Revolutionary Medical Treatments for Paraplegics Could Impact Settlements

There are several new methods of treatment for paraplegics. Some of these treatment options have already been tested out and used by people who sustained catastrophic injuries and became paralyzed, while others are still in discussion and years away. These revolutionary medical treatments are providing paraplegics with the hope that they may be able to move their bodies and limbs again.

While this is great news, it is important to know that these types of treatments will certainly come with a cost, meaning that you will need a strong personal injury lawyer by your side to stand up and fight for a fair settlement to help you pay for these special treatment options.

What is a paraplegic?

A paraplegic is a person who cannot move the lower half of their body or limbs, often resulting from a severe injury. Paraplegia means the individual can no longer use their legs to walk or get around. In contrast, quadriplegia, another form of paralysis, means the person cannot move any limbs or parts of their body from the neck down, affecting both arms and legs.

Regardless of the type of paralysis, the impact is often mentally exhausting, depressing, and even life changing. Therefore, new revolutionary medical treatments are giving accident victims who have become paralyzed a sense of hope as traditional medical treatments typically involve learning how to simply adapt and cope with their new reality.

New revolutionary medical treatments being introduced to paraplegics

There are two different revolutionary medical treatments being introduced to paraplegics and quadriplegics:

1. Neuralink brain-computer device: Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk, is testing an implantable brain-computer device. The goal is for the device to act as a communicator between the brain’s signals and external devices.  The device assigns brain signals to specific outputs and functions. For instance, it captures signals for movements like waving or giving a thumbs up and helps the individual carry out the desired task. Neuralink has helped a 30-year-old quadriplegic regain some independence by using this technology.
2. Bionic suits: A new bionic suit is making headlines as a Marine Corps veteran who became a quadriplegic after experiencing a car crash is now able to walk and get around again. While most people who see the suit would think that it is something out of a science book or movie, it is actually a real-life treatment option for those who have become paralyzed. It helps accident victims stand upright, walk, and even climb stairs. The military veteran who uses this device on a daily basis stated that her bladder control, bone density, and mental health also improved while wearing and using the device when compared to using a wheelchair. Even though she is paralyzed from the neck down, the bionic suit allows her to live a very active life, coaching, traveling, skiing, snowmobiling, and skydiving. The bionic suit is known as “exoskeleton” and can help paralyzed accident victims go from being confined to their wheelchairs to standing and walking with the help of the suit over time.

How will these new options for treatment affect legal settlements and awards?

Introducing these new treatment options significantly improve the quality of life for paraplegics and quadriplegics. However, they come with high costs, necessitating higher legal settlements and awards for accident victims to afford these treatments.

Paralysis cases already involve substantial settlements, often reaching hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. With the introduction of new, costly treatment options, the need for substantial financial awards becomes even more pressing. This is where an experienced and skilled personal injury attorney can make a crucial difference. A competent attorney can anticipate and counteract defense tactics aimed at minimizing compensation and advocate for the financial resources necessary to afford these revolutionary treatments.

If you or a loved one has become paralyzed due to another’s negligent actions or behavior, the Little Rock personal injury lawyers at Bailey & Greer can help. We not only know and understand the challenges that come with experiencing paralysis after an accident, but we also stay informed and up to date on new medical treatments that emerge to help paraplegics and quadriplegics gain a sense of normalcy again. Therefore, when you work with our lawyers, you can rest assured knowing that we will fight for the maximum compensation you need and deserve to cover your losses and help you pay for revolutionary treatment options if you wish. Please call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Little Rock today. We look forward to meeting you soon!