The oil and gas industry is unfortunately more dangerous than a more sedentary desk job. A sudden blow-out could affect dozens of workers, and can lead to catastrophic accidents. Injuries that occur on an oil rig, or in another part of oil and gas extraction can often be traced back to the negligence of the employer. If you or a loved one were paralyzed due to an oil and gas accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

The spinal cord serves a crucial role in the ability of the brain to control the movements of the body. The spinal cord operates as a highway of information, carrying signals to and from the brain. Any disruption in the ability to convey appropriate signals can have a lasting impact on the future of the injured victim.

Paralysis is unfortunately one of the side effects of a spinal cord injury and often requires many disruptions to daily life. Paralysis injuries are often divided into quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) and paraplegia. The distinction lies within the limbs affected. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs of the body and can result in complete paralysis in all four limbs. Paraplegia affects the trunk and legs of the individual, although arm and hand function remains normal.

The level of paralysis largely depends on the scope of the injury. Injuries which occur on the highest nerves located at the top of the spine (the high-cervical nerves) are those which can result in quadriplegia and are the most severe. Individuals with this level of injury often require complete assistance with daily living activities. Injuries resulting in paraplegia are often the result of injuries to the mid-back, in the thoracic nerves. An individual with paraplegia will be able to perform many functions and will likely use a manual wheelchair.

After an injury leading to paralysis, your first goal should always be on your recovery. However, the medical bills will begin to pile up, at which point you should look to your options. Paralysis can lead to the inability to ever work again, especially in a career involving the oil and gas industry. Your employer should be held responsible for their actions leading to the injury, whether it be from their failure to properly train an employee or their failure to perform ongoing equipment maintenance.

A claim for damages after such a severe injury should include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

Paralysis is not something that can be easily recovered from and instead requires months and even years of ongoing treatment for an individual to get to a place in their recovery where they are able to take care of themselves. In cases of quadriplegia, the injured individual will require care for the rest of their lives. It is important that the victim of an oil and gas accident file a claim as soon as possible after the injury occurs and ensure that the responsible parties are held liable for their injury.

If you or a loved one were paralyzed after an oil and gas accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients with their claims after a devastating accident leaves them with life-long injuries. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.