Lack of motor control — also referred to as motor dysfunction, loss of coordination, or impaired movement — is a severe condition that can be the result of a traumatic injury, often seen in California personal injury cases involving car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults. If this condition was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for substantial compensation under California law.
🧠 What Is Loss of Motor Control?
Motor control is your body’s ability to initiate, coordinate, and control movement. Losing this function can drastically reduce independence and quality of life.
Causes of Motor Dysfunction in Personal Injury:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – damaging the parts of the brain responsible for movement
- Spinal cord injury – disrupting nerve signals between the brain and muscles
- Nerve damage – from blunt trauma, fractures, or medical errors
- Stroke – sometimes triggered by head trauma or medical malpractice
- Amputation or limb trauma
- Neurological damage – diffuse axonal injury or intracranial pressure
Symptoms may include:
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Tremors or involuntary movements
- Poor balance or coordination
- Difficulty walking or using limbs
- Muscle stiffness or spasticity
⚖️ Legal Grounds in a California Personal Injury Case
To succeed in a claim, you must prove that:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their actions caused your motor control loss
- You suffered damages as a result
Common situations include:
- Car or motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip-and-falls or trip hazards
- Medical malpractice (e.g., surgery errors, misdiagnosed stroke)
- Acts of violence
💰 Damages You Can Recover
Losing motor function affects nearly every aspect of life. In California, you may be entitled to:
🔹 Economic Damages
- Hospitalization and emergency treatment
- Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
- Medications, assistive devices (wheelchair, walker)
- Home modifications (ramps, accessible bathrooms)
- In-home care or nursing support
- Lost income and future earning capacity
🔹 Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of independence or mobility
- Loss of consortium (impact on family or partner relationships)
🔹 Punitive Damages
Available if the injury was caused by gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct (e.g., DUI, assault).
🧾 Proving Your Case
Loss of motor control is highly visible, but it still needs to be well-documented for insurance or trial purposes.
✅ Important Evidence:
- Neurological evaluations (e.g., EMG, nerve conduction, reflex testing)
- MRI, CT scans of the brain, spine, or affected areas
- Physical therapy records and progress reports
- Expert medical testimony
- Functional capacity assessments showing what daily tasks are impaired
- Before-and-after testimony from family, friends, or coworkers
👨⚖️ Why Legal Representation Matters
Cases involving motor function loss are complex, high-value, and often contested by insurers. A skilled California personal injury lawyer can:
- Prove causation and long-term impact
- Coordinate medical and life-care planning experts
- Fight for a full and fair settlement or take your case to trial
- Secure compensation for lifetime costs and lost independence
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
How To Schedule A Consultation:
Please call us at 909-848-8448 to schedule a free consultation/case evaluation or complete the form immediately below. [Please note certain formalities must be completed to retain the Law Offices of James R. Dickinson, such as the signing of a legal fee agreement [see “Disclaimers”]].