Bakersfield Paraplegia Injury Lawyer

An injury resulting in paraplegia, or paralysis of the lower half of the body, is a catastrophic event. Whether the paralysis is temporary or not, recovery is often slow, requiring ongoing, costly medical care. The paralysis injury attorneys at Colvin Accident Lawyers compassionately guide families through the legal process following a paraplegia injury, ensuring they can focus on healing while we work to secure the recovery they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury causing lower body paralysis as a result of someone else’s negligence, do not deal with the stress, loss, and bills alone. Reach out to a Bakersfield paraplegia injury lawyer to begin pursuing compensation.

Common Causes of Paraplegia

Paraplegia can be caused by either a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. These types of injuries usually result from:

Multiple parties could be liable for paraplegia injuries resulting from any of the above cases. Even the injured party could be partially responsible, such as when a driver runs a red light and strikes a jaywalking pedestrian.

Fortunately, California is a comparative negligence state, meaning plaintiffs can recover reduced damages even if they were partially at fault for their injury. A Bakersfield paraplegia injury attorney could help you identify the parties liable for your injury and pursue all practical avenues for relief.

Damages for Paraplegic Plaintiffs

Because paraplegia is such a severe medical condition, victims of these injuries can recover monetary damages on several bases, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Ongoing care needs, such as medication or in-home care
  • Costs of accommodations and assistive equipment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished future earning potential

Plaintiffs suffering paraplegia as a result of another’s negligence may also be entitled to punitive damages. While rare, punitive damages are imposed on defendants as punishment for particularly egregious behavior, such as driving under the influence. A Bakersfield attorney could help you determine whether pursuing punitive damages might be an option in your paraplegia injury case. If so, they could use their knowledge to build a convincing argument and maximize your chances of earning punitive damages in court.

Settlements Versus Lawsuits for Paraplegia Injuries

Claimants can obtain compensation for paraplegia injuries through a settlement or lawsuit. Most cases involving catastrophic injuries like paraplegia are settled out of court through negotiations between the involved parties. However, if an insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement amount, it may be necessary to sue to get the damages you deserve.

Section 335 of the California Civil Code requires negligence suits to be filed within two years of the date of injury, meaning time is of the essence. Note that initiating a lawsuit does not preclude claimants from later settling with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Rather, the parties can settle at any point before a verdict is reached.

A paraplegia injury attorney in Bakersfield has the experience to know when to stop negotiations and go to court so you do not miss your chance of recovery. Whichever route you prefer to take, an attorney from Colvin Accident Lawyers could fight to protect your interests and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Get Help From a Bakersfield Paraplegia Injury Attorney Today

Colvin Accident Lawyers is here to simplify recovery, not cause additional stress. If you or a loved one suffered a paraplegia injury as a result of another’s negligence, call today to book a free initial consultation with a seasoned Bakersfield paraplegia injury lawyer.