New York Car Accident Lawyer

New York Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Have You Suffered a Back or Spine Injury in NYC? Contact Ajlouny Injury Law Today.

Never a Fee Unless We Win! 

As a New York Personal Injury law firm, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer free help to the injured. You pay absolutely nothing out of picket. We get paid out of the verdict or settlement money only if we win your case. Don't wait, get started today by calling our attorney at (718) 233-3913

Spinal Cord Injuries Can Be Catastrophic: Get Legal Help

Damage to a person’s spinal cord can be catastrophic, impacting nearly every aspect of their life. Spinal cord injuries are rarely mild and can cause permanent changes to a person’s mobility. In the most severe form, a spinal cord injury can cause complete paralysis. When someone else's negligence causes a serious injury, they must be held liable. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, contact our office immediately.

You should never have to pay out of pocket for someone else’s mistake or wrongdoing. At Ajlouny Injury Law, our attorneys offer free legal advice 24 hours a day. We know that accidents can happen anywhere at any time. We are here to help. Our attorneys have recovered millions through verdicts and settlements. Do not wait; if you're injured, call us for free legal help. There are no fees unless we win.

When you are injured, you need an attorney who will listen and provide you real answers, not false promises. Talk directly to an attorney today by calling (718) 233-3913 or texting (516) 410-4090.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

When an accident or injury is caused by negligence or a person’s failure to provide a safe premises, they may be held accountable for any resulting damages. Proving liability in a spinal cord injury case can be complex, requiring intricate knowledge of New York law. At Ajlouny Injury Law, we know what is at stake and will always fight to get you the maximum recovery after an accident.

A sudden external impact most often causes traumatic spinal cord injuries. Common causes of spinal cord injuries according to the NSCISC include:

  • Automobile accidents
  • Falls
  • Acts of violence
  • Sports or recreational injuries
  • Medical/surgical complications
  • Other serious accidents

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

As noted by the Mayo Clinic, traumatic spinal cord injuries are caused by a “sudden, traumatic blow to your spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more of your vertebrae.”

  • According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are over 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases each year.
  • Approximately 294,000 people are living in the United States with spinal cord injuries, the vast majority being males.
  • Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, followed by falls and acts of violence.
  • Tragically, life expectancy for people experiencing spinal cord injuries has not significantly improved in decades.
  • Healthcare costs and living expenses for a spinal cord injury survivor are extraordinary. As reported by the NSCISC, the average first-year cost of a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia is over $500,000, and each subsequent year is estimated to cost nearly $75,000.
  • Over the course of a lifetime, a person with a spinal cord injury may spend well over $1,000,000 on healthcare costs and living expenses. These figures do not even take into account lost wages or lost productivity resulting from the injury.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons notes that spinal cord injuries are defined by the severity of the damage: complete and incomplete.

"Complete" spinal cord injuries result in a total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury.

"Incomplete" spinal cord injuries mean that there is some remaining function below the injury level. A person may be able to move one extremity more than the other in this form of injury.

Spinal cord injuries are also defined in terms of the extent of paralysis:

  • Paraplegia occurs when the lower body is paralysis, including all or part of the trunk and legs.
  • Quadriplegia or tetraplegia occurs when a person's trunk, extremities, and pelvic organs are paralyzed as a result of the injury.

Recovering from a Catastrophic Injury

Recovering from a catastrophic spinal cord injury can take years of therapy, pain management, and surgery. As referenced by the Mayo Clinic, there can be any number of complications related to your injury, including:

  • Loss of bladder control
  • Loss of bowel control
  • Circulatory problems
  • Respiratory damage
  • Loss of skin sensation
  • Fertility issues
  • Spasticity or flaccidity

It is important to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident or fall, to determine the extent of your injuries and protect your body from further damage. Any head, neck, or back pain could be indicative of a spinal cord injury and must be examined by a medical professional. It is imperative to continue all treatment and therapy under the direction of a physician or neurological specialist to prevent complications.

Receiving Compensation

If another party is at fault for your spinal cord injury, you might be entitled to compensation for damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To recover non-economic loss such as pain and suffering, you must show that the personal injury meets the serious injury threshold under Section 5102 (d) of New York Insurance Law. According to this code section, a "serious injury" includes one which results in the permanent loss or limitation of a body part or a non-permanent injury that prevents a person from continuing their daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days immediately following the injury.

In most cases, a spinal cord injury will meet the threshold for a serious injury under New York Insurance law, enabling a victim to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. It is vital to consult with an experienced Brooklyn spinal cord injury lawyer as soon as possible to determine your legal options following an accident or fall.

Hire an Experienced Attorney

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, you need an attorney that will hold negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing. You need an advocate that will stand up to insurance companies. At Ajlouny Injury Law, our attorneys will not rest until you receive adequate compensation for your injuries. We do not get paid unless we win.

Unlike other law firms, when you call our office, you always speak directly to an actual attorney who will give you free legal advice. We are focused on you and your recovery. Communication is a priority for everyone at our firm. Whether you feel more comfortable talking on the phone or simply texting, our staff is here for you. If you have been injured, speak to an attorney today by calling (718) 233-3913 or texting (516) 410-4090.

SPINAL CORD INJURY FAQ

What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury is any damage to the spinal cord. Many spinal cord injuries are the result of traumatic, sudden impacts from an external force. Spinal cord injuries are defined by the neurological level and loss of motor skills or sensory function.

How long do I have to file a claim after a spinal cord injury?

Under Section 214 of the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules, an action for damages from a personal injury must be commenced within three years. For recovery based on a claim of medical malpractice, a person has two years and six months with limited exceptions.

Do I need an attorney if my spine is injured?

It is always advisable to consult an attorney if you are injured due to someone else's negligence. We provide free legal advice to help you determine if you should pursue litigation against a liable party.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for Injured Spine?

According to New York's Civil Practice Law & Rules Chapter 8, Article 2 §214, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for an injured spine. This "deadline" is known as the "statute of limitations." 

What if I am partially at fault for my spinal cord injury?

Pursuant to New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) Section 1411, you may still be entitled to recovery even if you are partially at fault for an accident. Under this statute, a person’s contributory negligence does not bar recovery, but the amount of damages may be diminished by the proportion of your fault. It is essential to remember that it is not your job to determine fault.

If you were seriously injured in an accident, you need to consult an attorney. Never accept a settlement prior to having your case reviewed. Insurance companies will often try to get you to settle quickly for far less than your case is worth.

What damages am I entitled to if I injured my spine?

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic losses. In New York, to obtain a recovery for non-economic loss, you must meet the serious injury threshold. Spinal cord injuries, in most cases, are considered serious or catastrophic injuries meeting the criteria.

In addition to basic economic losses such as current and future medical costs, expenses related to therapy and rehabilitation, and lost wages, you will likely be entitled to damages related to your pain and suffering.

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The Law Office Of Ajlouny Injury Law serves New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.

Disclaimer: The information provided on our website is attorney advertising not legal advice nor a lawyer/client relationship.

Locations
26 Court Street
Brooklyn, New York 11242
(718) 233-3913
320 Old Country Road
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 535-5555
138-25 31st Drive
Flushing, NY 11354
(718) 475-5666
55 Broadway, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10006
(212) 252-2081
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