How Assaults in South Carolina Can Lead to Paralysis

Attacks in South Carolina can easily leave victims paralyzed. This has happened before, and unfortunately, it will probably happen again. While some victims make full recoveries, others struggle with lifelong disabilities, mental health challenges, and medical expenses. What can you do if you were paralyzed after a South Carolina attack? Can a personal injury lawyer help you recover compensation?

Bus Assault Leaves South Carolina Man Paralyzed

In September of 2025, the nation’s attention turned to a Ukrainian woman who was fatally stabbed while riding the bus. This issue is something that many South Carolina residents are familiar with. While some of these victims perished after their attacks, others remain paralyzed. One such victim is a South Carolina man who suffered a broken neck and spinal injury after being assaulted on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus.

Some say that this transit system must improve its safety policies in order to protect passengers from further harm. After some assaults, bus drivers have continued to drive, seemingly unperturbed about the violence that just occurred on their vehicles. Some South Carolina residents are now so scared of the bus system that they refuse to ride these vehicles. Some even say, “You couldn’t pay me to ride those buses.”

How Do Assaults and Violence Lead to Paralysis?

Assaults and violence can lead to paralysis in various ways. A blow of sufficient force to the head, neck, or spine can paralyze a victim. This often occurs when victims are “stomped” and kicked while on the ground. Often, deranged attackers continue stomping victims even when they are motionless and unconscious.

Firearms can also cause paralysis. A bullet can impact the spinal cord, thereby damaging the nervous system and leaving victims paralyzed. These outcomes are relatively common, and many paralyzed people today are struggling because they were caught in the crossfire or assaulted directly with firearms.

Finally, a knife wound can potentially cause paralysis. Although rare, a stabbing impact with sufficient force can damage the spinal column. This can trigger paralysis in the same manner as a bullet.

Can I Get Compensation for Paralysis After an Attack in South Carolina?

If you can establish that someone else allowed your assault to happen or contributed to it in some way, you may be able to pursue compensation. For example, an attack on a public bus system could result in a lawsuit against the state. As long as you can prove that the transit organization should have been aware of the threat of violence, you may be able to hold them liable.

A private business may also be responsible for your attack if it occurred on private property. For example, you might have been assaulted at a nightclub, restaurant, hotel, or gas station. This could lead to a “negligent security lawsuit” in South Carolina.

Can a South Carolina Paralysis Lawyer Help Me?

If you’re struggling with issues like paraplegia or quadriplegia after an assault, consider speaking with a South Carolina paralysis lawyer. These legal professionals can help you explore options for compensation, including negligent security lawsuits. If your attack occurred on private property, the property owner might be liable. Continue this conversation with Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources: 

charlotteobserver.com/news/local/crime/article312083559.html

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8367050/