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Have You–or Someone You Love–Been Paralyzed Due in an Accident? Contact Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
The Stano Law Firm represents Southeast Texas residents who have suffered paralysis due to the negligence of another person or company. Our dedicated Houston personal injury lawyer understands the catastrophic nature of these injuries on a victim and their families. And that is why our team is dedicated to helping those victims obtain full and just compensation from the parties that put them in this position. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Types of Paralysis
Paralysis is a life-altering injury that can dramatically change every aspect of a person’s daily life. It often results from severe trauma to the spinal cord, traumatic brain injuries, or even medical malpractice. The type and extent of paralysis depend on the specific circumstances and the area of the body affected.
There are several types of paralysis, each with unique characteristics:
- Localized vs. Generalized Paralysis: Localized paralysis affects a specific part of the body, such as a hand or foot, while generalized paralysis impacts larger areas, such as both legs or all four limbs.
- Partial vs. Complete Paralysis: Partial paralysis, also known as paresis, means there is still some movement or sensation in the affected area. Complete paralysis involves a total loss of muscle function and feeling below the site of injury.
- Paraplegia and Quadriplegia: Paraplegia refers to paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, typically resulting from damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. Quadriplegia (also called tetraplegia) involves paralysis of all four limbs and usually results from injury to the cervical spine.
Understanding the type of paralysis suffered is crucial when pursuing a paralysis injury claim. The severity and location of the injury can impact the level of compensation you may be entitled to, as well as the kind of ongoing care and support you will need. If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis due to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or medical malpractice, seeking compensation can help cover medical expenses, assistive devices, and other costs associated with this life-altering injury. The Stano Law Firm is here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Do Paralysis Injuries Occur in Houston?
Motor vehicle accidents—including those involving pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists—are a leading cause of paralysis cases in Texas. A car accident is a common cause of paralysis injuries, often resulting from damage to the spinal column. Specifically, any injury to the spinal cord carries a risk of paralysis. But paralysis may also result from a head injury, nerve damage, or even a stroke that disrupts the flow of blood to the brain.
Other common causes of paralysis include a serious accident, unsafe working conditions, and property owner negligence.
With respect to spinal cord injuries, paralysis occurs when the damage severs a connection between the brain and another part of the victim’s body. Damage can occur at different levels of the spinal column, including the cervical (neck), thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and sacral spine. Fortunately, not all spinal cord damage leads to paralysis. And even in cases where there is paralysis, that does not necessarily mean the patient is unable to move at all. Nerve damage can result in paralysis affecting one limb (monoplegia) or multiple limbs.
Neurologists classify paralysis by the “completeness” of the injury. Complete paralysis means that all feeling or ability to control movement is lost below the area where the spinal cord sustained damage. A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site. In contrast, incomplete paralysis means that some feeling or control remains. If a victim suffers paralysis in their legs and pelvic organs, that is referred to as paraplegia. If the paralysis also extends to the arms and hands, it is quadriplegia.