During a recent winter, a 17 year old female student was a passenger in a motor vehicle traveling on the north side of the Van Wyck expressway in Queens, New York.
Birth injuries are serious complications that can occur during the birthing process, potentially leading to lifelong challenges for the child. These injuries can range from minor bruising and swelling to severe, permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injury.
Common surgical errors include performing the wrong procedure, leaving foreign objects in the body, damaging vital organs, or causing infections. Such mistakes can lead to severe pain, disability, and even death.
Trusted Rockland County Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys
At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we understand how destructive spinal cord injuries can be. Our experienced New City spinal cord injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in securing compensation for our clients.
We’re prepared to fight for your rights and help you overcome the legal and medical challenges you’re facing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Accidents That Lead to Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that can occur in a variety of situations. They often result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating conditions requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Understanding the common causes of spinal cord injuries is crucial for preventing them and seeking appropriate legal recourse if they occur.
Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. High-impact crashes, rollovers, and rear-end collisions can cause severe damage to the spinal column, leading to paralysis or other serious impairments.
These injuries often occur when drivers speed, get distracted, or operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The force of the impact can cause the head, neck, or back to whip or twist, producing damage to the spinal cord.
Falls from heights, improper lifting techniques, and exposure to hazardous materials can all cause spinal cord injuries on construction sites. They’re more likely to occur when workers aren’t properly trained, safety protocols are ignored, or equipment malfunctions.
The weight of heavy objects, the height of falls, and the presence of dangerous materials can all contribute to the severity of spinal cord injuries in construction accidents.
Those who engage in high-impact sports like football, rugby, and hockey are more vulnerable to spinal cord injuries, which can result from direct contact, falls, or sudden movements. Factors like improper technique, inadequate protective gear, and lack of conditioning increase the risk.
Athletes must prioritize safety and follow proper training guidelines to minimize the probability of sustaining such a serious injury.
Falls on slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, or poorly maintained stairways can create spinal cord injuries, especially if the fall is from a significant height.
These accidents often happen in public places, such as sidewalks, parking lots, and stairwells, where property owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. Negligence in maintaining these areas can give rise to spinal cord injuries and other harm.
Negligence by medical professionals during surgery, childbirth, or other procedures can also cause spinal cord injuries, which are most often due to errors in diagnosis, treatment, or surgical technique. It's essential to seek medical care from qualified professionals who are experienced in their field and prioritize patient safety.
Common Consequences of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on a victim’s life, affecting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. The severity of the effects depends on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord. Common consequences include:
The most extreme consequence of a catastrophic spinal cord injury is paralysis, which can affect all or part of the body below the level of the injury and range from partial weakness to complete loss of movement and sensation. Paralysis can significantly impact a person's ability to walk, use their arms and hands, or control their bodily functions.
People with spinal cord injuries may experience a loss of sensation in their limbs, trunk, or even their bowels and bladder. This can make it difficult to register discomfort, temperature, or pressure, which can lead to injuries and infections.
Spinal cord injuries can cause severe pain, including neuropathic pain, a chronic nerve-related pain condition that can be difficult to treat. The pain may be constant, intense, and debilitating, significantly impacting the sufferer’s quality of life.
Damage to the spinal cord can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions such as bowel and bladder control. Total loss of control can lead to incontinence, which can be embarrassing and tricky to manage.
Spinal cord injuries can also affect sexual function, depending on the location and extent of the injury. Injured individuals may have difficulty achieving arousal, experiencing orgasms, or conceiving children.
Injuries to the spine frequently affect the victim’s ability to perform everyday tasks, resulting in a loss of independence. The individual may have a hard time dressing, bathing, eating, and moving from place to place.
Adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. People with these injuries may experience depression, anxiety, anger, and grief. It's crucial to seek support from mental health professionals to cope with these challenges.
