Paralysis

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function and sensation over a part of the body. Paralysis occurs when nerves are damaged, which can include injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Paralysis is a catastrophic injury that may arise as a result of trauma suffered from an accident or injury such as automobile crashes or truck crashes. It can also result from a defective product, or a failed medical procedure. Paralysis is often associated with severe trauma to the back, broken necks, or direct injury to the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. The two leading causes of paralysis are stroke and spinal cord injury.

Types of Paralysis

Two of the most common forms of paralysis are quadriplegia (tetraplegia), which affects both the arms and legs, and paraplegia, which affects the lower half of the body, including the legs. Monoplegia, which affects a single part of the body, and hemiplegia, which affects an arm and leg on the same side of the body, are also common. These are all types of generalized paralysis. Localized paralysis affects a small part of the body, such as a foot or hand.



The lesion is the exact part of the spine at which the injury occurred. This determines the type of paralysis that will accompany the injury. If the injury occurs below the first thoratic vertebrae, it will result in paraplegia. If the injury occurs above the first thoratic vertebrae, it will result in quadriplegia. The severity of the paralysis can also depend upon whether the injury was complete or incomplete. If the injury is incomplete, some function and feeling may be retained. If the injury is complete, all feeling and function will be lost below the injury site.

Helping Our Clients Recover after Tragedy Occurs

Paralysis leads to a permanent and irreversible change in a person’s life. Paralysis normally includes a complete change in lifestyle, and often impairs or prevents work, except for a few who have the necessary education, training, and financial support, as well as a willing employer.



Accident victims who have suffered a paralysis injury may pursue damages for their injuries against the responsible party. Paralysis victims can make claims for compensation for their injuries, including past medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our Columbia Injury Lawyers Are Here for You

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury leading to paralysis and believe it was caused by the negligence or carelessness of another or a defective product or device, contact the experienced Columbia injury attorneys at Gump, Faiella & Bugalski, LLC for a free initial consultation.