Under the principle of "taking your victim as you find them," also known as the "eggshell skull rule," a defendant is liable for the full extent of a plaintiff's injuries, even if the injuries are more severe due to a pre-existing condition. In this scenario, Tom must take Emma as he finds her, including her pre-existing back condition. Therefore, Emma can claim damages for her paralysis from Tom, as the exacerbation of her condition resulting in paralysis was caused by Tom's negligent driving.

Key Point: This question emphasizes the "eggshell skull rule" in tort law, which states that defendants are liable for the full extent of harm caused to plaintiffs, even if the plaintiffs' pre-existing vulnerabilities exacerbate the injuries. Understanding this principle is crucial for assessing liability and damages in personal injury cases.