The spine is located in the back and is made up of several small bones called vertebrae. Ligaments and muscles connect the vertebrae together to make up the spinal column. The vertebrae are separated by a soft bone substance called discs. The spine is often referred to as the backbone. Enclosed in the spine is a bundle of nerves called the spinal cord. A spinal injury can involve damage to any part of the spine. Depending on the part of the spine damaged and the severity of the damage, the victim may suffer from severe back pain, difficulty walking, paralysis, impaired sexual ability, bladder and bowel control problems, or difficulty breathing. Such medical problems can lead to a loss of independence, difficulty working, challenging interpersonal relationships, and a lifetime of substantial medical bills. If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer because you suffered a spinal injury in an accident because another person was reckless, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer who will review the details of the accident and help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries.
Common causes of spinal injuriesA spinal cord injury is typically caused by a traumatic injury or blow to the spine. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the 5 leading causes of spinal injuries include auto accidents, falls, acts of violence, and sports accidents. However, any act that involves violent force against the body could result in an injury to the spine.
Symptoms of spinal injuriesWhen the damage to the spine also involves damage to the spinal cord, the victim will likely experience loss of sensation in a part of the body as well as the inability to move a part of the body. If the injury is to the spinal vertebrae, the symptoms will vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture. The symptoms may include neck pain, back pain, pressure on head, back or neck, tingling in your hands, fingers, feet or toes, muscle spasms, bowel or bladder problems, impaired breathing, and mobility problems.
Pursuing a claimAn injury to the spine is a serious injury that can result in substantial medical bills. Depending on the part of the spine that is damaged, the victim may have breathing problems, bladder or bowel issues, a reduction in motor function, paralysis, and problems with blood pressure. As a result the victim may require surgery, as well as long-term treatment such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition management, counseling, and regular visits to doctors. This type of immediate and long-term treatment will amount to thousands and thousands of dollars. It is only fair that the person who caused the accident pay these bills.
Such compensation may include:
In order to pursue damages because you were seriously injured by another person's negligence there are specific steps that you must follow. There are also strict deadlines that you must follow and other procedural rules that you must follow or jeopardize losing your case. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in representing clients in personal cases resulting from serious car, SUV, minivan, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and construction accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.