Paralysis is a catastrophic, life-altering injury that affects every aspect of a person’s daily life. Beyond the physical limitations, paralysis often results in overwhelming medical bills, long-term care needs, and emotional hardship. When paralysis occurs because of another party’s negligence, the law allows victims to pursue financial compensation.
If you or a loved one suffered paralysis due to someone else’s careless actions, a Bakersfield paralysis injury lawyer at Colvin Accident Lawyers can help. Contact us today to speak with a compassionate catastrophic injury attorney who will fight for your rights.
Paralysis occurs when a person loses partial or full control of their body’s movement. These injuries often involve severe spinal cord damage and may include:
Quadriplegia – paralysis affecting all four limbs
Paraplegia – paralysis affecting the lower half of the body
Paralysis commonly results from:
Car, motorcycle, or truck accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Sports-related injuries
Acts of medical malpractice
Falls or traumatic impacts
To succeed in a negligence claim, an injured person must prove:
The at-fault party had a duty of care
They breached that duty
The breach directly caused the paralysis
The victim suffered measurable damages
A skilled Bakersfield paralysis attorney can help gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, or proof of traffic violations to establish these elements.
If paralysis is caused by medical negligence, strict deadlines apply under Cal. Civ. Pro. Code § 340.5:
You must file a claim within one year of discovering the injury,
or
Within three years of the date the injury occurred—whichever is sooner.
If the injured person does not discover the malpractice within three years, they lose the right to sue.
For minor victims:
The same three-year limit applies, except
If the child is under six years old, the claim must be filed before their eighth birthday.
Certain circumstances may extend the statute of limitations, including:
Foreign object cases: If a surgical object is left inside the body, there is no overall time limit, as long as the claim is filed within one year of discovering it.
Mandatory notice requirement: Under Cal. Civ. Pro. Code § 364, plaintiffs must provide 90 days’ notice before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. If this notice is given within the final 90 days of the deadline, the filing period extends by an additional 90 days.
A knowledgeable Bakersfield paralysis injury lawyer can explain how these rules may affect your case.
California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, meaning:
Your compensation may be reduced if you are partially responsible for the accident
You can still recover damages even if you are 99% at fault
For example, if you are awarded $1,000,000 but found 50% responsible, you would still receive $500,000.
A Bakersfield injury attorney can evaluate how comparative negligence applies to your claim and help protect your right to maximum compensation.
Paralysis cases require immediate action. Waiting too long can result in missed deadlines and the loss of your right to compensation. If negligence played a role in your injury, speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we treat every client with compassion, respect, and personal attention. You are not just a case—you are a person who deserves justice.
Call today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Bakersfield paralysis injury lawyer.
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