LOS ANGELES — Toyota Motor Corp. must face charges that it acted in contempt of court in a 2007 lawsuit involving a paralyzed woman, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled.

Pennie Green, permanently injured five years ago when her Camry rolled over, originally settled the personal injury suit for $1.5 million. But last fall she filed a motion in state court alleging that the automaker had deliberately withheld documents related to vehicle safety in the course of that case, leading her to settle rather than seek more money or go to trial.

In late February, Toyota asked the state’s highest judicial body to stay that case and dismiss the contempt motion, arguing that the courts did not have jurisdiction in the matter. On Friday, however, the court lifted the stay, allowing the proceedings to continue.

The ruling could have serious implications for Toyota. If Green’s allegations are upheld, the Japanese automaker could face not only a civil sanction, but also the prospect that dozens — if not hundreds — of other long-closed lawsuits against the automaker could be reconsidered on similar grounds.

Green’s attorney, Jeff Embry, said that if Toyota was hit with a contempt ruling, his client would consider asking the court to reopen her personal injury case. “Ms. Green is going to want to consider her options,” Embry said.