SANTA CLARITA PARALYSIS INJURY ATTORNEYS


​Paralysis typically occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, the crucial part of the central nervous system responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The severity and location of the spinal cord injury determine the extent of paralysis and which parts of the body are affected. While car accidents are a common cause, paralysis can also result from slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and other types of negligence.

Common Ways Paralysis Occurs in Accidents
  1. Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI): a sudden, forceful impact can cause fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae, leading to damage to the spinal cord and partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury
  2. Whiplash or hyperextension/hyperflexion injuries: rapid acceleration or deceleration can cause the head and neck to move forcefully; in severe cases, this can damage the spinal cord
  3. Seatbelt-related injuries: while seatbelts are essential for preventing injuries, improperly worn or malfunctioning seatbelts can, in rare cases, exert excessive force on the spinal column during a collision
  4. Rollover accidents: violent motion and forces during a rollover can cause spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
  5. Falls: falls from height or slip-and-fall accidents can cause spinal fractures and cord damage
  6. Medical negligence: surgical errors or delayed diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions can result in paralysis

How Paralysis Claims Are Proven
  1. Medical records and expert testimony: comprehensive medical records documenting the nature and extent of the injury, along with expert testimony from neurosurgeons or orthopedic specialists explaining the mechanism of injury
  2. Diagnostic imaging: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs showing damage to the spinal cord and vertebrae
  3. Accident reconstruction: experts can recreate the events leading to the incident to help establish liability
  4. Eyewitness testimony: witness accounts can help establish the cause of the accident and resulting injuries
  5. Documentation of damages: medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other financial losses
  6. Vocational expert testimony: in cases where paralysis affects the ability to work, vocational experts can address the impact on earning capacity and career prospects

Effects of Paralysis on Accident Victims
  • Loss of motor function: depending on the level and severity of paralysis (paraplegia affecting the lower limbs, or quadriplegia affecting all four limbs), victims may lose the ability to move and control affected body parts
  • Impaired sensation: loss or alteration of sensation, which can complicate daily activities and increase the risk of secondary injuries
  • Loss of independence: needing assistance with basic activities of daily living
  • Psychological impact: depression, anxiety, grief, and loss of self-esteem are common
  • Medical complications: increased risk of pressure sores, muscle atrophy, respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, and blood clots
  • Financial and social impact: rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and ongoing medical care are costly, and paralysis can affect the ability to work

Treatment and Ongoing Care

While paralysis itself is often irreversible, various treatments aim to maximize function and quality of life:
  • Rehabilitation programs: physical, occupational, and speech therapy to maintain strength and learn adaptive techniques
  • Assistive devices: wheelchairs, walkers, and braces to support mobility and independence
  • Medications: for spasticity, pain, and bladder or bowel dysfunction
  • Surgical interventions: to stabilize the spine or manage complications
  • Electrical stimulation: techniques like functional electrical stimulation (FES) to stimulate paralyzed muscles
  • Psychological support: counseling to address the emotional challenges of adjustment
  • Emerging treatments: ongoing research into stem cell therapy, nerve regeneration, and brain-computer interfaces

What You May Be Able to Recover

A paralysis claim may account for past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, home and vehicle modifications, pain and suffering, and the significant cost of long-term or lifetime care. Given the scale of these damages, life care planning and expert testimony on future needs are often essential to fully valuing a paralysis claim. California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is paralysis always caused by a car accident?

No. While car accidents are a common cause, paralysis can also result from falls, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, and other types of negligence. The applicable legal claim depends on how the injury occurred.

Why is expert testimony so important in a paralysis case?

Paralysis cases often involve significant future costs, lifetime care needs, and lost earning capacity. Medical and vocational experts help establish both the mechanism of injury and the true long-term value of the claim.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long do I have to file a paralysis injury claim in California?

In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. If the injury resulted from medical malpractice or involved a government entity, different and often shorter deadlines may apply, so it's important to consult an attorney promptly.

Talk to a Santa Clarita Paralysis Injury Attorney Today

​Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

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