New York Causes of Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is an injury that cuts, bruises or causes any type of trauma to the bones or nerves that are part of the spinal cord. While there are many causes of spinal cord injuries, by far the most common cause is an accident that could have been avoided as it was caused by the negligence or intentional act of another person. When the injury is to the spinal cord, the victim's life is forever changed. Spinal cord injuries can cause the victim to lose independence, affect the victim’s ability to work, and leave him or her with significant lifetime treatment and rehabilitation costs. If you sustained a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another person, you may be entitled to recompense for your injuries through a personal injury claim. Contact an experienced New York spinal injury lawyer who has the skill and resources to investigate your case, and who will explain your legal options.

There are many reasons for spinal cord injuries including illness, medical mistakes, sports injuries. The most common reasons include:

• Motor vehicle accidents. Auto accidents, particularly SUV rollover accidents, are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Annually car accidents cause over 40% of new spinal cord injuries in New York and across the country.
• Falls. Spinal cord injury after age 65 is most often caused by a trip and fall accident. However, people of all ages are victims of falls, sometimes with catastrophic results. Falls are the second leading cause of spinal cord injuries, account for over 20% of spinal cord injuries.
• Criminal acts. Many spinal cord injuries are caused by acts of violence such as gunshot and knife wounds. Even a grazing injury by a gun or knife can cause serious damage to the spinal cord. Gun-related injuries account for approximately 10% of spinal cord injuries. Even though assault is a crime and the perpetrator will be subject to criminal prosecution, with the help of an injury attorney in New York, you can also file a civil action against the perpetrator and demand compensation for our injuries.

Depending on where the spinal cord injury is located and the severity of the injury, there are many different possible symptoms. The most severe symptom is complete paralysis where there is no movement or sensation in the affected body parts. Other symptoms include:

• Pressure or pain
• Poor coordination
• Difficulty walking
• Tingling or numbness in the hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Bladder or bowel problems
• Difficulty in breathing
• Muscle spasticity

While there are many cause of spinal cord injuries, if your injury was another person’s fault, you have the law on their side. As an experienced attorney will explain, New York law gives victims the right to demand payment from the negligent defendant for expenses related to the negligent act. For example, if you were a pedestrian who was hit by a car because the driver did not stop at a stop sign, you have the right to demand that the driver pay for your medical bills related to your injuries, as well as wages you lost because you were unable to work while recovering.

The law is also on your side if you are injured at work, even if injury was your own fault. Under New York workers’ compensation rules, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits including medical care.

Personal injury law and workers’ compensation law are complicated. To ensure that you file your claim with the appropriate detail and supported documentation, and to ensure that you file it on time, contact an experienced attorney for help.

If you suffered a serious injury to your spinal cord because of another person’s actions, it is important that you are represented by an experienced attorney. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has the knowledge, skill and resources to help ensure that you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled for your loses. 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.