Weld County Paralysis Injury Lawyer
Paralysis could be defined as the partial or complete loss of muscle function in a localized or generalized area. When victims sustain a paralysis injury, not only would they incur expensive medical care and treatment, but they would also have their lives significantly altered. A victim’s daily routine could dramatically change, potentially affecting their overall mental wellbeing.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury which rendered you temporarily or permanently paralyzed, you may be able to obtain compensation for your damages with the help of a trusted injury attorney. To get started on your claim, get in touch with a Weld County paralysis injury lawyer today.
Causes and Effects of Paralysis
Injuries and conditions that cause paralysis could manifest at birth, or result from an accident or medical condition. Strokes are one of the top leading conditions that cause paralysis in the United States. Injuries to the spine and brain, as well as medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and birth defects, are also causes of paralysis.
The severity and location of injuries could dictate potential recovery for paralysis victims in Weld County. There are two main types of paralysis, localized and generalized. Localized paralysis only affects one part of the body, such as paralysis of the face. Generalized paralysis affects multiple body parts. Types of generalized paralysis might include quadriplegia, paraplegia, hemiplegia, or monoplegia.
Recoverable Damages in a Paralysis Injury Case
Plaintiffs seeking compensation for their paralysis injuries in Weld County could pursue economic, non-economic, and punitive damages in court. Economic damages could include past and future earnings, ongoing care and rehabilitation, and past medical bills. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are common examples of non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be sought by an injured plaintiff and may only be awarded if the jury found that the defendant’s actions are more than negligent, they are fraudulent, willful, or malicious.
Statute of Limitations of Weld County Injury Case
A plaintiff suffering from paralysis injuries has a specific time limit or statute of limitations that they must file their lawsuit within, or they could likely be barred bringing their case in court. Under Colorado Revised Statute §13-80-102(1)(a)), plaintiffs must file their personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident, unless their injuries were caused by a car accident, in which case they have three years from the date of the accident. In order to avoid missing the filing deadline, it is recommended to contact a Weld County paralysis injury lawyer promptly following an accident.
Modified Comparative Fault
Twelve states, including Colorado, follow a modified comparative fault standard, also known as the “50 percent bar rule.” Under this standard, codified in Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-111, if the plaintiff is determined to be 50 percent or more at fault, they are barred from recovering compensation. If they are found less than 50 percent at fault, they could recover; however, their recovery would be reduced by the percentage of fault they contributed to causing the accident.
How a Weld County Paralysis Attorney Could Help
If paralysis injuries resulted from an accident, it could be possible that they were the result of negligence. Paralysis injury victims may be able to file an insurance claim to recover compensation. They could also pursue litigation against the negligent defendant that caused their injuries.
If you wish to pursue compensation for damages, a Weld County paralysis injury lawyer might be able to assess your potential options and help instruct you on how to move forward. Call now and get started on your case today.