Paralysis

Paralysis is more common than most people realize.

According to a 2013 study by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, nearly 1 in 50 people in the United States live with paralysis, which works out to about 5.4 million people. 

Causes of paralysis

Traumatic accidents are a very common cause of paralysis, typically resulting from damage to the spinal cord suffered during the accident.. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation reports that out of the approximately 1.4 million cases of paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries: 

These accidents and causes can take many forms, and can be unexpectedly common. No matter what caused it, the fact of the matter is that paralysis can be devastating to both its victim and their family and loved ones.

Common accidents leading to paralysis:

Types of paralysis

There isn’t just one single type of paralysis. Paralysis can take many different forms and occurs in varying degrees. 

When a person experiences paralysis, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have a complete and total inability to control their muscles. Paralysis can be classified as being either complete or partial. Partial paralysis occurs when a person still has some degree of muscle control, but complete paralysis involves a total loss of muscle control. 

In some cases, paralysis might not be a life-long condition. If a person has temporary paralysis, they can regain muscle control over time. But in cases of permanent paralysis, muscle control never returns. 

Paralysis can also be classified based on the way it impacts muscles. When paralysis causes muscles to become weak or shrink and become loose, it’s known as flaccid paralysis. But in some cases, muscles can become stiff and cause muscle spasms, which is known as spastic paralysis.

Paralysis can be further classified as being generalized or localized. Localized paralysis occurs when paralysis affects just one part of the body, often the hands, feet, or face. Generalized paralysis affects a larger area of the body. 

Types of generalized paralysis

Monoplegia: Paralysis that impacts one limb of the body

Hemiplegia: Paralysis affecting one side of the body

Diplegia: Paralysis that occurs when the same area is affected on both sides of the body

Paraplegia: Paralysis that occurs below the waist

Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia: Paralysis that affects all four limbs

Locked-In Syndrome: Paralysis in which the only muscles in the body not affected are the muscles that control eye movements.

Damages in a paralysis claim

All cases of paralysis impact your life in a very serious way. It’s one of the most profound types of injuries a person can sustain and it can be hard to put an exact dollar value on the true extent of your damages. When making a paralysis claim, some types of damages you can collect include: 

• Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income/diminished earning ability
• Reduced quality of life
• In-home assistance and home modifications
• Emotional distress
• Psychological treatment 
• Wheelchairs and any other necessary medical devices and medications

Contact a Los Angeles paralysis attorney

Paralysis cases are very complex and it’s very common for people to not have health insurance that adequately covers the full extent of the treatment they need. Because of this, it’s extremely important to work with a paralysis attorney who can help you recover all of the compensation you need. At The Wallace Firm, our paralysis attorneys are ready to fight for your best interests. We’re not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and other people who are only interested in trying to get you to settle for as little as possible. We’re in it to help you win. Contact us today for help with your claim.