Common Causes of Paralysis in El Centro
Paralysis, especially full-body paralysis, is one of the most life-changing of all injuries. The ability to move and feel sensations is essential to quality of life and activities such as self-care and earning a living. It also plays a huge role in mental health, and many people suffering from paralysis struggle with depression, anxiety, and even secondary substance abuse.
Preventable incidents are among the common causes of paralysis in El Centro. If an event could have been prevented, then someone was probably negligent. If you were paralyzed as a result of negligence, a personal injury attorney could help you seek financial recovery from any wrongdoers who contributed to your injury.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, and motorcycle wrecks in El Centro top the list of leading causes of paralysis. In addition to drivers and passengers, these accidents might involve pedestrians, cyclists, and even bystanders. High speeds and the massive weight of motor vehicles lead to high-impact collisions.
Slip and Fall Incidents
Falls cause many injuries each year. Falls are commonplace, and most falls do not lead to significant injuries. However, they can be very serious, resulting in spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis, particularly among older El Centro individuals.
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. If a hazardous condition, such as a wet floor, broken staircase, or uneven pavement, causes a slip-and-fall accident, the property owner may be responsible for the injuries.
Acts of Violence
Paralysis is not always the result of accidental injuries. Sometimes, the injuries are the intentional result of physical assaults.
In El Centro, gunshot wounds are a surprisingly frequent cause of paralysis. Bullets can directly damage the spine or cause indirect damage through hydrodynamic effects, vascular injury, or spinal contusion.
When these incidents result from negligent security or preventable violence, there may be legal options available to hold the responsible parties accountable. Responsible parties may include third parties as well as the assailant.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
El Centro athletes and individuals engaged in high-impact sports or recreational activities may suffer severe spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis.
Sometimes, the athlete makes a mistake that causes the injury. Other times, defective equipment, lack of proper supervision, or unsafe playing conditions may contribute to the injury. In those cases, someone may be liable for negligence.
How Paralysis Impacts Victims
The nature and extent of paralysis varies, as does each individual’s prognosis. A person’s underlying physical health, support network, and attitude can also all impact the prognosis.
However, most people with paralysis experience substantial life changes. In addition to the loss of mobility, which may necessitate the use of wheelchairs or other mobility aids, it can affect other bodily functions, such as:
- Bowel and bladder control
- Sexual function
- Breathing
- Blood pressure
- The ability to regulate body temperature
Regardless of the cause of the injury, someone in El Centro with paralysis may also struggle with related mental health issues. Many individuals with paralysis are unable to return to their previous employment, leading to lost wages and financial uncertainty. In addition, long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices may place a significant financial burden on an injured person and their family.
Contact an El Centro Lawyer To Learn More About Liability and the Common Causes of Paralysis
Call today and schedule a consultation to discuss your case with an attorney from the Walter Clark Legal Group. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys are familiar with the common causes of paralysis in El Centro, as well as your potential legal remedies.
