Ryan Zavodnick | February 10, 2025 | Uncategorized
Hemiplegia is a condition causing paralysis on either the right or left side of the body. The condition results from damage to or abnormalities with the brian or spinal cord–the two components of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Sometimes, the condition develops from an illness or other uncontrollable medical event like a stroke. Other times, it is the result of a preventable accident or medical error. In these cases, victims may have grounds to seek justice through a personal injury claim.
Symptoms of Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia can be a temporary or permanent condition, depending on the initial cause.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Hemiplegia is paralysis on either side of the body. For example, if it affects the right side of your body, you may not be able to control or use the muscles in the right side of your face, right arm, and right leg, though paralysis may not affect all of those areas. You may also experience “spastic hemiplegia,” which causes uncontrollable muscle contractions or spasms.
Signs to look for include:
- Stiffness, spasticity, or paralysis on one side of the body
- Diminished fine motor skills
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Leaning toward the paralyzed side of the body
Hemiplegia refers to a “severe or complete loss of strength” on the affected side and warrants prompt medical care. It can indicate a person has suffered a stroke.
Causes of Hemiplegia
External and often preventable events can cause hemiplegia due to traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.
Some of the more common external events are:
- Motor-vehicle accidents: Statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) Crash Facts show Philadelphia County, PA, saw 8,549 motor-vehicle crashes over a recent year. Of that total, 5,526 caused significant injury.
- Pedestrian accidents: DOT data also reports 3,199 pedestrian-involved crashes, with 56.7% occurring in cities, including Philadelphia. Pedestrians lack any protection when struck and are especially at risk for serious injury to the brain or spine, which can result in hemiplegia.
- Sports injuries: Sports often involve rough contact, create opportunities for crashes with vehicles, stationary objects, or hard surfaces, and put serious demands on athletes’ bodies. Participation comes with the risk of spine or brain injuries.
- Slip-and-fall incidents: According to the Mayo Clinic, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. When the fall occurs because of a property owner’s negligence, victims may have grounds to seek compensation.
- Construction or other workplace accidents: Construction sites present a high risk for falls and blows to the head or body from heavy equipment. Any workplace, if not up to safety code, can present fall dangers.
- Medical malpractice incidents: Wrongly executed medical procedures could lead to hemiplegia. Birth injuries or surgical errors are examples of these kinds of errors.
There are also many conditions or situations that can cause hemiplegia. Strokes, epileptic seizures, infections, migraine headaches, and brain tumors are among the physiological conditions that can cause it.
How Hemiplegia Can Impact Your Life
Hemiplegia causes substantial physical disability, and that disability has a ripple effect. The paralysis can leave you unable to care for yourself independently, engage in activities you enjoy, or work and earn income. These consequences can diminish your emotional well-being, put you in financial distress, and reduce your overall satisfaction with life.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help if You’re Dealing With the Life-Changing Effects of Hemiplegia
When your condition results from someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to collect compensation to cover your losses and get you back on solid financial footing. An experienced personal injury lawyer can fight for the settlement or trial award you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation today with a personal injury lawyer and get the help you need to fight for justice and find the best way forward.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
