Paralyzed after a work accident, what’s next?

Paralysis doesn’t just change your body – it changes your future. If you lost movement in part of your body because of a work injury, you’re facing a serious turning point. You deserve answers, support and justice under California law, but you have to act fast.

What to do right after the accident

If a workplace accident paralyzed you, take these steps right away:

• Tell your employer about the injury.

• Get emergency medical care and explain that it happened at work.

• Ask for a workers’ compensation claim form and fill it out.

• Keep records of every medical visit, report and communication.

These steps create a clear record and show that your injury happened on the job.

What workers’ compensation may provide for paralysis

California workers’ compensation offers several benefits for workers with paralysis injuries:

• Medical care including rehabilitation, assistive devices and home modifications

• Payments while you recover and cannot work

• Permanent disability payments if your condition does not improve

• Lifetime payments if your injury prevents you from working again

• Job retraining vouchers if you cannot return to your old job

To determine eligibility for long-term benefits, California uses a formula to rate permanent disability. It looks at your medical impairment, your age, occupation and how the injury affects your ability to earn a living. Many paralysis injuries fall between 70 and 100 percent, and a 100 percent rating qualifies you for full compensation.

When someone else may be responsible

Not every workplace injury is the employer’s fault. If a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer or another party caused the accident, you may have a separate personal injury claim. That type of claim can provide compensation for pain, suffering and future lost income. 

Protecting your future is part of your recovery

Your health and recovery should come first, but protecting your future matters just as much. The workers’ compensation system involves strict deadlines and detailed procedures, and you need someone who can guide you through it and fight for the support you deserve. Consider speaking with an attorney who understands catastrophic injuries. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing just compensation.