Syracuse Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Spinal Cord Injury Claims in New York

Spinal cord injuries are very serious and can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Even when spinal cord injury victims are not paralyzed, they will likely face a great deal of pain and a long, uphill road to recovery. The cost of treating a spinal cord injury can be immense, easily exceeding hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over the course of one’s lifetime.

If you or someone you love suffered a severe, debilitating spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions, you deserve justice and a chance at a fair recovery. At Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to helping victims of catastrophic injuries fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Over our years in practice, our award-winning attorneys have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of severely injured clients and their families.

To speak to an experienced Syracuse spinal cord injury attorney about your case for free, call Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC at (315) 544-3332 or submit an online contact form today.

Click on a topic below to jump to that section on the page:

• Complete vs Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
• Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
• Why You Need an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
• Read More About Related Topics

Complete vs Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Generally speaking, spinal cord injuries are categorized into two types:

• Complete Spinal Cord Injuries: A complete spinal cord injury refers to an injury that completely severs the nerve connections between the body and the brain. Complete spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis, including paraplegia (paralysis of the lower half) and quadriplegia/tetraplegia (paralysis of both the arms and the legs). The location and severity of the injury will determine the nature and extent of the damage.
• Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: An incomplete spinal cord injury is generally considered less severe than a complete spinal cord injury. With an incomplete injury, some connections between the body and the brain are preserved, meaning the victim may retain some functioning, movement, and sensation above or below the point of injury.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries often result from catastrophic accidents. All too often, these accidents could have—and should have—been prevented. In other words, spinal cord injuries are often caused by negligence.

Some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Car collisions
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Falls
• Sports accidents
• Assault/violence
• Bicycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Construction accidents

Regardless of how your accident occurred, if you believe someone else was at fault, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your damages. While nothing can undo the devastation that comes with suffering a spinal cord injury, financial recovery can allow you to obtain critical medical treatment and move forward through the healing process.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Spinal Cord Injury Claim?

Pursuing a spinal cord injury claim can help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with such an injury. Several types of damages can be recovered, including:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment or home modifications.
2. Lost Wages: This covers the earnings you miss because you can't work during recovery. It also includes compensation for any future income you may lose if your injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.
3. Pain and Suffering: This refers to financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you endure due to your injury. It also accounts for how the injury affects your overall quality of life and mental well-being.
4. Rehabilitation Costs: These expenses cover long-term rehabilitation and therapy, often essential for spinal cord injury patients to regain as much function and independence as possible.
5. Loss of Consortium: This compensation is for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy experienced by the injured person's spouse or family members.
6. Punitive Damages: In situations where the injury results from severe negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages might be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar actions in the future.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Spinal Cord Injury in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including spinal cord injuries, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited time to take legal action. Please file within this period to avoid the loss of your right to seek compensation. There are exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving medical malpractice or claims against a government entity, which may have different deadlines and requirements. Consulting with a knowledgeable Syracuse spine injury lawyer promptly after your injury is crucial to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Why You Need an Experienced Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

When it comes to filing a personal injury claim for a spinal cord injury, it’s important to work with an attorney who not only has experience but who has the right experience. You want an attorney who has handled these types of cases before and who knows all of the nuances involved.

At Cherundolo Law Firm, PLLC, our Syracuse spinal cord injury lawyers have helped many victims of devastating spinal cord injuries successfully recover the full compensation they needed and were owed. We work with a team of medical experts and other specialists in order to determine exactly what happened—and who is liable. From there, we are able to build a powerful case on your behalf.

Because of our reputation, insurance companies know that we are not willing to back down. Often, this helps us achieve favorable settlements for our clients, but when it doesn’t, we are fully prepared to go to trial to represent you and your best interests.

Give us a call at (315) 544-3332 or submit an online contact form today to request a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We can travel to you if needed.

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