Get the Justice You Deserve
A spinal cord injury can change your life. Let Fellows Hymowitz Rice help you secure your future with a strong legal strategy and effective representation. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Determining who’s responsible for a spinal cord injury depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. However, common parties who may be held liable include:
Negligent Drivers: If you sustained your injury in a car accident, the driver who caused it may be legally liable.
Property Owners: If a slip and fall on someone else's property causes a spinal cord injury, the property owner may be on the hook for failing to maintain a safe environment.
Construction Companies: Construction companies and contractors can be assigned blame if they fail to provide a safe work environment.
Medical Professionals: When medical negligence causes a spinal cord injury, the careless medical professional is typically liable.
Manufacturers: Makers of unsafe or defective products may be held to account for failing to ensure user safety.
A qualified personal injury attorney can assess the facts of your case and pinpoint those responsible for your accident and resulting injuries.
Damages You Can Recover
If another party’s negligence caused your spinal injury, you may be entitled to recover various damages, or formal monetary awards, including the following:
Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical expenses related to your spinal cord injury, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing medical care
Lost Wages: Past and future lost wages due to your inability to work as a result of your injury
Property Damage: Repays you for damage to your vehicle or other property as a result of the accident that caused your injury
Pain and Suffering: Recognizes the physical and emotional pain you’ve experienced as a result of your spinal cord injury
Loss of Consortium: Compensates you and your spouse or partner for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support
The type and amount of damages you’re eligible to receive will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries, along with other factors, such as the actions that prompted the accident.
What Are the Different Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spinal cord injuries are classified based on the severity of the damage and the location of the injury. There are two main types:
With a complete spinal cord injury, there’s a complete loss of sensation and motor activity below the level of the damage. This means that the person is unable to feel or move anything below the injured area.
With an incomplete spinal cord injury, the injured person retains some degree of sensation or movement below the level of the injury. They may have some feeling or movement, but it will be limited or weak.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as recovery time comes down to the acuteness of the injury, the individual's overall health, and their commitment to rehabilitation.
In general, however, recovering from a spinal cord injury is a long and challenging process that can take months or even years. In severe cases, the injured individual may only recover partial sensation and function in the affected limbs or none at all.
What Treatments Are Available for Spinal Cord Injuries?
Treatment for spinal cord injuries focuses on stabilizing the spine, preventing further damage, and maximizing functional recovery. Various methods include:
Surgery: Surgical procedures may be necessary to stabilize the spine, decompress the spinal cord, or repair damaged tissue.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is an essential part of recovery focused on improving strength, mobility, and independence.
Medications: Pharmaceuticals may be prescribed to manage pain, spasms, and other symptoms.
Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, and braces can help people with spinal cord injuries maintain mobility and independence.
Should you decide to file a personal injury claim after your spinal cord injury, you can seek economic damages to cover all of these expenses.
What Are the Legal Options for Someone Who’s Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury?
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options as you navigate the complex legal system.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Assist You
The skilled attorneys at Fellows Hymowitz Rice can aid you by performing the following critical tasks:
Investigating Your Accident: Our experienced team will gather evidence to determine the cause of your injury and identify all parties who may be liable.
Negotiating with the Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.
Preparing Your Case for Trial: If we can’t reach a satisfactory settlement, we’ll take your case to trial and represent you forcefully in court.
Helping You Access Medical Care: We can connect you with qualified medical professionals who can provide the treatment and rehabilitation you need.
Advocating for Your Rights: We’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the fair treatment and financial support you deserve.
When seeking compensation to deal with the effects of a serious injury, a seasoned attorney is the best ally you can have.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
We serve clients across New York, from the bustling streets of New York City to the peaceful communities of Rockland County and beyond. We're here to help you wherever you are.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a catastrophic accident, you’re no doubt hungry for justice and fair compensation. We can help you get it.
Our dedicated team of spinal cord injury lawyers will fight to ensure that you get every penny of the damages you have coming to you. Schedule a free consultation today to start your claim.
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