The DJF Law Firm, PLLC

Houston Paralysis Injury Lawyers

If you sustained a paralyzing injury in an accident someone else caused, contact The DJF Law Firm, PLLC today to learn about your legal options. You might be entitled to financial compensation for your medical treatment and other incurred costs.

The effects of paralysis can be permanent and alter your entire life. Many people experience issues with sensation, movement, and mobility. Others suffer a total loss of feeling in their limbs and can no longer walk without an assistive medical device. It can be a debilitating injury that requires extensive medical care and assistance.

At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the emotional and physical toll paralysis can take. It’s devastating knowing someone else’s negligence resulted in your impairments. We can help you hold them liable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 832-529-3476 today for a free consultation with one of our dedicated Houston paralysis injury lawyers.

Common Types of Paralysis Injuries

Damage to any part of the spinal cord could cause someone to become paralyzed. Paralysis comes in many forms. It doesn’t necessarily mean losing control of all physical function and sensation. Sometimes, the injury only affects certain limbs or one side of the body.

The location and severity of the injury determine the classification of paralysis.

The severity of the paralysis indicates whether there’s a total or partial loss of movement and sensation in the affected body part. The two categories of severity include:

  • Incomplete paralysis – Incomplete paralysis means the affected limbs below the injury site experience some loss of movement and sensation. This is due to damage to the motor nerve that inhibits the brain’s ability to transmit signals to the body.
  • Complete paralysis – Complete paralysis prevents the brain from sending signals to the area of the body below the injury site. The affected muscles suffer a total loss of movement and control.

The location of a paralysis injury affects specific parts of the body differently. The site of injury determines the various types of paralysis, such as:

  • Diplegia – Paralysis occurs to the same body part on both sides of the body, such as both sides of the face or both legs
  • Monoplegia – Only one leg or arm becomes paralyzed
  • Paraplegia – The paralysis injury happens from the waist down
  • Hemiplegia – Paralysis occurs to one leg and one arm on the same side of the body
  • Quadriplegia – The injury prevents movement of all limbs and might also affect internal organs

Common Symptoms of a Paralysis Injury

Paraplegia interferes with a person’s ability to move the lower part of their body. It’s one of the most common types of paralysis. Some people experience debilitating mobility issues and require a wheelchair to get around. There isn’t a cure for paraplegia, but treatment could manage symptoms and diminish the risk of complications in the future.

A paraplegia injury prevents voluntary movement of the feet, legs, and other lower body parts. It could affect one or both sides of the body.

The most common symptoms of paraplegia include:

  • Infections
  • Weight gain
  • Impaired mobility
  • Depression
  • Phantom limb pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Difficulty with bowel and bladder function
  • Loss of sensation in the lower extremities
  • Chronic pain

Quadriplegia is the most severe form of paralysis. It affects the voluntary movement of both arms and legs. Paralysis can also occur in other parts of the body. It could affect the muscles used to control a person’s breathing.

The most common symptoms of quadriplegia include:

  • Exaggerated reflexes or spasms
  • Changes in fertility or sexual function
  • Tingling and pain
  • Difficulty coughing or breathing
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Loss of sensation and movement

You should take a paralysis injury seriously. Seek immediate treatment after an accident. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and examine you to determine a proper diagnosis. They might recommend specific follow-up care to address the issues you experience with the injury.

Common Causes of Paralysis

A traumatic injury to the spinal cord or head can lead to paralysis. The most common causes of a paralysis injury are listed below.

Boating Accidents

Although boating is a fun pastime, dangerous situations can arise that endanger each passenger. Paralysis can occur in numerous situations, such as falling overboard or the boat running aground.

Boating accidents commonly result from human error, such as:

  • Exceeding the speed limit
  • Operator inattention or distraction
  • Boating under the influence
  • Miscalculating the distance to the dock
  • Taking a turn too fast
  • Hitting a wave at high speeds

Construction Accidents

Despite taking the necessary precautions, construction workers and visitors to construction sites can face dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. A paralysis injury could occur in a range of scenarios, including:

  • A fractured spinal cord or a slipped disc from lifting heavy objects
  • Tripping on debris or materials in a walkway
  • Falling from an unsecured scaffolding
  • Getting pinned underneath or trapped between malfunctioning machinery

Premises Liability

Property owners must keep their properties in good condition to prevent accidents. A guest could get hurt and end up paralyzed from an unrepaired damaged step or hazard on a walkway.

