Paralysis in Medical Malpractice Cases
Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in part of the body from spinal cord or nervous system damage. Types include paraplegia (lower body), quadriplegia (all four limbs), and hemiplegia (one side).
Medical Malpractice cases in Colorado that result in paralysis are subject to 2 years from discovery; 3-year outer limit (C.R.S. § 13-80-102.5). Under Colorado’s modified comparative fault system (C.R.S. § 13-21-111), your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage and barred entirely at 50% or more fault.
Paralysis Settlement Ranges
| Severity | Estimated Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Low Severity | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Medium Severity | $750,000 – $3,000,000 |
| High Severity / Catastrophic | $3,000,000 – $15,000,000+ |
These ranges are general estimates based on Colorado verdict and settlement data. Actual case values vary based on specific facts.
Medical Treatment & Case Impact
Results from spinal cord injury, brain injury, or nerve damage. Treatment includes emergency stabilization, surgery, intensive rehabilitation, and lifelong supportive care. Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO is one of the nation’s top rehabilitation centers.
Produces the highest settlements and verdicts in Colorado PI law. Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5M. Life care plans, vocational experts, and economist testimony are essential to document the full extent of damages.