GRIDLEY, CALIFORNIA – 19-year-old Heather Jackson was seriously injured when her car was involved in a rollover accident on September 12, 2009. Jackson worked for Cathy’s Christian Cottage in Richvale and was taking one of the residents to a wedding in Chico at the time of the accident. The resident in the car with her suffered broken ribs in the accident. Jackson, however, was trapped in the van. Since the accident, it has been determined that Jackson’s injuries have resulted in paralysis for the chest down. She has very limited movement in her arms and hands and her therapists think they may be able to improve that movement in time.
Jackson is currently living at a spinal cord rehabilitation center in San Jose. Her spinal cord was not severed but her neck was broken. When her neck was broken, it was stretched severely which is the reason doctor’s believe she probably will not walk again. Jackson is well known in the athletic world because she was on the softball team in high school and continued to play as a pitcher at Butte College. She received an honorable mention for Butte College at the Golden Valley Conference for pitching last year.
Paralysis occurs when a person loses function of one or more muscle groups. Paralysis can be partial or it can be complete. When a victim suffers permanent paralysis as a result of another person’s negligent or reckless misconduct, he or she suddenly faces a lifetime of physical, emotional and financial challenges.
Oftentimes permanent paralysis victims must endure extended hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and extensive physical therapy. Although there have been many advances in paralysis treatment and possible recovery options, many times after all treatment the victim may still be unable to walk, move, or take care of themselves on their own as they used to. Following such a catastrophic personal injury such as paralysis, victims and their loved ones deal with intense emotions as they attempt to cope with these unimaginable life changes. Our hearts go out to the Jackson family as they try to adjust to life with Heather paralyzed. If you would like to learn more about serious personal injuries and the law, visit www.sandiego-personalinjurylaw.com.
The personal injury lawyers at Berman & Riedel, LLP have a long history of success in representing seriously injured plaintiffs. If you or a family member has suffered severe injury as a result of someone else’s reckless or negligent conduct, contact the firm to make sure your legal rights are protected.
