Accidents and Hemiplegia: How Victims Can Protect Their Rights in Pennsylvania

Jake Tran -

Pennsylvania is one of the most populous states in the United States. With a growing population, Pennsylvania is no stranger to accidents. Though accidents can have various results that differ in type, causes, and severity, some are absolutely devastating. Such results often have long-term effects on the victim's life.

One such long-term injury is hemiplegia. It is crucial that people understand the condition, causes, and symptoms of hemiplegia so they can take prompt action. If a person's hemiplegia is caused by the negligence or intentional acts of another, they must file a claim.

Filing a claim can help ensure the person gets monetary compensation for their damages. This blog lists the various measures a person can take to protect their rights if they or their loved one is affected by hemiplegia due to an accident in Pennsylvania.

Understanding Hemiplegia After an Accident

First, let's get a better understanding of hemiplegia. Hemiplegia is a condition that causes paralysis on either one side of the victim's body. It is basically due to brain injury.

Causes of Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia can be a result of brain injuries in accidents such as:

Slip and fall accidents
Vehicular accidents
Sports accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Workplace accidents
Medical malpractice

Symptoms of Hemiplegia

Trouble walking
Reduced fine motor skills
Feeling stiff on one side of the body
Leaning toward the paralyzed side of the body

Impact

Loss of mobility
Lifelong medical care
Financial strain
Emotional distress
Mental issues

It is crucial that people take the necessary steps to secure the victim's rights and ensure that they receive fair compensation for the devastating effects the condition has brought.

Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

The time right after an accident is very crucial. As everything is still fresh, supporting documents that are collected immediately can strengthen the victim's claim. Let's look at the steps one can take if they are involved in an accident that could cause permanent conditions like hemiplegia.

It is crucial to get immediate medical attention after any accident. A medical checkup can help look for internal injuries, and the report can act as evidence during the claims process.
Victims must report the incident to either the police, employer, or property owner, depending on where the accident took place. The incident will then be officially recorded.
Any claim is made stronger with supporting evidence. Victims must collect all available evidence, such as pictures and videos of the scene, injuries, cause, witness statements, etc.
A personal injury lawyer must be hired to guide the victim through the complex legal process, especially for severe cases that cause injuries like hemiplegia.

Legal Rights of Hemiplegia Victims in Pennsylvania

Suffering from life-altering conditions like hemiplegia caused by an accident can financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally crumble a person's life. It is necessary that people know their rights in the state to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the victim is under 51% at fault for the accident, they can file for compensation.
Under personal injury law, a person injured due to another person's wrongdoing can file a claim to recover their economic and non-economic damages.
If the injury was due to work-related accidents, the victim can file a claim under worker's compensation and recover damages.
The injured might be able to file for a lawsuit if the condition resulted from medical negligence.
If the act of another person is intentional, the court will also award punitive damages.

Conclusion

Hemiplegia can cause life-altering consequences, but it is necessary to know one's rights, as it can make a significant impact on what follows. By knowing they can get compensation for their losses, victims can take the right measures to treat their claims fairly.

Though the process might seem challenging, the support the victim can receive can ease the struggles one might face otherwise. If you or a loved one is facing hemiplegia after an accident, reach out to a legal professional so you can safeguard your future.