Boston Paralysis Lawyers
Paralysis, by definition, is the total loss of muscular use of any part or parts of the body.
It is due to disease or injury to one or more nerves, the spinal cord or the brain, preventing normal signals between the brain and the affected muscle(s). Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, polio, stroke, spina bifida, birth injury, brain injury and spinal cord injury are all potential causes of paralysis.
Paralysis can affect anyone from the newly born to the aged. Victims of paralysis might be athletes, drivers and passengers in cars, construction workers, soldiers or innocent bystanders who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Accidents at work, school or on vacation can happen. Violent weather or acts of human violence also put people at risk of injury resulting in paralysis.
The report titled One Degree of Separation: Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injury states that, “One in 50 Americans, or 5.6 million people, live with some form of paralysis.” These numbers speak to the need for services and improved access for people with paralysis as well as reduced barriers to achieving a full life.
There are limited treatments for paralysis, such as physical therapy, electrical stimulation and sometimes surgery to transplant nerves and muscles to an affected area. Even if there is no positive prognosis for improvement or restoration of nerve and muscular function, certain kinds of physical therapy serve the purpose of keeping the limbs flexible and loose while building and maintaining muscle as opposed to neglect, which will allow the muscle to atrophy, or waste away. This type of therapy can also be very helpful in terms of the patient’s self-esteem.
The onset of paralysis in older children, teens and adults adds an emotional aspect to the condition. These victims lose not only the use of parts of the body but the ability to participate in activities that provide income and recreation. There can also be a great deal of stress due to unexpected financial costs to the family for medical treatment and personal care.
If you or a member of your family lives with paralysis and it was caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of someone else, you can pursue a lawsuit against the responsible party. Advice from the Boston paralysis attorneys at the Kiley Law Group can help you assess the circumstances of your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
