California Paralysis Lawyer

What Is Paralysis?

Paralysis is the loss of muscle movement in your body. It occurs when your nerves suffer damage, disrupting communication between your muscles and the brain. Some people have paralysis on only one side of the body, or they can have it on both sides. Sometimes, it’s temporary, and other times it’s permanent. For some people, paralysis may even come and go.

Types of Paralysis

Injuries involving paralysis fall into one of the following categories:

• Monoplegia—paralysis in one single part of the body, typically one limb;
• Hemiplegia—affects one side of the body, typically an arm and a leg;
• Paraplegia—when someone is paralyzed from the waist down, including the legs and hips; and
• Quadriplegia—affects everything below the neck, typically the torso and all limbs, and may affect speech and the ability to swallow.

You might also see medical records that refer to paralysis as localized, meaning one specific body area, or generalized, which is widespread paralysis.

Common Causes of Paralysis

Numerous accidents and incidents can cause injuries that result in paralysis. Some of the most common ones include:

• Auto accidents,
• Truck accidents,
• Motorcycle accidents,
• Boating accidents,
• Physical assault,
• Other violent acts,
• Slip and falls;
• Defective products,
• Surgical errors,
• Birth injuries,
• Sports-related accidents,
• Construction site accidents, and
• Other workplace accidents.

Not all injuries that happen in the brain or spinal cord are related to another party’s negligence. A stroke is a common cause of paralysis, typically resulting in hemiplegia. However, many strokes do not involve a personal injury lawsuit unless it’s the result of medical malpractice or linked to a personal injury accident, such as the ones listed here. Other examples of non-traumatic injuries that can lead to paralysis include:

• Brain or spinal cord infections;
• Genetic disorders;
• Lesions, tumors, or cancer of the spinal column or brain;
• Oxygen deprivation from choking or another injury; and
• Autoimmune disorders.

If you have questions about whether another party should be paying for your paralysis injury, speak with our California paralysis attorneys right away. We can help answer any questions about pursuing a claim for damages.

Recoverable Damages in a Paralysis Case

Understandably, most victims want to know how much money they can recover from their claims. Recoverable damages depend on your situation and losses. Please speak with our California paralysis lawyers to learn more about what damages and compensation apply in your individual case. Here are some of the most common damages paralysis victims might receive compensation for in California.

Medical Expenses and Related Costs

Medical expenses for paralysis injuries can be significant since you need lifetime care. You can demand payment for medical expenses to date plus your future expected costs. Treatment for paralysis injuries could involve any of the following:

• Surgery to manage spinal cord swelling and address any obstructions;
• Prescription medication to reduce the risk of blood clots, infections, or other complications; and
• Exercise therapy to help reduce pain and improve function.

This amount also includes compensation for medical equipment, such as breathing machines and specialized wheelchairs. You can include that compensation in your medical expenses if you require in-home care.

Modifications to Your Home and Vehicle

Depending on your type of paralysis and living arrangements, you will likely need to make modifications to your home. You might need to add a ramp or lift to accommodate a wheelchair, add grab bars, create a handicap-accessible bathroom, and more. If you can still drive, you might need to make modifications to your vehicle or start using wheelchair-accessible transportation.

Rehabilitation

Undergoing rehabilitation is crucial, especially if your paralysis is permanent. Occupational therapy can help you adapt to your injuries and rebuild skills for tasks such as eating. Physical therapy is essential for rebuilding strength and keeping your muscles from atrophying. You might also need vocational therapy to help you find work compatible with your skills and capabilities.

Psychological Treatments and Counseling

There’s no denying that paralysis is devastating—both physically and emotionally. Losing your ability to move, even temporarily, affects every aspect of your life. Understandably, victims need emotional support and assistance working through these changes. Permanent injuries affect your career, relationships, hobbies, and more. You have a right to seek counseling and treatment to get through the changes in your life.

Potential Complications

Unfortunately, complications are commonplace with paralysis injuries. Victims might develop other health issues, such as loss of bladder control or a bowel disorder. Anxiety, depression, and chronic pain are a few other potential complications of a paralysis injury. Complications can also decrease a victim’s life expectancy.

How Our California Paralysis Attorneys Can Help

When you hire Silva Injury Law as your California paralysis lawyers, we will fight tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation possible. Our legal team has handled numerous paralysis injury cases, so we understand what’s at stake here.

We will conduct a thorough investigation, gather records and documentation, speak with witnesses, and preserve all evidence that supports your claim for damages. Proving liability against the responsible party is crucial; otherwise, you might receive less than the total amount you deserve. Insurance companies are hesitant to pay out claims involving large sums of money. The adjuster will do whatever is necessary to show you’re primarily responsible for your own injuries.

Usually, hiring one or more experts will be necessary to weigh in on your future medical treatment, what your pain and suffering is worth, and how much your future loss of earning capacity is. Without a skilled lawyer representing you, you risk missing out on all the money you’re owed. Let us handle all the complex legal tasks so you don’t have to.

Should the defendant’s insurance company be unwilling to participate in meaningful negotiations, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. If time is running out and the statute of limitations is approaching, we’ll also file a lawsuit. Either way, we aren’t afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Attorney Michael Joe Silva previously worked as a prosecutor in Merced County. He knows what’s needed to build a strong case for trial.

Call Us Today

Contact Silva Injury Law today to schedule an initial consultation. Let our California paralysis attorneys help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our highly-skilled legal team also handles other cases, such as:

• Car Accidents,
• Livestock Accidents,
• Dog Attacks,
• Sexual Abuse,
• Clergy Sexual Abuse,
• College Sexual Abuse,
• Medical Sexual Abuse,
• School Sexual Abuse,
• Wrongful Death,
• Bus Accidents,
• Trucking Accidents,
• Motorcycle Accidents,
• Pedestrian Accidents,
• Product Liability,
• Bicycle Accidents,
• Drunk Driving Accidents,
• Distracted Driving Accidents,
• Rear End Accident,
• Nursing Home Abuse,
• Slip & Fall,
• Paralysis,
• Neck Injury,
• Swimming Pool Accidents,
• Scooter Accidents,
• Premises Liability, and
• Acupuncture Pneumothorax