Suffering paralysis from an accident can change everything, your mobility, your independence, your finances, and your daily life. At Hillstone Law, we understand what you’re going through. We also know how complicated paralysis claims can be. Below is a guide to what a paralysis claim entails, what causes tend to lead to them, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.

What Is a Paralysis Claim?

A paralysis claim is a legal action or insurance demand brought by someone who has become paralyzed due to an accident or injury. Paralysis can come from many sources, including injuries to the spinal cord or brain, medical errors, or certain illnesses like strokes. The core idea is that your ability to move or feel in part of your body has been impaired, often permanently, and that someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing played a role.

Common Causes of Paralysis

Paralysis doesn’t always happen in dramatic, obvious ways. Some of the frequent causes include:

• Auto collisions, motorcycle or truck crashes
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Injuries on the job
• Medical malpractice, such as surgical mishaps or failure to diagnose properly
• Recreational or sports accidents

The extent and permanence of paralysis depend on how serious the injury is, and exactly which parts of the nervous system are affected.

What a Paralysis Claim Might Look Like

Imagine you are in a severe car crash caused by another driver who was texting. The collision damages your spinal cord, leaving you paralyzed from the waist down. You will face medical bills, physical therapy, possibly lifelong care, lost wages because you cannot return to your former job, emotional distress, plus related costs like vehicle repairs or home modifications.

A paralysis claim in that situation will seek compensation to cover:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
• Surgery, rehabilitation, assistive devices (like wheelchairs)
• Loss of income now and in the future
• Pain and suffering, emotional and psychological trauma
• Any other costs directly caused by the paralysis

Important Legal Details: Time Limits & Evidence

To succeed with a paralysis claim, there are some critical legal considerations:

• Statute of Limitations: In California, for many personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file suit. Missing that deadline can mean losing your right to compensation.
• Documentation: Medical records, diagnostic imaging (MRIs, X-rays), bills, therapy reports, statements about how the injury has affected your life, all of these are essential.
• Proof of Negligence: You’ll need to show that someone breached a duty of care (they failed to act reasonably), their actions or inactions caused the injury, and the injury resulted in actual damages.

How Hillstone Law Can Help

At Hillstone Law, we specialize in catastrophic injury cases, including paralysis claims. We help by:

• Investigating the cause of your paralysis
• Gathering evidence such as medical records, expert opinions, accident reports
• Working out what future care and life changes you will need so that compensation reflects the true impact
• Handling all communications with insurers and possibly defending your rights in court
• Working on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you

If you or someone close to you is dealing with paralysis after an accident, you shouldn’t handle this alone. Let Hillstone Law review your case, explain your rights, and help you explore your options. Contact us for a free consultation so we can start helping you move forward.