Paralysis is a devastating condition that can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether caused by a car accident, a fall, or medical negligence, the sudden loss of motor function can have profound physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families.

Attorney Scott Scherr understands your overwhelming challenges. Our experienced Bazos County attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights of paralysis victims, ensuring you receive the compensation and support needed to adapt to your new circumstances and secure your future.

We’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.

Types of Paralysis

Paralysis can affect different parts of the body, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Understanding the type of paralysis you’re dealing with is crucial for both medical treatment and legal proceedings. Here are the main types of paralysis:

Quadriplegia (or Tetraplegia)

  • It usually affects all four limbs (or three for Tetraplegia) and the torso
  • Usually, this results from injuries to the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord
  • It may impact breathing, requiring ventilator support in severe cases

Paraplegia

  • It affects the lower half of the body, including the legs and potentially the trunk
  • Typically caused by injuries to the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spinal cord
  • It often affects bladder and bowel control

Monoplegia

  • It affects a single limb, usually an arm
  • Can result from localized injuries or certain neurological conditions
  • It may be temporary or permanent

Hemiplegia

  • It affects one side of the body (arm and leg on the same side)
  • Often caused by stroke or brain injuries
  • It may be accompanied by speech or cognitive difficulties

Each type of paralysis presents unique challenges and requires specific medical care and lifestyle adaptations. 

Common Causes of Paralysis

Paralysis often results from traumatic injuries or medical conditions that damage the nervous system. In many cases, these injuries are caused by the negligence of others. Understanding the cause of paralysis is crucial for determining liability and pursuing legal action. Here are some of the most common causes we see in our practice:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions can cause severe spinal cord injuries
  • Often results from reckless driving, drunk driving, or distracted driving

Falls

  • Slip and fall accidents, especially from heights
  • This can occur due to unsafe conditions in workplaces, stores, or private properties
  • Common in construction sites or among the elderly

Sports Injuries

  • High-impact sports like football, diving, or gymnastics carry risks
  • This may involve inadequate safety measures or improper coaching

Medical Malpractice

  • Surgical errors, particularly in spinal or brain surgeries
  • Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system
  • Birth injuries resulting in conditions like cerebral palsy

Workplace Accidents

  • Heavy machinery accidents in industrial settings
  • Falls from scaffolding or ladders in construction
  • Repetitive motion injuries leading to nerve damage

Acts of Violence

  • Gunshot wounds or stabbing injuries affecting the spinal cord or brain
  • Assault cases where the victim suffers severe trauma

If your paralysis resulted from any of these causes or another incident, we encourage you to contact us for a free case evaluation. Time is critical in these cases, and early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. 

Potential Compensation in Paralysis Cases

Paralysis cases often result in substantial compensation due to the severe and life-altering nature of the injuries. Here are some common areas of compensation in paralysis cases:

Medical expenses

  • Current medical bills, including emergency treatment and hospitalization
  • Future medical costs for ongoing care, medications, and therapies
  • Rehabilitation expenses, including physical and occupational therapy
  • Costs for necessary medical equipment (wheelchairs, ventilators, etc.)

Lost wages and earning capacity

  • Income lost during recovery and treatment
  • Reduced earning capacity or complete loss of ability to work
  • Compensation for lost benefits and retirement contributions

Pain and suffering

  • Physical pain resulting from the injury and ongoing complications
  • Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD
  • Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations caused by paralysis

Home modifications and adaptive equipment

  • Costs to make your home accessible (ramps, widened doorways, etc.)
  • Specialized vehicles with adaptive controls
  • Assistive technology for communication and daily living

Personal Care Assistance

  • Costs for in-home nursing care or personal attendants
  • Training for family members who become caregivers

Punitive Damages

  • In cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

Every paralysis case is unique, and the compensation you may receive depends on various factors, including the severity of your injury, age, occupation, and accident circumstances. Our experienced attorneys work with medical experts, life care planners, and other experts to accurately calculate the total value of your claim, ensuring we account for all current and future needs.

The Legal Process

Navigating a paralysis lawsuit can be complex, but at The Payne Law Group, we guide you through each step with clarity and compassion. Here’s what you can expect when working with us:

  • Initial consultation: The first step is to discuss your case with the lawyers. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand your legal options. 
  • Case evaluation: This is when the lawyers will take the information you’ve given them and use their resources to conduct a thorough investigation of your accident and injuries, review any reports, consult with medical experts, and identify all potentially liable parties. 
  • Filing a claim: The lawsuit is officially filed and prepared in compliance with Texas law.
  • Discovery: The discovery phase encompasses communication, depositions, and gathering of additional information from and with the opposing party. 
  • Settlement negotiations: We engage in settlement negotiations to fight for a fair settlement and timely resolution of your case. No settlement will be reached without your approval.
  • Mediation (if necessary): If initial negotiations are unsuccessful, we may find it beneficial to opt for mediation. A neutral mediator will facilitate discussions to settle without going to trial. MOst courts today require mediation prior to trial. 
  • Trial (if necessary): If a fair settlement is not reached in mediation, we are prepared to fight for you at trial. We have experience in prosecution and will utilize our expertise to present the most compelling case to the jury. 

Throughout this process, our team remains accessible to answer your questions and address your concerns. We handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery and adaptation to life with paralysis.

The Payne Law Group: Your Texas Paralysis Lawyers

Scott Scherr and the Payne Law Group has the resources to thoroughly investigate your claim and guide you through the whole process of recovery. We understand how stressful and life-altering these types of injuries can be. Don’t go it alone. Contact us today for your free consultation.