Paralysis can have long-lasting, life-altering consequences for both you and your family. If someone else’s actions caused your paralysis, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we have helped many individuals harmed by various causes of paralysis in Spring. Our paralysis injury attorneys will investigate the incident and identify those who may be legally responsible for your injuries and losses.
What Exactly Is Paralysis?
Paralysis occurs when a person loses the ability to voluntarily move or feel sensations in part or all of their body. Congenital disabilities may cause varying degrees of paralysis from birth. Others develop paralysis due to medical conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis, or from acute medical events such as strokes. Although medical causes of paralysis are tragic, they rarely lead to legal claims because no one is at fault. However, if another person or entity caused your paralysis, you may have grounds to pursue financial compensation.
Our Spring lawyers actively investigate the causes of paralysis related to your injury to determine whether you qualify for legal action.
Causes of Paralysis That Could Lead to a Lawsuit
In most legal claims involving paralysis, a blow to the spinal cord causes the injury. The spinal cord carries messages between the brain and body, so any damage to this column of nerves may disrupt movement and sensations. The location of the spinal damage usually determines the extent of your paralysis. For example, an injury to the lower spine often preserves upper-body motor control but impairs movement in the lower limbs. An injury near the neck can lead to quadriplegia, resulting in full-body paralysis.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Car crashes often cause severe spinal damage and paralysis. When vehicles collide or strike fixed objects at high speeds, the impact can cause the spinal cord to be strained, leading to temporary paralysis. In more serious cases, an accident may sever the spine and result in permanent paralysis. Motorcycle and bicycle riders face an even greater risk because crashes often throw them onto hard ground, increasing the likelihood of spinal injury.
Slip and Falls
When someone falls and lands hard on their back or neck, the impact can strain their spine and cause a catastrophic injury. If hazardous conditions, including broken steps, slippery floors, debris, or potholes exist at a home or business, the property owner may be legally responsible for the fall.
Medical Mistakes
Medical malpractice may cause paralysis. For example, an orthopedic surgeon might accidentally hit a nerve during back surgery, or an obstetrician might make a mistake while delivering a baby.
Sporting and Recreational Accidents
A rough tackle in football, a hard fall in hockey, or a skateboard crash can cause serious spinal cord injuries. If negligence contributed to the incident, the person responsible for the game or facility may be legally liable.
Acts of Violence
Severe acts of violence, including assaults, gunshots, blunt force trauma, or stabbings, can damage the spine and cause paralysis.
Our compassionate Spring lawyers understand how traumatic paralysis is and could work with you to identify the cause of your paralysis and determine who may be legally responsible.
Call Our Spring Lawyer To Evaluate Your Claim and Discuss the Reasons for Your Paralysis
Unfortunately, there are many causes of paralysis for people living in Spring, TX. If someone else’s mistake or intentional wrongdoing caused your paralysis, you may have grounds to seek justice through a personal injury lawsuit. Call our determined legal team to learn more.