Hearing the news that you or a loved one has become paralyzed is life-changing. At a time when you and your family must adjust to significant changes and emotional turmoil, you need a paralysis injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal challenges ahead.
Bogoroch & Associates is here to help. With extensive experience litigating complex paralysis injury claims across Ontario, we offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if we recover money for you.
Why Choose Bogoroch & Associates for a Paralysis Injury Claim?
At Bogoroch & Associates, our team of paralysis injury lawyers has longstanding experience handling catastrophic paralysis and spinal cord injury litigation. Our strong Ontario-wide reputation gives us access to leading neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists, life-care planners, vocational experts and economists, all of whom can help us advance the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Our trial-ready approach to litigation helps us anticipate and address the challenges that can arise in complex paralysis claims. Recognized as one of Canada and Ontario’s top personal injury firms, we advocate for families across Ontario to obtain fair and just compensation for the harm they have suffered.
How Our Paralysis Injury Lawyers Can Help
Paralysis injury claims often involve a complex process of investigation, evidence gathering and expert assessment, whether your claim is resolved through settlement or proceeds to trial. Bogoroch & Associates will guide you through each step while building a strong and comprehensive case on your behalf. Investigating a paralysis claim may require obtaining your medical records, assessing liability, and coordinating with appropriate medical experts. We are also well-prepared to assess and plan for your future care costs, ensuring that your claim considers both your current and long-term needs.
What Is a Paralysis Injury?
Paralysis is the partial or complete loss of muscle control and function in a specific area or areas of the body. It may be temporary or permanent and partial or complete, depending on its cause and severity. Partial or incomplete paralysis occurs when a person retains some sensation or muscle control in the affected area. Paralysis can also involve loss of muscle tone (flaccid muscles) or spasticity (tightness, twitching, or spasms).
Types of Paralysis Injuries
- Paraplegia - paralysis affecting both legs and generally the lower body.
- Quadriplegia - paralysis affecting both the arms and legs.
- Hemiplegia - paralysis affecting the arm and leg on one side of the body.
- Monoplegia - paralysis of one arm or leg.
- Partial paralysis - some sensation and muscle control remain in the affected part of the body.
Common Causes of Paralysis Injuries
There are many different causes of paralysis. Regardless of how you or your loved one suffered the injury, Bogoroch & Associates has earned its reputation as a top 10 personal injury law firm by representing people in complex and life-changing cases.
Causes of paralysis can include motor vehicle collisions, falls, workplace incidents and construction accidents. Paralysis can also be caused by injuries sustained during sports activities, acts of violence or as a result of medical malpractice. Birth injuries involving brain damage, infections or spinal cord injuries may also cause paralysis and, in some circumstances, may result from medical negligence.
Long-Term Effects and Lifetime Care Needs
Paralysis injuries can have long-term effects that require significant and lasting changes to virtually every aspect of a person’s life. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, a person living with paralysis may experience mobility loss, chronic pain, respiratory complications, and bowel and bladder management issues. These conditions may require assistive technology, home modifications, attendant care, rehabilitation and psychological support. Bogoroch & Associates is experienced in working with appropriate experts to help ensure that your claim fully reflects your current and future needs.
Catastrophic Impairment Under Ontario’s SABS
Have you or has your loved one been paralyzed as a result of a motor vehicle accident? Paraplegia and quadriplegia are among the injuries that may satisfy the criteria for catastrophic impairment under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS). A person who is catastrophically impaired may have access to up to $1 million in medical, rehabilitation, and attendant care benefits, subject to eligibility and applicable coverage. Insurance companies may dispute catastrophic impairment claims, making experienced legal representation particularly important when navigating the claims process.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Different parties can be held liable in paralysis injury cases, depending on the nature and circumstances of the incident. Where paralysis is caused by a motor vehicle accident, one or more drivers may be liable. In other cases, property owners, municipalities, contractors or other parties may be liable, especially where dangerous conditions caused or contributed to the injury. Manufacturers may be liable if a defective or unsafe product contributed to the injury, while healthcare providers may be liable in cases where medical negligence, including negligence associated with childbirth, caused or contributed to paralysis.
How Do You Prove a Paralysis Injury Claim?
There are several steps in pursuing a paralysis injury claim, each requiring careful assessment and investigation. Some cases of spinal cord injury require diagnostic testing, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, as well as neurological assessments. If a doctor failed to order appropriate assessments or misinterpreted scan results, there may be grounds to investigate whether medical negligence occurred.
Our team and the medical experts we retain will investigate your claim and review your medical records. We will also assess your future needs and costs, as well as evidence of economic loss, to ensure your claim reflects the full range of compensation to which you may be entitled.
Compensation Available
Our team at Bogoroch & Associates recognizes that paralysis can profoundly affect your life and create substantial financial and care needs, both now and in the future. You may be entitled to compensation for loss of income and other expenses you incur as a result of your injuries, including future care, attendant care, rehabilitation and assistive devices, as well as home and vehicle modifications.
You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. Compensation may be available for certain loved ones who have suffered losses as a result of your injury.
Paralysis Injury Claim Process
A paralysis injury claim generally begins with a free consultation. Our lawyers then investigate how the injury occurred, obtain medical records and other evidence, assess liability and retain appropriate experts.
We pursue your claim through negotiations and, where appropriate, mediation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our trial-ready approach to advocacy means we are prepared to take your case to court.
FAQ
What qualifies as a paralysis injury claim?
You may have a claim where another person or organization’s negligence caused or contributed to an injury resulting in paralysis.
What is the difference between paraplegia and quadriplegia?
Paraplegia generally affects the legs and lower body, while quadriplegia affects both the arms and legs.
Does paralysis qualify as a catastrophic injury in Ontario?
Paraplegia and quadriplegia may meet Ontario’s catastrophic impairment criteria following a motor vehicle accident.
What compensation can I recover?
Compensation may include income loss, pain and suffering, future care, attendant care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home or vehicle modifications.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Ontario claims are subject to limitation periods and other deadlines that depend on the circumstances. Obtaining legal advice promptly can help protect your rights.
How can a paralysis injury lawyer help?
A lawyer can investigate your claim, preserve evidence, assess liability, retain experts, evaluate your losses, negotiate a settlement, and take your case to trial where necessary.
Speak With a Paralysis Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis, seek legal advice as soon as possible to preserve important evidence and protect your rights. Bogoroch & Associates offers free consultations and acts on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless we recover money for you. Contact our lawyers in Toronto for a free consultation or call 416-599-1700.
Serving Toronto & Ontario
Speak to a Compassionate Lawyer Today. Bogoroch & Associates serves clients across Toronto and Ontario, including:
Toronto | Mississauga | Scarborough | Etobicoke | Vaughan | North York | York | Thunder Bay | Oakville | Burlington | Hamilton | Barrie | Sault Ste. Marie | Milton | GTA | Ottawa | London | Brampton | Windsor | Markham | Guelph | Oshawa | Kingston | Sudbury | Newmarket | Peterborough | Whitby | Sarnia | Georgetown | Orangeville | Woodstock | Cornwall | Lakefield | Bancroft | North Bay
