Paralysis refers to the loss of muscle function in part of the body. It is generally categorized by how much of the body is affected. Monoplegia impacts a single limb; hemiplegia affects one entire side of the body; paraplegia involves both legs and the lower trunk; and quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, affects all four limbs along with the torso. A less common form, diplegia, involves the same body region on both sides, such as both arms or both legs.
In cases where paralysis results from a medical professional’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care, the injured patient may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim under California law.
How Do Monoplegia and Hemiplegia Differ?
Monoplegia is the mildest classification of paralysis in terms of how much of the body is affected. Only one limb loses function, whether an arm or a leg. It can result from nerve damage during surgery, a stroke that goes undiagnosed, or a birth injury caused by improper delivery techniques. While some patients recover partial movement through rehabilitation, others face permanent limitations.
Hemiplegia is broader and affects an entire side of the body. It is most commonly linked to strokes, but it can also develop after a traumatic brain injury or a surgical complication that damages one hemisphere of the brain. Patients living with hemiplegia often require long-term physical therapy and may need ongoing assistance with daily activities for the rest of their lives.
What Sets Paraplegia and Quadriplegia Apart?
Paraplegia refers to the loss of movement and sensation in both legs and, depending on the level of the spinal cord injury, portions of the trunk. Patients with paraplegia typically retain full use of their arms and hands but may face challenges with bladder and bowel function. Spinal cord damage in the thoracic or lumbar region is the most frequent cause.
Quadriplegia affects all four limbs and the torso. It stems from damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord, often at or near the neck. The higher the point of injury, the more function the patient stands to lose. In the most severe cases, quadriplegia can impair the ability to breathe without mechanical assistance. Both conditions are often permanent and demand extensive medical care.
When Does Paralysis Give Rise to a Medical Malpractice Claim in California?
Not every case of paralysis involves malpractice. However, in circumstances where a healthcare provider’s negligence directly causes or worsens a paralysis injury, California law allows the patient to file a lawsuit. Common scenarios include surgical errors and birth injuries, just to name a couple of examples.
The statute of limitations under Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.5 requires that a claim be filed within one year of the date the patient discovered the injury, or three years from the date the injury occurred, whichever deadline arrives first. There are only exceptions for rare cases, making it wise to seek legal advice as soon as you can.
Get Legal Help if Medical Negligence Caused Your Paralysis
A paralysis diagnosis changes everything for the patient and the people closest to them. If a healthcare provider’s mistake is responsible, California law provides a path toward financial recovery for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Call The Law Office of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel and Associates to schedule a free consultation at (800) 541-9376. We’ve recovered billions of dollars for our clients and will do everything we can to help you as well.
