Paralysis from Car Accidents
Paralysis is one of the most life-changing injuries a person can suffer. A car accident that injures the spinal cord can leave someone unable to move their legs, arms, or both. This can mean a lifetime of medical care, in-home support, and lost income. In Massachusetts, you have the right to sue the person who caused your paralysis from a car accident for these costs. The Boston car accident attorneys at DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers fight for people with catastrophic injuries. Just want to know your legal options? Call 855-342-3552 for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.
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Reviewed by: Christopher DiBella
April 10, 2026
On This Page
- Quick Facts: How Car Accidents Cause Paralysis
- Types of Paralysis from Car Accidents
- Why Choose Car Accident Lawyers at DiBella Law for a Paralysis Case?
- What is the True Lifetime Cost of Paralysis from a Car Accident?
- What Compensation, or Damages, are Available in a Paralysis Lawsuit?
- Massachusetts Law and Paralysis Claims
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Paralysis Injury?
- Call DiBella Law Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Quick Facts: How Car Accidents Cause Paralysis
- The spinal cord runs from the brain down through the spine. When the vertebrae are fractured, crushed, or dislocated in a crash, the cord can be damaged or severed, which often results in paralysis.
- High-speed crashes, rollovers, and head-on collisions carry the highest risk of spinal cord injury
- The level of the injury on the spine determines which parts of the body are paralyzed
Types of Paralysis from Car Accidents
| Type | Definition | Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Paraplegia | Partial or complete paralysis | Lower body (legs, lower trunk) |
| Quadriplegia / Tetraplegia | Partial or complete paralysis | All four limbs and trunk |
| Incomplete injury | Some function remains | Varies |
| Complete injury | No function below injury level | Varies |
We’ve offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Why Choose Car Accident Lawyers at DiBella Law for a Paralysis Case?
At DiBella Law, we combine our 20+ years of legal experience with catastrophic injury cases, local knowledge, and personal connection to our clients to achieve maximum compensation for each person’s unique situation. We work with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to calculate the true lifetime value of your injuries.
You can rest assured that you do not need to pay anything up front. First, we start with a free case evaluation. We will evaluate your claim and provide legal advice on the next steps. There are no legal fees unless we win, so your family does not pay anything unless we recover money for you. Also, during your intake call or meeting, we will discuss and agree upon a contingency agreement. Contingency fees mean we receive a percentage of your overall personal injury settlement.
Moreover, our past clients have left DiBella Law over 400 5-star reviews and testimonials online. Don’t take our word for it:
Case Results Involving Catastrophic Injuries
- $2.6 million — Pedestrian struck by a commercial truck in a crosswalk. Suffered a traumatic brain injury and broken bones. This is one of DiBella Law’s largest recoveries.
- $2.1 million – Pedestrian was hit in the road, and the driver fled the scene. Their injuries included multiple bone fractures, and they required rehabilitation to regain use of their limbs.
- $625,000 — Traumatic brain injury case. A senior woman suffered a massive brain bleed and was placed on life support.
What is the True Lifetime Cost of Paralysis from a Car Accident?
- First-year medical costs for a high-level spinal cord injury (e.g., C1–C4 tetraplegia) can exceed $1 million, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center
- Ongoing annual costs can range from $50,000 to over $200,000 per year for the rest of the person’s life
- Home modifications, wheelchair equipment, in-home attendants, lost earnings, and lost career opportunities add to these costs
Legal and medical aspects of spinal cord injuries are complex. For example, an expert witness, such as a doctor or surgeon who specializes in the spine, is often required to explain the extent of the injury and the expected costs of any future operations and treatment.
To prove that the victim’s injuries are genuine, the insurance company will review any previous medical records and bills to determine if the victim has underlying medical conditions or pre-existing injuries. Working with an experienced Boston personal injury attorney will significantly reduce the amount of work you will need to do to obtain compensation.
What Compensation, or Damages, are Available in a Paralysis Lawsuit?
It is important to utilize the insurance policies of the involved parties in the crash that caused the paralysis because the coverage is meant to cover costs (or damages), like:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment
- Wrongful death damages for families
Get immediate case evaluation with no cost or obligation to you in less than 5 minutes.
Massachusetts Law and Paralysis Claims
You have a limited amount of time to file a claim if you have been paralyzed in a car accident. Massachusetts statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of injury (M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A).
Massachusetts follows the comparative negligence rule. Your compensation may be reduced if you were partly at fault, but you can still recover if your fault is 50% or less (M.G.L. c. 231, § 85).
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Paralysis Injury?
It is not your responsibility to prove or determine who was at fault for the accident. Rely on our team of car accident attorneys to help. Some of the common defendants that we will examine in your case include:
- The at-fault driver (most common)
- A bar or restaurant that overserved an impaired driver (dram shop liability)
- A government entity, if a municipal vehicle or poor road design caused the crash
- A trucking company, if a commercial vehicle was involved
Call DiBella Law Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Don’t face paralysis from a car accident alone. Fill out our contact form or call 855-342-3552 for a free case evaluation. In your free case evaluation, our compassionate team will help you decide the next steps for your particular situation. No legal fees unless we win!
