Long Island Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
A spinal cord injury (SCI) can drastically alter the trajectory of one’s life, creating permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work, enjoy daily activities, and live independently. These injuries often arise from serious accidents such as car crashes, falls, or construction incidents. At Jacobson Law, our Long Island spine injury lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that spinal cord injury victims face, and we are committed to fighting for their rights and securing the compensation they deserve. By starting every case as if it will go to trial, our experienced courtroom litigators position our clients for maximum recovery whether through settlement or jury verdict. We credit our success in court to unmatched preparation and attention to detail, working to secure the best results for our most deserving clients.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged due to trauma or disease, impacting the body’s ability to send and receive signals from the brain. This type of injury often results in partial or total paralysis, known as paraplegia or quadriplegia (tetraplegia), depending on the severity (complete or incomplete injury) and location of the damage along the spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar vertebrae). The most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the United States.
- Slip and fall accidents: Falls, particularly from heights or in hazardous conditions, can lead to serious damage to the spinal cord.
- Workplace accidents: Construction site accidents and other high-risk job environments pose a significant risk for spinal cord injuries.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors or improper medical treatment can also result in spinal cord damage.
The effects of a spinal cord injury vary based on the severity of the injury and its location along the spine. Higher injuries in the cervical (neck) region often lead to more extensive paralysis, affecting both the arms and legs. Lower injuries in the thoracic or lumbar region can result in paraplegia, where the legs are paralyzed but upper body function remains intact. The most serious injuries affect autonomic functions such as breathing, swallowing, and regulating heart rate. These injuries tend to be fatal or lead to early mortality without extensive intervention.
The Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries have a profound impact on every aspect of a victim’s life. In addition to the immediate medical needs, such as emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation, individuals often face long-term challenges, including:
- Loss of mobility: Depending on the level of paralysis, many spinal cord injury victims require wheelchairs or other mobility aids to move around.
- Chronic pain: Many individuals suffer from ongoing pain or discomfort as a result of their injury.
- Inability to work: Spinal cord injuries can make it difficult or impossible for victims to return to their previous jobs, leading to a loss of income and financial instability.
- Ongoing medical care: Individuals with spinal cord injuries often need continuous medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily living activities.
- Emotional distress: The emotional toll of losing independence and adjusting to a new way of life can be overwhelming.
The lifetime cost of treating a spinal cord injury can reach into the millions, depending on the severity of the injury and the necessary care required. For victims and their families, the financial burden can quickly become unmanageable. A comprehensive and successful personal injury claim can literally be lifesaving.
Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in New York
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages, but the burden is on you to prove your case over opposition from the insurance company, including proving the other party’s negligence and liability and the extent of your injury. At Jacobson Law, we have extensive experience handling personal injury cases involving spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic injuries. We are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and securing the maximum compensation available under New York law.
To successfully recover compensation in a spinal cord injury case, it is necessary to establish that another party’s negligence or wrongful actions caused the injury. Common examples of negligence include:
- A reckless or distracted driver causing a car accident
- A property owner failing to address dangerous conditions, leading to a fall
- An employer neglecting to provide a safe work environment or proper safety equipment
Our team at Jacobson Law thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding your injury to identify all liable parties. We work closely with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injuries
In New York, spinal cord injury victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care. If your injury prevents you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income and diminished earning capacity. Additionally, the physical pain and emotional distress associated with a spinal cord injury can be significant, and compensation is available for these non-economic damages.
Many spinal cord injury victims need modifications to their homes or vehicles to accommodate their mobility needs, along with assistive devices like wheelchairs. Compensation may also be available if the injury significantly affects your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious.
Why Choose Jacobson Law for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case?
At Jacobson Law, we understand the complexity of spinal cord injury cases and the significant impact these injuries have on victims and their families. Our experienced team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized representation to ensure that your legal needs are met. We work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life, focusing on recovering damages that address both your immediate and long-term needs. As trial attorneys, we are ready to take your case to a jury when necessary to obtain the maximum compensation.
If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal cord injury in New York, contact Jacobson Law today at 631-661-2030 for a free consultation. Our Long Island spine injury attorneys will review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation. Let us advocate for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
