Someone who experiences paralysis is unable to move or feel certain body parts because their brain is no longer receiving signals from the nerves in the affected areas. Paralysis may be caused by nerve damage to the spine or brain due to a traumatic workplace accident or illness. This could happen as a result of a slip and fall, car accident or machinery accident.
There are 4 different kinds of paralysis. Here is what you should know:
4 types of paralysis
Paralysis may affect the body entirely or partially. The following are different classifications of paralysis:
- Monoplegia: This is the paralysis of a single limb or area of the body. A worker could have control over the entirety of their body sans the part of their body that was injured. In some cases, the victim could retain some movement and feeling.
- Hemiplegia: The inability to sense or control one side of the body is called hemiplegia. For example, a worker may lose feeling and sensation in their left arm and leg. Hemiplegia could begin as hemiparesis, which is a weakness on one side of the body.
- Paraplegia: People who lose feeling below the waist are paraplegic. Paraplegia can affect the legs, feet and hips. Victims suffering from paraplegia may be wheelchair-bound.
- Quadriplegia: An extreme case of paralysis that affects the body from the neck down is called quadriplegia. The degree of quadriplegia can vary, but it can still severely affect a person’s daily life.
Many employees who suffer from paralysis due to workplace injuries can not return to work to make a living wage. It is important to fully understand their rights under the workers’ compensation system.