Causes of Paralysis in New Braunfels
Accidents can cause a range of severe injuries that have lifelong impacts. Injuries to the spinal cord can cause the loss of voluntary muscle function in one or more parts of the body. Paralysis ranges in severity and can cause partial or total loss of function in limbs or other parts of the body. Individuals with paralysis typically face costs related to ongoing medical care, equipment to improve mobility, and home renovations. Those who have paralysis as a result of an accident caused by someone else’s actions can pursue financial compensation with the help of an experienced injury attorney.
Paralysis can be caused by various events or conditions that impact the spinal cord. Some of the most common causes of paralysis in New Braunfels include the following.
Injuries to the Spinal Cord
Car accidents, falls in dangerous environments, and on the job accidents are common in Texas. When these accidents injure the spinal cord, paralysis can result. Depending on the location of the injury, paralysis may affect different regions of the body, causing paralysis of the legs, all limbs, one side of the body, or affecting the entire body. In some cases, paralysis from an injury can affect digestion and respiratory function.
Car accidents in New Braunfels are one of the most common incidents that cause spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis. However, falls, sports accidents, and workplace accidents can also be the cause of a spinal injury that leads to paralysis. It is crucial to promptly seek medical attention after an accident that affects your neck or back. In many cases, the spine should be stabilized for transport to avoid further injury.
Medical Conditions
Medical events and chronic medical conditions that place pressure on the spinal cord or affect nerves in the body can cause paralysis. A severe medical event may cause paralysis suddenly, but some conditions are advanced before paralysis occurs. For example, a stroke that damages the brain causes sudden paralysis, while multiple sclerosis damages nerves over time. Medical conditions that cause paralysis can range from infections to chronic conditions. Some of the most common medical conditions that cause paralysis include the following:
- Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis
- Autoimmune diseases like Guillain-Barré syndrome and lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain or spinal cord tumors
- Motor neuron diseases such as ALS
- Strokes
While it is impossible to prevent paralysis from medical conditions, early and effective treatment can help patients avoid it. For example, when doctors recognize signs of artery disease, they will prescribe treatment to prevent stroke. Various treatments for chronic diseases and antibiotics used to fight infection can also help prevent disease or illness progression that leads to paralysis. If a doctor’s malpractice causes paralysis, a New Braunfels attorney could seek legal action.
Genetic Conditions and Birth Defects
Some conditions that cause paralysis are present at birth or occur shortly after birth. Diseases that damage the protective coating around your nerve cells (like multiple sclerosis) are inherited. Other defects that affect the proper formation of the brain or spinal cord during pregnancy (like spina bifida) can also cause paralysis. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common causes of paralysis. It is caused by damage to the brain before, during, or soon after birth, and could be caused by medical malpractice.
An Attorney Can Help You Determine Your Eligibility for Compensation for a Paralysis Injury
While there are various causes of paralysis in New Braunfels, many are related to someone’s negligence. Individuals who are hurt in an accident caused by someone else or those who received a delayed medical diagnosis are victims of negligent behavior. When your paralysis was caused by the careless actions of another, they can be held liable for their actions. Financial compensation for a personal injury claim can pay for your medical treatments, equipment to improve mobility, and changes to your home. Contact our attorneys today to learn more.
