Paralysis can be partial or permanent; in both cases, you can lose movement of one or more extremities. You can lose sensation and movement. Your chance of returning to work ever again may be slim.
At the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we know that paralysis of any kind can impact your:
- Ability to remain independent
- Career
- Family life
- Hobbies and passions
You may lose the function of an arm or need to use a wheelchair because you can no longer voluntarily move your limbs. Surgeries, extended periods in the hospital, and your inability to work – even temporarily – are all life-changing.
We have extensive experience fighting for our clients and filing paralysis workers’ compensation claims, which most workers are entitled to in Georgia.
Schedule a call with us to learn how we can help you with your workers’ comp claim.
Case Illustration of Paralysis Due to a Workplace Injury
Adam is working at a warehouse in Atlanta. He has a wife and child at home, and while working in the warehouse one day, a forklift operator backed into a large box filled with industrial parts and equipment.
Unfortunately, the tall box hit Adam, who immediately fell to the floor as the box pinned his arm to the ground.
He suffers from a brachial plexus injury in his arm, causing extreme weakness in his arm and an inability to move his hand. The pain is intense, and he will file a workers’ compensation claim to help pay for medical bills and provide income benefits, too.
Thankfully, the incident is well-documented and there’s little risk of arguing that the injuries are not related to the accident.
Types of Paralysis Injuries that Employees Suffer at Work
Paralysis can come in many forms, and while many people relate it to being unable to walk, paralysis can be:
- Diplegia: A form of paralysis that impacts a certain body part on both sides of the body. For example, losing the ability to move either ankle.
- Hemiplegia: When paralysis only affects a single side of your body, it is considered hemiplegia.
- Monoplegia: The paralysis of a single limb. For example, losing the function of your left arm or of your right hand.
- Paraplegia: A form of paralysis that impacts your trunk (core and back) and your legs.
- Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs and your trunk.
All forms of paralysis are serious, but some are obviously more severe than others. A person who is classified as suffering from paraplegia or quadriplegia may also lose the function of some organs, depending on the type of injury.
You may suffer from paralysis now, but with occupational and physical therapy, you may be able to regain the function of your limb or limbs.
Work-related injuries that result in any form of paralysis are among the most severe that we see in our office. You may have a chance to recover, but you are facing an uphill battle with no guarantee that you’ll regain the function of your limb(s).
You must protect your best interests and file for workers’ compensation benefits that can help pay for the extensive therapy, doctor visits and potential surgeries that you may need to recover.
Sometimes, an injury may not result in paralysis 99 out of 100 times, but in your case, it did. Even a slip and fall that looks minor can lead to paralysis if you hit your head the right way or you injure your spinal cord.
Workplace Accidents that Can Cause Paralysis
Many types of workplace accidents can cause catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, including:
- Slips and falls
- Being struck by an object, machinery, collapsing structure or other hazard
- A work-related motor vehicle accident
- Falls from great heights
- Lifting heavy objects without the proper technique or equipment
- Being pinned or crushed on the job (common in construction, factory or transportation occupations)
Any accident that causes a spinal cord injury can result in paralysis. Often, those suffering these injuries will require:
- Extensive and ongoing medical care
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Surgery
- Medication
- Experimental treatments
- Mental health services
Workers’ compensation can help cover the cost of these vital services that you will need to recover.
What Happens if I am Unable to Return to Work Because of My Injury?
Depending on the severity of the injury, paralysis may be total and permanent.
In Georgia, paralysis and other spinal cord injuries may qualify for permanent total disability, or PTD.
PTD benefits will continue for the rest of your life, or until the injury improves. To qualify for PTD, you will need to prove that your condition qualifies as a catastrophic injury under the law.
The more severe the workplace injury, the more complex the workers’ comp claim becomes. If paralysis leaves you unable to return to the workplace, it is crucial to work with an experienced workers’ comp attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking PTD benefits.
If your case does not have a catastrophic determination, your benefits may stop after 400 weeks. Our skilled attorneys can help build your case to prove that your injuries are catastrophic so you can continue to receive the benefits you need.
Why You Need an Experienced Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Your Corner
Paralysis is a catastrophic, life-changing injury that may leave you unable to return to work. Workers’ compensation can provide vital benefits to ensure you get the care and rehabilitation you need to recover.
Unfortunately, some workers never recover and will require ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives.
When faced with a serious workplace injury such as paralysis, it is crucial to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to navigate the claim process.
The insurance company may try to deny your claim and protect their bottom line. You need an attorney who won’t back down from insurance companies and will fight to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.
At the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we represent injured workers across Georgia, including those who have suffered paralysis and catastrophic injuries.
Contact us today or give us a call to schedule a consultation and discuss your workplace injury.
