Fort Smith Permanent Paralysis Injury Lawyer – Spinal Cord Injury
State police recently indicated that the two most dangerous sections on I-540 was the Fayetteville Interchange Area mile markers 66 through 88 and the Wagon Wheel Exit Area, mile markers 73 through 76. In 2019 the fatal accident count near Fayetteville was 10, with 15 vehicles involved in fatal crashes. There were 11 people involved in fatal collisions.
Being involved in a car accident can leave an Arkansas survivor with catastrophic injuries, such as a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paralysis. To say this is a life-altering, devastating outcome is an understatement. Survivors dealing with paralysis face daily struggles to cope and enormous medical expenses to live with.
If you have been involved in an auto accident that has left you with permanent paralysis, call us at the Jason M. Hatfield Law Office. We know what you are struggling with, how difficult it is to face each day and the deep concerns you have about who is going to pay for all of the ongoing medical expenses.
How to Spot a Spinal Cord Injury After a Fort Smith Accident
Arkansas highways can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of the motorists who use them. For instance, some of the most heavily used and dangerous highways are I-49 and I-540. These two highways have been criticized frequently. In particular, I-49 has been dubbed “a most dangerous road,” particularly near the junction of U.S. 71 around Doddridge.
If a driver of passenger is struck while driving to work, to school, or running errands, sustaining a spinal cord injury is serious. When the brain cannot send messages to one or more parts of your body due to a spinal cord injury, this is called paralysis. Injuries resulting in paralysis can happen after a significant impact on the spine causing individual vertebrae to fracture or dislocate, injuring the spinal cord nerves.
Common symptoms of spinal cord injury include the following:
- Difficulty coordinating movement;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Difficulty walking;
- Generalized numbness or loss of sensation (hands, feet, fingers);
- Inability to balance while standing;
- Muscle weakness;
- Noticeably altered neck or back position (bending or twisting);
- Paralysis, including “weakness” in a limb or part of the face;
- Pain and/or pressure anywhere in the neck or back;
- Severe back pain;
- Severe pressure in the neck and head; and
- Specific numbness.
Contrary to popular belief, survivors may not know right away if they have a spinal cord injury. Delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent damage leading to partial or complete permanent paralysis. If you have been in a serious crash, seek medical attention immediately. Do not delay. This also establishes a paper trail for any insurance claims and other legal proceedings. It is proof you took action in the aftermath of your crash.
Permanent Paralysis After a Fort Smith, Arkansas Car Accident
Once a survivor is paralyzed, they face significant changes in their life trying to cope with their permanent paralysis. It is demanding; physically and mentally. They may need ongoing assistance for everyday tasks such as eating, bathing, and dressing.
Different types of paralysis can occur after a car crash:
- Localized Paralysis – this affects only one part of the body.
- Global Paralysis – many parts of the body are affected.
- Hemiplegia – when paralysis happens on one side of the body.
- Paraplegia – when paralysis affects the lower body and both legs.
- Quadriplegia – when paralysis affects all four limbs and the body.
Special equipment may be needed, such as modifying a vehicle, using a wheelchair, and adaptations to living spaces. In-home care may also be required. The survivor and their family are faced with significant obstacles, including the possible loss of income if the survivor was the primary wage earner.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries & Treatment After Car Accidents
Time Limits After Sustaining Permanent Paralysis After a Fort Smith Accident
We have the legal experience to chase down all avenues of compensation available. There may even be insurance that you do not know about, the accident you were in involved a defective vehicle part, or someone was negligent in causing the crash.
Our Fort Smith spinal cord injury permanent paralysis attorneys are here to help you, answer all of your questions and work toward a fair and equitable settlement or court verdict. And, we do take a case to court should the insurance company decide they do not want to make a reasonable offer and prefer to try to reduce or deny a claim.
In Arkansas, there is a three-year deadline for filing most motor vehicle accident claims. Arkansas also follows the modified comparative fault rule. This means a plaintiff can recover compensation only when they are less liable/responsible than the defendant for causing the crash.
Contact the Fort Smith Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield Today
If you were involved in a Fort Smith car crash and sustained a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paralysis, call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield by calling 479-361-3575. Our dedicated team of Fort Smith spinal cord injury permanent paralysis attorneys is here to help.
Call us today for a free initial consultation and to find out what you can expect should you file a personal injury lawsuit. We know you have questions, and we can answer them for you. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is just one quick call away: 479-361-3575