Los Angeles
Quadriplegia Lawyer

A quadriplegia injury is one of the most devastating experiences a person can endure. The cost of care for quadriplegia can exceed $1 million in the first year alone.

Whether caused by a catastrophic accident, medical error, or someone else’s negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can feel overwhelming. You deserve someone in your corner who will stand up for your rights and fight to hold those responsible accountable. At Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC, our experienced paralysis lawyers are here to support you during this incredibly difficult time. Below, we explain key information about quadriplegia cases in Los Angeles, including your legal options, the types of financial compensation available, and how a Los Angeles Quadriplegia Lawyer can fight on your behalf to pursue justice.

What Is Quadriplegia?

Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a condition caused by injury or illness affecting the spinal cord or brain, leading to partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs and the torso. It impairs motor function, sensation, and sometimes internal organ control. Quadriplegia is categorized into several types, depending on the severity and cause of the spinal cord injury. The four major types are:

• Complete Quadriplegia: This happens when the spinal cord is fully severed, resulting in total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury site.
• Incomplete Quadriplegia: Here, the spinal cord is only partially damaged, which may allow for limited movement or sensation.
• Traumatic Quadriplegia: This type is caused by external forces, such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
• Non-Traumatic Quadriplegia: This can result from medical conditions like spinal tumors or diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

What Are the Main Causes of Quadriplegia?

• Car Accidents: Many quadriplegia cases in Los Angeles are caused by reckless or negligent drivers.
• Workplace Accidents: Unsafe working conditions, especially in construction or industrial settings, can lead to spinal cord injuries.
• Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery or failure to diagnose a condition like a spinal abscess can lead to quadriplegia.
• Defective Products: Faulty car parts or medical devices can cause accidents leading to quadriplegia.

How Does Quadriplegia Disrupt a Victim’s Life?

Quadriplegia affects every part of your life in ways that most injuries don’t. You may lose the ability to move or feel anything below your neck, which means depending on caregivers for basic daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing. The emotional toll is significant, too. Many victims experience depression or anxiety as they adjust to their new reality. Financially, the costs can be overwhelming. Unlike other injuries, quadriplegia often requires lifelong medical care, specialized equipment like wheelchairs, and home modifications. Additionally, losing the ability to work can make it harder to support yourself or your family.

Who Is Legally Responsible If You Have Quadriplegia?

Determining who is responsible for your injury depends on how the accident occurred. In Los Angeles, common liable parties include negligent drivers, employers who ignore safety standards, property owners who fail to fix hazards, or manufacturers of defective products.

For example, under California Civil Code § 1714, individuals must act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. If a driver violates traffic laws and causes a crash that leaves you paralyzed, they can be held liable. Similarly, property owners are bound by California’s premises liability laws to maintain safe conditions.

The statute of limitations is critical. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your injury involves a government entity, such as a public transportation accident, you must file a claim within six months under the California Tort Claims Act.

California also follows comparative fault rules. This means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can You Sue Because of Quadriplegia?

Filing an insurance claim can help you cover immediate and long-term expenses related to your injury. Despite coverage being insufficient for quadriplegia-related costs, filing a claim is still a critical first step. Health insurance can also help pay for medical treatment, therapy, and necessary equipment. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. It’s important to provide thorough documentation of your injury, medical bills, and any other related expenses to strengthen your claim.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the best way to seek full compensation for the damages caused by someone else’s negligence. Insurance claims often have payout limits that don’t reflect the actual cost of living with quadriplegia, which can reach millions of dollars over your lifetime. A lawsuit allows you to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages. California Civil Code § 3333 entitles you to recover these damages if you can prove the other party’s negligence caused your injury.

Personal injury lawsuits also allow you to hold the responsible party accountable, creating an opportunity for justice beyond financial compensation.

What Compensation Can You Get for Quadriplegia?

Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of future care, such as in-home nursing or rehabilitation services. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Punitive damages may also be awarded under California Civil Code § 3294 if the responsible party acted with malice.

A quadriplegia lawyer can provide invaluable support throughout your case. They will investigate the cause of your injury, gather evidence, and identify all liable parties. Lawyers skilled in personal injury law can negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court and build a strong case.

Contact Los Angeles Quadriplegia Attorney Samer Habbas

If you or someone you love suffered quadriplegia in Los Angeles, you need a dedicated legal paralysis attorney on your side. The experienced lawyers at Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC are here to fight for your rights and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand how life-changing this type of injury can be, and we are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. You don’t have to face this overwhelming situation alone—our team has the knowledge and determination to take on even the toughest cases. Contact Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC by calling 949-727-9300 or contacting us online for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Quadriplegia attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions