Paralysis Injury Attorney in Santa Barbara

Written by: Tyrone J. Maho

Catastrophic injuries happen when you least expect them. Accidents can cause severe paralyzing injuries. Personal injury victims who suffer from paralysis injuries often have their life put on hold due to another’s reckless behavior. Paralysis victims may have experienced personal injuries because of motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and even medical malpractice. 

When their injury is due to negligence, it is only fair that they receive compensation for their damages. Paralysis injury lawyers can support you throughout your personal injury claim to make sure you receive maximum compensation.

If you have suffered from paralysis after an accident, it is important to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney. They have the expertise and resources needed to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation that you deserve. Contact a Santa Barbara paralysis injury attorney today for a free consultation. Maho Prentice Law can help you get through this difficult time and advocate on your behalf.​

What Are Common Types of Complete or Partial Paralysis?

Paralysis is a condition where there is the interruption of signals from the brain to the spinal cord, which leads to loss of or reduced ability to move muscles and other parts of the body. The main causes of paralysis include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or damage to the nervous system. Paralysis occurs in different forms depending on the following:

Paraplegia

Paraplegia is a medical condition where there is loss of or limited ability to move parts of the body from the chest down. It can be caused by injury to the spinal cord usually due to accidents, disease, or exposure to toxic chemicals. Paraplegia affects the legs, trunk, and also one side of the body, with or without impairment in the arms.

Quadriplegia

Quadriplegia affects the legs, arms, and trunk of the body. It occurs in accident victims who have little to no ability to move at least four limbs and their torso. A person suffering from quadriplegia requires assistance to perform even the simplest of daily activities like dressing, bathing, and eating.

Monoplegia

Monoplegia is a condition where only one limb is affected, like your hand, leg, or arm. Monoplegia can be caused by stroke or injury to the nerve cells that control movement. Monoplegia usually occurs along with other types of nerve disorders such as Bell’s palsy, facial paralysis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Diplegia

Diplegia is a condition where both legs are affected but the arms do not have any impairment. Diplegia can be caused by a brain or spinal cord injury.

What Are the Common Causes of Paralysis?

Paralysis can be caused by many factors, ranging from accidents to medical treatment errors. Here are some of the most common causes of paralysis:

Traumatic Injuries

You may have experienced a slip and fall accident, car crash, or another personal injury that resulted in your wounds. Workplace accidents are also a frequent cause of paralysis. Trauma to the spinal cord is one of the major reasons for paralysis. Common traumatic injuries include falls from tall heights, gunshot or knife wounds, and high-impact trauma. 

All of these can result in broken neck and back vertebrae. These injuries to the spinal cord can be temporary and heal within months in some cases. Unfortunately, sometimes they are permanent, and victims will have to live with their paralysis for the rest of their lives.

What Are the Symptoms of Paralysis After an Accident? 

The symptoms of paralysis depend on the severity of the condition. In some cases, symptoms can be mild, such as loss of sensation in the affected limb or limbs, and temporary. They may go away after a short while — with or without direct medical intervention.

Tingling Sensations

A common symptom is sudden tingling in the affected limb or limbs, especially when you are moving around.

Numbness and Lack of Sensation

In more severe cases, a person may experience loss of sensation and movement in the affected limb or limbs. This may be accompanied by muscle spasms and involuntary movements like tremors, twitching, jerking, or rigidity. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, the inability to control bowel movements, depression, and changes in your mood.

Radiating Pain

Radiating pain is a common symptom associated with paralysis injuries. It is defined as an intense, sharp, and burning sensation that radiates out from the injury site along the affected area of your nerves. This discomfort can be constant or intermittent and can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause of your paralysis.

Why You Should See a Doctor Immediately After You Notice Symptoms of Paralysis

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of paralysis, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Consult your doctor so they can conduct a thorough physical examination. They may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include medications, physical therapy, surgery, or other treatments as needed. With proper care and management, most people with paralysis can lead normal, healthy lives.

Why Do You Need a Santa Barbara Paralysis Injury Attorney?

If you suffered from a paralysis injury due to an accident, it is important to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney.

Legal Advice and Guidance

Your Santa Barbara paralysis injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law, as well as guide you through the legal process of filing for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to your injury.

In addition to having a deep understanding of the law, an experienced paralysis injury attorney also has the necessary skills and expertise to build a strong case on your behalf.

Discover Evidence 

To win your case, an attorney will work with you to find and collect evidence that supports your claim. This can include witness statements, police reports from the scene of the accident, and more. With this evidence, your lawyer can work to prove the defendant’s negligence and win you compensation.

Negotiate a Settlement

They will also work with the other party and their insurance company to negotiate a fair and reasonable out-of-court settlement. If this is not possible, your Santa Barbara paralysis injury attorney will know how to build a strong case that can be taken in front of a jury.

Represent You in Court

Unfortunately, there are times when a fair settlement is not possible. In cases like this, an attorney can represent you in court to help you get the compensation you deserve. They have the experience and knowledge needed to navigate the legal system and protect your rights. If the other party refuses to settle, they can initiate litigation on your behalf.

Protect Your Rights

Paralysis injury attorneys can fight to get you the compensation that you deserve. They also offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis. This means they won’t charge you any out-of-pocket legal fees and only get paid after your case is resolved.

If you suffered from paralysis due to an accident, reach out to a Santa Barbara paralysis injury attorney today for a free consultation. They will discuss your case with you in detail and advise you on how to proceed. Call Maho Prentice Law today for a free consultation now.