New York City Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

The spinal cord — a delicate bundle of nerves running from brain to body — controls every movement, sensation, and bodily function. A healthy spine connects your brain to every muscle, organ, and nerve ending in your body. When injury breaks this connection, the impact reaches far beyond just movement. Victims often face a complex web of challenges — from loss of sensation to chronic pain, from breathing difficulties to loss of independence in daily activities.

The Wadsworth Center of New York's Department of Health reports devastating statistics: traumatic spinal cord injuries strike about 1,100 New Yorkers annually, adding to the nearly 288,000 Americans already navigating life with paralysis.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Behind every spinal cord injury lies a story of lives changed in seconds. Medical data shows motor vehicle accidents and falls lead to these devastating statistics, but many other preventable incidents can damage the spinal column and change lives forever:

• Vehicle Collisions: The violent force of car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and truck collisions often damages the delicate spinal cord. Even seemingly minor impacts can cause devastating injuries when the spine absorbs the shock.
• Construction and Work Falls: Falls from heights on job sites rank among the most severe causes of spinal trauma. Scaffolding collapses, ladder failures and rooftop accidents create perfect conditions for life-altering injuries.
• Recreation Incidents: Diving into shallow water, contact sports hits, and biking accidents frequently damage the spine. Young athletes face particular risks in high-impact activities.
• Acts of Violence: From negligent security to direct assaults, violent incidents can result in gunshot wounds or other trauma to the spine.
• Medical Negligence: Errors during surgery, mishandled patient transfers or missed diagnoses sometimes lead to permanent spinal cord damage that could have been prevented.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord damage varies by location and severity:

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

A severe spinal cord injury — total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site:

• Quadriplegia affects arms, torso, legs, and bodily functions
• Paraplegia affects the lower body and legs
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Respiratory complications in high-level injuries.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Some functions remain below the injury site:

• Varying degrees of movement
• Partial sensation
• Potential for some recovery
• Need for ongoing rehabilitation.

Main Spinal Cord Injury Symptoms

Spinal cord injuries announce themselves through distinct patterns of symptoms. Each level of spine damage brings its own challenges, from subtle weakness to complete paralysis. Recognizing these signs early can change the course of recovery:

What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury

The hours and days after a spinal injury shape your path to both recovery and compensation. Swift action protects your health and legal rights:

How to Get Compensation After a Spinal Cord Injury

The financial impact of a spinal cord injury reaches far beyond initial medical bills. Most families face costs between $1-5 million over a lifetime. Several paths to compensation exist, each serving different needs:

Our knowledgeable and skilled legal representation can uncover additional compensation sources, negotiate more aggressively, and ensure every aspect of your injury's financial impact is thoroughly documented and pursued. Without our detailed legal guidance, many victims risk accepting settlements that fall far short of their actual long-term needs.

Building a Winning Spinal Cord Injury Case

The path to fair compensation demands solid evidence showing who caused your injury and its full impact:

1. Medical Documentation — Your complete medical record creates the foundation. Every test, treatment, and therapy note helps prove injury severity.
2. Expert Testimony — Medical specialists and life care planners explain your injury's long-term impact and future care needs.
3. Financial Evidence — Records of lost wages, medical bills, and future care costs show the true financial burden of your injury.

Statute of Limitations for Spinal Cord Injury Claims in New York

New York law sets critical deadlines for legal claims. Missing these can permanently eliminate your right to compensation:

Damages You Can Recover After a Spinal Cord Injury in NYC

When a spinal cord injury disrupts your life, comprehensive compensation becomes critical. Victims can pursue damages that address their injury's profound physical, emotional, and financial impacts. These damages typically encompass:

• Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses: From immediate emergency care to long-term medical treatments, these costs can be astronomical. This includes surgeries, hospital stays, specialized medical equipment, adaptive technologies, ongoing therapies, and potential future medical interventions.
• Lost Earnings and Career Potential: Spinal cord injuries often dramatically alter planned career paths and futures. Compensation can cover not just immediate lost wages but also diminished earning capacity, potential career changes, vocational retraining, and lost opportunities for professional advancement.
• Pain and Life Transformation: Beyond financial calculations, these damages recognize the immeasurable personal costs. This includes chronic pain, emotional distress, loss of life’s enjoyment, psychological trauma, and the fundamental changes to daily living and independence.
• Home and Lifestyle Modifications: Many spinal cord injury survivors require extensive home adaptations. Compensation can cover wheelchair ramps, specialized bathroom fixtures, home accessibility renovations, and vehicle modifications.

The road to fair compensation is fraught with challenges—medical documentation, insurance negotiations, and proving long-term impact. Our dedicated spinal cord injury lawyers can be the difference between struggling with mounting medical bills and securing the resources needed for comprehensive recovery and future care.

How Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss Can Help You After a Spinal Cord Injury in NYC

Facing a spinal cord injury claim requires more than filing legal paperwork — it demands a targeted battle plan. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, we dissect every aspect of your case with precision:

We understand that a spinal cord injury is more than a legal case—it's a life-altering journey. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, we're committed to standing beside you at every step. We don't just fight for compensation; we fight for your future, your dignity, and your right to rebuild your life with the resources and support you deserve.