Spinal cord disruption of the communication channel between the brain and the rest of the body is the most common cause of paralysis. Spinal cord injuries may cause loss of mobility function in all four limbs or just the legs. Paralysis may also occur on one side of the body, as happens in a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Diseases, such as tumors, may pressure nerves, causing paralysis.
Whether caused by accidental means or disease, paralysis significantly impacts a person’s life and the family’s financial stability. The path to a successful lawsuit involves the services of a skilled Lake County paralysis injury lawyer.
Contact our dedicated catastrophic injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
Common Accidents That Can Cause Paralysis
Paralysis injuries often result from catastrophic events that damage the spinal cord or brain. These life-altering injuries frequently occur in situations involving extreme force, trauma, or negligence. Motor vehicle accidents—including collisions with cars, motorcycles, and commercial trucks—are among the leading causes. The violent impact of these crashes can fracture vertebrae or sever the spinal cord entirely.
Falls also commonly lead to paralysis, especially among construction workers or individuals injured on unsafe premises. Falling from a significant height or landing on a hard surface can crush the spine or cause irreparable nerve damage. Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds or physical assaults, may also lead to traumatic spinal injuries. Sports-related incidents—such as diving into shallow water or high-impact collisions on the field—can likewise result in permanent loss of mobility. Identifying the cause of the injury is critical when determining liability and building a strong legal case.
Identifying the cause of the injury is critical when determining liability and building a strong legal case, which is why working with a knowledgeable Lake County paralysis injury attorney can make all the difference.
Why Hire a Paralysis Injury Lawyer?
If a family member suffers an accidental injury due to another person’s negligence, the family may pursue a claim to hold that individual accountable. Proving negligence involves multiple steps and demands time and resources that may not be readily available. A Lake County paralysis injury attorney has experience handling paralysis injury cases and understands how to investigate the cause of the harm. The attorney interviews witnesses, reviews medical records, and preserves physical evidence to support the plaintiff’s claim in court or during settlement negotiations.
What Proof Does Negligence Require?
To prevail on a negligence claim, the injured person must prove that the wrongdoer owed them a duty of reasonable care, violated that duty of care, and the actions or inaction caused the paralysis injuries.
The defendant may claim they owed no duty of care to the injured person. Another may argue that the injured person assumed the risk by his behavior. If the injuries were caused by a motor vehicle accident, then the state’s no-fault law requires that each individual’s auto insurance policy pay for medical and other damages, up to the policy limits.
How Long Does the Plaintiff Have to File a Lawsuit?
Lawmakers establish Statutes of Limitations to define how long a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit after an injury. The applicable time limit varies by case type and jurisdiction. In Florida, a plaintiff pursuing a paralysis injury claim has two years from the date of injury to file. If the lawsuit is filed after that period, the court will dismiss it. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. Monitoring changes to the Statute of Limitations in Lake County requires legal insight, while the family focuses on adapting to the challenges of their new reality.
What Financial Compensation Is Available?
A negligence lawsuit may pursue financial compensation through economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages cover medical expenses, transportation to appointments, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and diminished enjoyment of life. Courts may award punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious conduct to discourage similar behavior, but such awards are not granted in every case.
Hire a Lake County Paralysis Injury Lawyer Today
With medical bills piling up and absence from work causing lost wages, you have no time to lose. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lake County paralysis injury lawyer. Your lawyer will review the circumstances of your loved one’s injury and assess the value of the lawsuit. Your skilled attorney will guide you on your family’s next steps to financial compensation.