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Paralysis Injuries After an Accident: Compensation and Legal Rights in California

Posted by Laura Yutzy on September 3rd, 2025 - Catastrophic Injury, Personal Injury, Spine Injuries

Paralysis Injuries After an Accident: Compensation and Legal Rights in California

Paralysis is one of the most devastating consequences of a serious accident. Whether caused by a freeway collision on I-5 in San Diego, a construction fall in Los Angeles, or a motorcycle crash on Highway 1, paralysis injuries change every aspect of a victim’s life.

These injuries often result from spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injury, or severe nerve damage. Victims may experience paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body), quadriplegia (paralysis from the neck down), or partial paralysis affecting mobility and independence.


Paralysis injuries extend far beyond the initial hospital stay. California families often face:

  • Intensive rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Home modifications, including ramps, lifts, and accessible bathrooms
  • Lifelong medical care, medication, and equipment such as wheelchairs
  • Loss of income and reduced earning capacity
  • Emotional and psychological impacts for both victims and their loved ones

For many, the financial burden reaches millions of dollars over a lifetime. That’s why working with a California paralysis injury attorney is critical to securing compensation that covers not just immediate bills, but long-term needs.


Victims of catastrophic injuries such as paralysis may be entitled to significant compensation. Depending on the case, damages may include:

  • Emergency medical care and hospitalization costs
  • Ongoing rehabilitation and in-home care
  • Lost wages and diminished future earning potential
  • Pain and suffering, including loss of quality of life
  • Costs of mobility aids and home modifications

In San Diego and throughout California, personal injury law allows victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages to help restore dignity and security after life-altering accidents.


California law provides strong protections for accident victims, but strict deadlines apply. In most personal injury cases, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. In cases involving government entities—such as accidents caused by unsafe public property—the timeline is even shorter.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, offering quick settlements that fail to account for lifelong costs. Having an experienced paralysis injury lawyer in California ensures your case is properly valued and your rights are fully protected.


Phillips & Pelly has been representing catastrophic injury victims in San Diego and across California since 1997. With more than $200 million recovered for clients, our attorneys have handled some of the state’s most complex and high-stakes personal injury cases.

Our team understands both the medical and legal complexities of paralysis claims. We work closely with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to present a clear picture of your long-term needs—and fight for the compensation required to meet them.

We also offer contingency fee representation, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we secure a recovery on your behalf.


If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis after an accident in San Diego or anywhere in California, you don’t have to face the future alone. Our firm is dedicated to helping families rebuild their lives after catastrophic injuries.

Contact Phillips & Pelly today at (858) 794-1700 for a free consultation. Our experienced California paralysis injury lawyers are here to protect your rights, maximize your recovery, and help you plan for the road ahead.

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