Paralysis is a serious condition that occurs when the muscle groups in a body area or in multiple body areas can no longer be controlled by the brain. The muscles are constantly in a state of relaxation, and movement of limbs or other body parts is impossible. Paralysis can be caused by injury or illness. Injuries that cause paralysis include those resulting from auto accidents, construction accidents, oil field accidents, other vehicle accidents and other unsafe work or non-work conditions. Paralysis and other serious personal injury can be caused by defective automotive design, such as caused by poor crashworthiness.
Paralysis occurs when there is damage to the human nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for carrying signals through the spinal cord to various parts of the body. These signals direct the muscles to expand and contract. If these nerve signals are interrupted anywhere along the communication channel, the muscles will receive no signals and paralysis results. The level of paralysis or the number of limbs involved in the paralysis depends on where the damage occurs in the nervous system and the amount of damage to the nervous system. Complete severing of or damage to the spinal cord in the lower back would end any nerve signals directed toward the legs and lower body. Such damage and would cause the lower body to be paralyzed and have paralysis. The most common causes of paralysis are sports injuries, car and motorcycle accidents and gunshot and knife wounds.
Paralysis is first detected by loss of motion or sensation in the limbs. If you have had a significant injury and you experience numbness in any part of the body, then you may be experiencing paralysis. Even a short fall or moderate injury, such as caused by slipping or twisting can cause full or partial paralysis. Paralysis may first appear as weakness in the limbs, such as arms or legs. If lower back pain is experienced along with an inability to move the arms or legs, then the paralysis may be due to a spinal cord injury.
If a loss of sensation or the inability to move limbs is experienced at any time, it is best to contact a health care provider immediately. If at a work site, then immediately notify the superior and he or she should provide direction that no further work should be done until after an examination. It is very important when paralysis is first detected not to engage in any activity that could cause further damage. For example, a partial bruise on the spinal cord may cause paralysis. As the bruising heals and the swelling subsides, paralysis normally disappears. But, continued work could cause the bruise to deepen and for scar tissue to develop scar tissue, leading to permanent paralysis.
Paralysis can be a temporary condition, brought on by swelling or pressure on the nervous system. When the swelling or pressure disappears, then the paralysis may also disappear. But, in cases where permanent damage has occurred to the nervous system, then currently there is no cure for paralysis. This is why it is very important to seek medical attention is paralysis is noted. Immediate treatment and elimination of any stress of the injured area could prevent long term damage to the nervous system and paralysis.
If a person has been injured and suffered paralysis, due to the negligence of another, such as unsafe working conditions or trucking accidents, then the paralysis victim and the family may be entitled to compensation.
The attorneys of the Law Offices of Pat Maloney are specialists in helping victims of accidents and injuries caused by negligence of others. Our offices are in San Antonio. We represent persons for San Antonio, around Texas and across the country. Contact our offices at 800 247 7694 or locally at 210 226 8888.
The law offices of Pat Maloney are San Antonio personal injury lawyers who protect victims of defective products, medical malpractice, commercial trucking accidents, and auto accidents. They can also help with crashworthiness issues related to defective automobiles including SUV rollover, roof crush, defective airbags and defective seat belts.
The Maloney Building
239 East Commerce Building
San Antonio, Texas 78205
Phone: (210) 226-8888
Fax: (210) 222-8477