Austin Paralysis Injury Lawyer
Did you or a loved one become paralyzed after a slip and fall on someone else’s property? If so, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and earning potential, and more. The Austin paralysis injury lawyers of the Loewy Law Firm can help you pursue the money and accountability you’re owed from the person responsible for your losses.
The term “slip and fall” describes someone slipping on a hazard and becoming hurt because of a subsequent fall, often due to carelessness or indifference on the part of the property owner who failed to address the threat. A severe fall can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis, the consequences of which are often debilitating and require ongoing treatment. At the Loewy Law Firm, we believe no one should have to pay for the cost of an injury that was someone else’s fault.
Our personal injury firm has helped injured Texans get the compensation they need from the people who hurt them since 2005. We understand the physical limitations of a paralysis injury and the frustrations that come with them. You deserve a chance to hold the negligent party liable for the suffering you have endured, and our Austin slip and fall lawyers want to help you do so.
Call us at (512) 280-0800 or contact us online for a free consultation with an Austin paralysis injury lawyer to learn more about what we can do for you.
Common Types of Paralysis Injuries
Paralysis can result from damage to any part of the spinal cord. Despite how it’s often discussed in popular media, paralysis doesn’t necessarily cause a total loss of movement. Sometimes, reduced feeling and sensation occur in one limb but don’t affect all other limbs. Even in this case, a sufferer can be left with a lifetime of discomfort and reduced mobility.
The classification of paralysis depends on the severity and location of the injury. Multiple categories of severity and location determine the type of paralysis injury.
The severity of paralysis falls under two primary categories:
- Complete paralysis– A complete paralysis injury prevents the brain from transmitting signals below the damaged part of the spinal cord. A total loss of muscle control and movement results from the damage.
- Incomplete paralysis– Incomplete paralysis occurs when the affected part of the body below the injury site suffers some loss of sensation and movement. The brain is unable to send signals to the muscles in that area.
The location of the injury indicates the parts of the body affected by the damage:
- Hemiplegia – The arm and leg on the same side of the body are paralyzed
- Diplegia – Corresponding body parts on both sides of the same body are paralyzed, such as both legs or both sides of the face
- Quadriplegia – Paralysis prevents movement in all limbs and sometimes affects internal organs
- Monoplegia – Paralysis occurs in only one arm or one leg
- Paraplegia – Paralysis occurs from the waist down
Common Symptoms of a Paralysis Injury
One of the most common types of paralysis is paraplegia, which impairs movement in the lower part of the body and often necessitates the use of a wheelchair. Paraplegia can affect one or both sides of the body, depending on the location of the injury, and often causes the following side effects:
- Depression
- Sexual dysfunction
- Infections
- Chronic pain
- Impaired mobility
- Issues with bladder and bowel function
- Weight gain
- Loss of sensation in the lower extremities
- High blood pressure
Quadriplegia is the most severe type of paralysis. It compromises all bodily functions below the injury site, severely limiting mobility. It can also affect the internal organs and the muscles that control breathing. In addition to these effects, quadriplegia can lead to:
- Loss of movement and sensation
- Changes in sexual function or fertility
- Trouble breathing or coughing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain and tingling
- Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
Common Causes of a Slip and Fall
A slip and fall can occur for many different reasons. A property owner’s job is to ensure a safe environment for lawful visitors. They must maintain the property, perform necessary repairs, and warn visitors of potential hazards. When they fail to do so, they put innocent people at risk of serious injury.
Some of the most common hazards that can cause a paralysis injury after a fall include:
- Poor lighting
- Loose mats or rugs
- Defective stairs
- Potholes
- Missing or confusing warning signs
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Unsecured wires or cords
- Obstructed walkways
- Missing or damaged railings
- Unusual flooring transitions
- Slippery or wet floor
Compensation for Paralysis in a Slip and Fall
If the owner of the property where you fell is to blame for your injuries, you can hold them liable for losses like:
- Surgery, hospitalization, and other medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical impairment
- The cost of household services, such as hiring someone to clean your home
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Damage to personal property from the fall
You could also potentially recover exemplary damages through a lawsuit, though these are rarely awarded. This financial award punishes the defendant for their misconduct and deters similar actions in the future. However, you must provide clear and convincing evidence of the property owner’s fraud, malice, or gross negligence to be awarded.
Statute of Limitations for a Paralysis Injury
In Texas, the statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe for filing a lawsuit against another party. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to initiate your lawsuit against the negligent property owner. Failure to file within this window can result in your case being dismissed as untimely.
Contact an Experienced Austin Paralysis Injury Lawyer Today
At the Loewy Law Firm, we know the toll paralysis can take on your emotional and financial well-being. You might be unable to care for yourself or your family and could need ongoing treatment to manage your symptoms and improve your well-being. That is a heavy burden to bear for an accident that was not your fault.
We want to shift that burden onto the shoulders of the person responsible for it. We can protect your rights and aggressively seek the maximum compensation possible. Contact us online or by calling (512) 280-0800, and our experienced Austin paralysis injury lawyer will tell you how we can help you get the justice and accountability you deserve.