The increased oil and gas activity in the Gulf Coast region due to technological advances has offered thousands of jobs to people throughout the area. While the industry has experienced a boom, the industry is not without risks. Careers in oil and gas are very different from a desk job and often involve handling heavy machinery. If you or a loved one have received a devastating injury leading to quadriplegia, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

The spinal cord plays a crucial role in our body’s functions, and even the slightest injury to the spinal cord can have a devastating impact on the injured individual. Quadriplegia is a form of spinal cord injury that results in the complete paralysis of all four limbs and can be caused by just a slight impact to the upper spinal cord. Injuries leading to quadriplegia occur to the high-cervical nerves at the top of the spine and are the most severe of all spinal cord injuries. Quadriplegia requires ongoing assistance with daily activities, since the injured individual will not be able to move their arms, hands, trunk, and legs. In extreme cases, the individual may not be able to breathe on their own, and speech may be affected.

Workers who were involved in a tragic accident leading to their total paralysis in all four limbs have had to undergo a complete transformation. The immediate aftermath of the accident was probably chaotic, and the first priority was medical care and an attempt to prevent further damage from occurring. Unfortunately, injury to the spinal cord is irreversible, and the paralysis will continue for the rest of the victim’s life. The employer responsible for the accident should be held accountable for their actions leading up to the accident, or inaction (depending on circumstances).

A victim is entitled to bring the following damages against the responsible party:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Ongoing assisted living
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

The loss of the ability to manipulate all four of your limbs has a huge impact on your future. Workers who spent weeks on and weeks off the oil rig solely to support their family are left without any future employment options and the added expense of ongoing daily care. These individuals did not ask for the injury and should be compensated for the physical and emotional impact such a severe injury causes to the individual and to their family.

If you or a loved one have received a life-altering injury in 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 claim recoveries after a devastating accident has robbed them of their future life plans. Accidents leading to complete paralysis are among the most severe injuries which can occur to a person and should be treated with the importance they deserve. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.