could review an injured party’s case to determine their portion of liability and how it may impact their compensation.
Contact a Westbury Paralysis Injury Attorney Today
If you were paralyzed after an accident, professional legal assistance could make a difference in obtaining monetary recovery. The legal pathway to relief could be a long and difficult road for anyone without legal knowledge or training. A seasoned Westbury paralysis injury lawyer could provide guidance and support along the way and help pursue the compensation you deserve. To explore your legal options, call now and schedule a case consultation.
