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Paralysis changes life in ways most people never imagine. What once felt routine—getting ready for the day, going to work, enjoying time with family—can become overwhelming. In addition to the physical challenges, families often face mounting medical bills, changes to income, and questions about what the future will look like.
Each year, about 18,000 people in the U.S. suffer new spinal cord injuries, and more than 300,000 live with some form of paralysis. More than one-quarter of households with a paralyzed family member fall below the poverty line, and according to the World Health Organization, unemployment rates are over 60%.
At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we work to change those numbers. Our skilled Glendale paralysis injury attorneys pursue the compensation you need for medical expenses, long-term assistance, and lost income, giving your family the resources to move forward.
Doctors classify mobility impairment as traumatic vs. non-traumatic paralysis. About 27% of cases come from accidents that injure the spinal cord, while most non-traumatic cases stem from conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis.
Common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
Identifying the cause is the first step in determining responsibility and pursuing permanent disability compensation for the challenges that follow.
Paralysis injuries vary widely, depending on where the damage occurs and how much nerve function is affected. Below are common categories of paralysis injuries and the symptoms most often associated with each:
| Type | Description | Symptoms and Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Paraplegia | Loss of movement and sensation in the lower body, usually after thoracic or lumbar spine damage. | Loss of leg function, bowel and bladder control issues. |
| Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) | Affects all four limbs, typically from injury to the cervical spine. | Limited or no movement in arms and legs, breathing difficulties, loss of independence. |
| Hemiplegia | Paralysis on one side of the body. | Commonly linked to strokes or brain trauma, impacts mobility and sensation on one side. |
| Monoplegia | Paralysis in one limb. | Weakness or complete loss of use in an arm or leg. |
| Incomplete Paralysis | Some function or feeling remains below the injury site. | Ranges from tingling and weakness to partial mobility. |
Immediate care after a spinal cord injury can improve outcomes, but treatment rarely ends once someone leaves the hospital. Surgery may stabilize the spine, followed by therapy to adapt daily tasks. Many patients rely on mobility aids like wheelchairs or exoskeletons, medication for pain and spasms, and home modifications like ramps and stair lifts.
Necessary medical care and assistive devices often come with high costs:
| Severity of Injury | First Year | Each Subsequent Year | Lifetime Cost (Age 25) | Lifetime Cost (Age 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Tetraplegia | $1,064,716 | $184,891 | $4,724,181 | $2,596,329 |
| Low Tetraplegia | $769,351 | $113,423 | $3,451,781 | $2,123,154 |
| Paraplegia | $518,904 | $68,739 | $2,310,104 | $1,516,052 |
| Incomplete motor function | $347,484 | $42,206 | $1,578,274 | $1,113,990 |
These staggering costs are why families can’t afford to settle for less than full compensation. Our California paralysis injury lawyers ensure your settlement reflects the reality of lifelong care.
When paralysis results from someone else’s actions, the law offers different ways to seek justice and financial support. Our Glendale paralysis injury attorneys can help you:
The legal steps can help you receive the necessary paralysis injury compensation that covers medical care, daily needs, and the future stability of your family.
For many families, the hardest part of dealing with a paralysis injury isn’t the hospital bills—it’s watching a loved one struggle to regain independence. California law allows you to recover damages that reflect both the financial losses and the personal impact of the injury.
Spinal injury settlements can include:
| Category | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. |
| Lost Income | Paychecks missed during recovery, and reduced earning capacity in the future. |
| Home and Vehicle Modifications | Ramps, widened doorways, and adaptive vans. |
| Caregiving Costs | In-home nurses, long-term care facilities, and daily assistance. |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain and the emotional burden of living with paralysis. |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Hobbies, travel, and activities that are no longer possible. |
Our Glendale personal injury lawyers for spinal cord injuries work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full cost of your care and long-term needs, so your claim reflects the impact of the injury.
Paralysis injuries affect every part of a person’s life. At The Shirvanian Law Firm, our attorneys for paralyzed accident victims combine legal skill with compassion to pursue the best outcome for your family.
We support clients by:
With an award-winning attorney and a proven record of results, The Shirvanian Law Firm is trusted by clients in Glendale, Bakersfield, Long Beach, Orange, Riverside, and Sacramento for handling high-stakes paralysis injury cases.
Adjusting to paralysis is never simple, but having the right legal team can ease the financial and emotional strain. At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we secure results that reflect the actual costs of living with this injury.
Reach out today for a free consultation to learn your legal options and pursue the full compensation your claim deserves.
Compensation for paraplegia and quadriplegia legal claims depends on the severity of the injury, the cost of care, and the impact on your ability to work. An attorney can assess the value based on your situation.
Yes. You can bring a claim if your loved one is unable to file themselves because they are hospitalized, underage, or cognitively impaired.
Your settlement can cover caregiving, rehabilitation, and nursing facility expenses. While your claim is in process, we connect families with Medi-Cal, state disability, and local programs for short-term support.
Most claims must be filed within two years. Cases involving government entities or malpractice may have shorter deadlines.
Paraplegia impacts the lower body, while quadriplegia affects all four limbs. Both require extensive treatment and support.
Statutes of Limitations
https://saclaw.org/resource_library/statutes-of-limitations/
Costs of living with SCI
Spinal cord injury–World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/spinal-cord-injury
Paralysis in the U.S.
https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/paralysis-help-overview/stats-about-paralysis/
To get the best car accident lawyers working for you, contact The Shirvanian Law Firm at (877) 809-4223