Types of Paralysis and What They Mean for Daily Life
Paralysis is generally described by which parts of the body lose function and how completely that function is lost. Two people who experienced the same type of accident can end up with very different levels of independence. The paralysis categories we most often see include:
- Paraplegia, involving loss of function in the legs and lower body
- Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, involving loss of function in both arms and legs
- Hemiplegia, affecting one entire side of the body
- Monoplegia, limited to a single limb
Complete paralysis means no movement or sensation remains below the point of injury. Incomplete paralysis means some signal still gets through, which can mean partial movement, altered sensation, or muscle spasticity. Even within the same category, the gap between complete and incomplete paralysis changes what kind of care, equipment, and support a person will need for the rest of their life, and it changes what a fair settlement needs to cover.
What Does Paralysis Cost Over a Lifetime?
A wheelchair is often necessary for victims of paralysis injuries. Many people living with paralysis may also need a modified home, a modified vehicle, ongoing physical therapy, and in more severe cases, daily assistance from a caregiver. Add in the income a person can no longer earn, and the true financial toll of paralysis often runs into the millions over a normal lifespan. A settlement calculated around early medical bills alone will almost always fall short of what a paralysis injury claim in Boise actually requires.
Unfortunately, Idaho law places a cap on what you can recover for non-economic losses, meaning pain, suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life. Under Idaho Code § 6-1603, this cap starts at a base figure and adjusts upward each year, but it applies regardless of how devastating the injury is, with one significant exception.
If your paralysis resulted from willful, reckless, or felony conduct, such as a drunk driving crash, the cap does not apply at all. Your economic losses, including medical costs and lost income, are never subject to this limit no matter the circumstances. Because this distinction can significantly change what your case is worth, it is crucial to consult with an attorney who knows the law and will fight for every penny you deserve.