The most common types of hazards that can cause a serious fall and lead to paralysis include:

  • Wet or slippery floor
  • Unsecured cords and wires in a hallway
  • Poor lighting in a dark area
  • Defective stairs
  • Missing or damaged railings
  • Unusual flooring transition

Sports Injuries

Sport-related injuries are common. Sometimes, it’s no one’s fault. Accidents happen. However, if someone’s carelessness or disregard for others’ safety causes an injury, they could be liable.

Common factors that contribute to paralysis during organized sports include:

  • Improper maintenance of equipment and facilities
  • Poor supervision or safety training
  • Inadequate protective gear
  • Inexperienced medical personnel on site

Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Nursing homes are necessary for older and disabled adults who can’t care for themselves. The nurses and other staff members are responsible for each resident’s safety and well-being. Abuse or neglect could lead to a paralysis injury due to a caregiver’s negligence.

Common examples of abuse and neglect include:

  • Pushing, punching, or shoving a resident
  • Leaving an immobile patient unattended
  • Ignoring a resident’s request for assistance walking to the bathroom
  • Failing to remove hazards or repair damage that poses a trip hazard

Workplace Accidents

Paralysis can occur in any job industry. An accident can leave you severely injured, whether you work at a factory or sit at a desk all day. The most common causes of workplace accidents include:

  • Vehicle collisions
  • Falling from heights
  • Being struck by an unsecured object
  • Using improperly maintained machinery
  • Slip/trip and fall
  • Getting caught between equipment

Motor Vehicle Accidents

The body can experience significant trauma during a car accident. The driver could hit their head on the steering wheel and become paralyzed. Or a passenger might get ejected from the vehicle and sustain spinal cord damage.

The most common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Distracted driving
  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Driving under the influence

You should reach out to The DJF Law Firm, PLLC if you suffered paralysis in any type of accident. We can investigate and gather evidence to prove who was at fault and hold the negligent party accountable.

Compensation Available for a Paralysis Injury

You can pursue compensation for your paralysis injury. The money you receive could compensate you for:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation, ambulance services, assistive medical device, and other medical expenses
  • Out-of-pocket costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Physical impairment
  • Mental anguish
  • Damage to personal property

You could also seek exemplary damages if you file a lawsuit. This financial award punishes the defendant for their actions. You must show clear and convincing evidence of the at-fault party’s malice, fraud, or gross negligence. Otherwise, the court is unlikely to make this type of award.

Statute of Limitations for a Paralysis Injury

If someone else is at fault for your paralysis injury, it is your right to pursue legal action against them. You could sue for compensation for your medical treatment and other expenses. However, you must comply with state law.

In Texas, the statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit against another party. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate your lawsuit. If the timeframe passes before you file, you will likely lose your right to compensation in a lawsuit.

You could potentially delay the statutory timeframe if you are under a legal disability when the accident occurs. “Legal disability” in this context means you are either:

  • Of unsound mind; or
  • Under 18 years old.

The two-year period won’t start to run until you turn 18 or become mentally competent. You should consult The DJF Law Firm, PLLC about whether you meet the legal disability requirement and let us handle the process of pursuing compensation on your behalf.

Contact Us

At The DJF Law Firm, PLLC, we fight for injured clients in Houston. We understand the harmful effects of a paralysis injury and how it can change your life. We want you to focus on your treatment while we handle all aspects of your case. You don’t have to worry about talking to the insurance company or obtaining evidence to prove what happened. Let us do the hard work for you.

If you sustained a paralyzing injury because of someone’s negligent actions, call The DJF Law Firm, PLLC at 832-529-3476 for your free consultation with one of our experienced Houston paralysis injury lawyers.