Being involved in an accident that renders you paralyzed can have a significant impact on the rest of your life. While the specific ways in which your life may change after becoming paralyzed will depend on the extent and nature of your paralysis, in general, anyone who suffers an injury that leaves them paralyzed should expect to make practical, emotional, physical, and mental adjustments to how they live every single day. Examples of changes that one might have to adapt to as a result being paralyzed include (but are not limited to) the following:
Mental & Emotional Health Struggles
Regardless of the exact manner in which one’s life changes after paralysis, adjusting to these new circumstances can take a major toll on someone’s mental health. A person who has become paralyzed may no longer be able to care for themselves, engage in activities they once found enjoyable, and more. It is easy to imagine why this can cause someone to become severely depressed.
Lack of Intimacy
It’s important to understand that overcoming the challenges one may face after being in an accident that causes paralysis is possible. Many who become paralyzed go on to lead extremely fulfilling lives and are able to have intimate relationships with their partners. However, the nature of their lives and relationships may have to change.
For example, it’s not uncommon for those struggling with paralysis to experience sexual dysfunction. Although they can adjust how they express physical intimacy, learning to do so may be a struggle initially. Adapting to these changes will naturally take a toll on one’s romantic relationships.
Inability to Play the Same Roles as Before
Someone who has been left paralyzed after an accident likely won’t be able to assume the same roles and responsibilities that they once did before their injury. For instance, a parent who used to serve as their children’s primary caretaker may be left unable to even fully care for themselves after becoming paralyzed, let alone their kids. Making such adjustments often interferes with a victim’s sense of identity.
Financial Struggles
The medical bills one may incur in the immediate aftermath of their accident are typically not representative of the full financial consequences of becoming paralyzed. Often, those with paralysis require ongoing treatment. They may also be prone to developing health conditions that will require additional costly medical care. They might need to hire someone to simply help them go about their day-to-day lives as well.
Becoming paralyzed is, unfortunately, very expensive in most cases. Victims of accidents resulting in paralysis should seek any compensation they can recover to offset the financial difficulties they may be burdened with.
If you’ve been injured in an accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, and you’ve sustained injuries that have left you paralyzed, you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills and other such losses. Our team of Honolulu paralysis attorneys at Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli & Pratt are prepared to offer the representation you need to maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation when you file a claim or lawsuit. Contact us online or call us at 808-736-5035 for more information.