Life between the ages of 40 and 60 generally includes a sense of stability, independence, and high mobility. When an unexpected accident results in the paralysis of your limb, that independence and mobility stalls. Whether it is your dominant arm or the leg you rely on to drive to work, the loss of function in one limb creates physical, emotional, and financial challenges you could never have anticipated.
At Kaveny Sarmas Injury Lawyers, our female-led firm has experience handling personal injury cases for serious monoplegia injuries in Chicago. Our knowledgeable spinal cord injury attorneys will help you take control of resources that can guide your future.
Common Causes of Monoplegia Injuries
Monoplegia is often misunderstood by insurance adjusters as a limited form of paralysis because it only affects one area. However, the reality of this diagnosis means damage to the central nervous system or specific peripheral nerves.
Common causes of monoplegia include traumatic brain injuries that result from an impact to the motor cortex and spinal cord injuries from damage to specific nerve roots that control a limb. In addition, medical malpractice from surgical errors or untreated infections that lead to nerve death can also be causes for this type of injury.
As you age, your body takes longer to adapt to assistive devices, and your healthy limbs are at a heightened risk of overuse injuries as they overcompensate for the paralyzed one. Talking to one of our qualified personal injury attorneys about your monoplegia injury in Chicago can help you create a plan of care that includes steps toward your physical recovery and an award of financial compensation.
What Damages Are Recoverable for Monoplegia Injuries?
When a personal injury claim in Chicago against the negligent party who caused your monoplegia injury is successful, recoverable damages include economic and non-economic damages, according to Chapter 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/2-115.2. For a catastrophic injury like monoplegia, economic damages can include:
- Past and future medical expenses for surgeries and other hospital stays
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Specialized neurological treatments and equipment, including prosthesis
- Lost earnings and diminished earning capacity
- Home and vehicle modifications
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and disfigurement, compensate you for the physical pain and sensory changes of your accident. Monoplegia injuries may also require high costs, including occupational therapy to relearn daily tasks with the use of one hand or leg. In these cases, the state also awards loss of normal life damages to compensate you for the inability to engage in the activities you once enjoyed, according to Illinois Pattern Civil Jury Instruction No. 30.04.
Why Hesitating To Take Legal Action Fails
Many people in this age range pride themselves on being independent. You might consider starting therapy before you call a lawyer, but this is a mistake.
According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations in this state is only two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit, or you receive no compensation after this deadline. The hidden costs of paying for the bills related to your monoplegia injury can also affect you for a lifetime.
Do not let the passage of time prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. One of our dedicated personal injury lawyers is here to help you with your Chicago monoplegia injury.
Call a Chicago Monoplegia Injuries Lawyer Today to Reclaim Your Life
Monoplegia injuries in Chicago can change people’s lives. If this happened to you, you can rely on a professional for help, especially after spending years being the person everyone else relies on. Monoplegia might have taken the use of one of your limbs, but it does not have to take your financial security or your peace of mind.
By seeking legal counsel, you are taking an active step toward justice. You are ensuring that the person or corporation responsible for your injury is held accountable. More importantly, you are securing the resources necessary to live a full, dignified life despite the physical changes you are facing. Call Kaveny Sarmas today for your free consultation.