Paralysis in Car Accidents

Paralysis has both a physical and emotional impact on a victim as he or she adjusts to an altered way of life. Paralysis in car accidents often arises from a negligent action on the part of another motorist, company, or other party who has acted recklessly on the road. Miami car accident lawyer Robert Dixon offers compassionate and experienced legal support to those who have suffered a paralyzing injury in a vehicle collision. As victims and their loved ones focus on dealing with a new reality, Mr. Dixon and his staff make sure their legal rights are protected and advocated for, and pursue the financial assistance necessary to cover the costs of ongoing care. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon serve clients throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis as a result of a motor vehicle accident, contact our office to schedule a free consultation about your potential claims and learn more about how we can help.

Paralysis can result from a variety of situations involved in a collision. Blunt trauma to the spine is one common factor in causing paralysis, whereby a victim is propelled into a stationary object, such as if he or she is ejected from a vehicle. Severed spinal cord nerves, such as those caused by lacerations or internal bleeding may also lead to paralyzing injuries. Crushing injuries, whereby vertebrae are broken and nerves are ruptured due to impact, can also leave a victim paralyzed.

There are also differing kinds of paralysis. Localized paralysis refers to when only one body part is affected, such as a leg or arm, whereas global paralysis occurs when generalized weakness affects a victim’s whole body. Paralysis of the lower spinal cord, leading to a lack of leg function is paraplegia, and loss of function in all limbs is referred to as quadriplegia. Any type of paralysis requires a victim to make changes in their lives, as he or she will often not able to work as before, and will need to adjust other day-to-day activities as well. Some victims paralyzed in a car accident will require full-time assistance, either temporarily or permanently. When these injuries are the result of another’s negligence, the liable party should be held accountable.

To receive compensation for damages resulting from a paralyzing injury in a car accident, victims must file personal injury suits against a negligent party. Negligence can occur when a party has breached his or her duty of reasonable care owed to another. In most motor vehicle collisions, it is a driver who has breached the duty owed to all road users to act as a reasonable and prudent person would given the circumstances. For example, a driver who is excessively speeding or driving erratically and collides with another vehicle would likely be viewed as unreasonable under the law. A victim must also show that the defendant’s actions caused his or her paralysis and resulted in damages. Victims paralyzed by a negligent motorist may be entitled to damages for past and future medical costs, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering. In Florida, personal injury suits arising out of car accidents must be filed within four years from the date of a victim’s injuries. Even though this seems like a lengthy time period, it is best to contact a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible so that important evidence is collected and preserved in your case.

The Law Offices of Robert Dixon is dedicated to assisting Miami residents with claims to help them become financially capable of recovering from catastrophic injuries such as paralysis. Attorney Robert Dixon and his staff are available to answer any questions you or your family may have in the aftermath of a devastating collision. If you are unsure about your legal rights after sustaining a paralyzing injury, and would like to know more about how our firm can help, please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online today to set up a free, no obligation consultation. We represent clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.