Paralysis Attorney

One of the miracles of the human body is the manner in which it sends signals. Signals control everything from the operation of internal organs to limb movement. When healthcare providers cause damage to the brain or spinal cord, the resulting paralysis can be devastating. Patients might permanently lose the capacity to earn a living or otherwise function normally in life.

Types of Paralysis

Paralysis can affect a single muscle group or an entire region of the body. Local paralysis affects one part of the body. Paralysis can also be complete or partial.  Complete paralysis means there is no sensation left in the affected areas. Partial paralysis means there can still be sensation felt. Some of the symptoms include:

muscle cramps
hypersensitivity
muscle weakness
twitching muscles
complete loss of feeling

It is commonly categorized into three basic types:

Paraplegia affects the lower part of the body, including the legs.
Quadriplegia affects all four limbs.
Hemiplegia affects only one side of the body.

The spine is delicate and susceptible to injury. Medical procedures performed on or near the spine can cause injury even during a superior standard of care. Our legal team has the medical knowledge and resources to identify when an injury is due to medical malpractice, such as:

Childbirth — When doctors exert an unnecessary amount force during delivery, infants can sustain brachial plexus injuries.
During surgery — Errors during orthopedic or neurological surgery have a high risk of causing paralysis.
Incorrect or delayed diagnosis — Failure of a healthcare provider to recognize and treat conditions like spinal cord disease or stroke, can cause permanent loss of function.

What’s the difference between temporary and permanent paralysis?

Paralysis is the most serious type of personal injury to the spinal cord. Paralysis is a complete loss of control of a muscle or muscle group. Cases of paralysis are either localized or generalized (global). Localized paralysis affects a specific region of the body, such as one arm, or one side of the face. Generalized paralysis refers to a loss of sensation throughout the body.

Besides localized or generalized, paralysis can either be temporary or permanent. Most of the time, temporary entails swelling or pressure on the nervous system. Most often from a personal injury to the spinal cord of some kind. Swelling/pressure is capable of inhibiting certain nervous system functions. Sometimes preventing the victim from moving all or part of their body. When the swelling from temporary paralysis subsides, nervous system function is able to return.

In contrast to temporary paralysis,  there is permanent paralysis. Unfortunately, the permanent kind has no curable treatment. There isn’t a way to treat dead spinal cord tissue. Sufferers of permanent paralysis face lifelong impairment of affected nervous system functionality. Early treatment could mean the difference between temporary paralysis and permanent paralysis. The longer a person suffers from paralysis, the more likely it will be permanent.

What are the causes of paralysis?

Auto accidents often cause serious personal injuries to the spinal cord. If the trauma is severe enough, it could result in temporary or permanent paralysis. Studies have estimated that as many as 55% of paralysis cases result from an auto accident of some kind.

Injuries to the spinal cord sometimes happen with vehicular rollovers and roof crushing. During a roof crush, passenger space shrinks. Often this contorts the victim into positions that put extreme stress on the spinal cord. This causes paralysis in some cases.

Many auto accidents happen because of driver negligence. But, they can also be the result of automobile defects. Automobile manufacturers have requirements to perform a series of roof crush tests. This ensures that their vehicles can withstand the force of a vehicular rollover.

If you or a loved one has experienced paralysis, you may have legal grounds to seek compensation. Talk to a personal injury lawyer committed to helping clients. Don’t delay! Call Clay now!