New York City Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

At Parker Waichman LLP, our dedicated spinal cord injury lawyers in New York City understand the devastating impact these catastrophic injuries have on victims and their families. With over $2 billion recovered for injury victims and more than two decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases, we have the knowledge, resources, and commitment to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Spinal Cord Injury Case

Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of experience and a proven track record of success to spinal cord injury cases. Our founding partners, Jerrold S. Parker and Herbert L. Waichman, established the firm with a commitment to fighting for injury victims and their families.

Our experience with catastrophic injury cases sets us apart from other law firms. We understand the complex medical, legal, and financial issues involved in spinal cord injury claims. Our attorneys have successfully handled cases involving construction accidents, motor vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, and other incidents that result in spinal cord trauma.

We have achieved substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, with over $2 billion recovered across all practice areas. Our track record includes significant recoveries in spinal cord injury cases. We help victims secure the resources they need for lifelong care and support.

Our comprehensive legal support extends beyond the courtroom. We work with case managers, medical professionals, and rehabilitation professionals to help our clients receive appropriate care throughout their recovery. We also assist families in handling insurance issues, accessing government benefits, and planning for long-term care needs.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in New York

Spinal cord injuries rank among the most serious and life-altering injuries a person can sustain. The spinal cord serves as the body’s main communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. When this important structure suffers damage, it can result in permanent disability, paralysis, and a lifetime of medical challenges.

Two primary types of spinal cord injuries exist: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury results in total loss of sensation and motor function below the point of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury allows for some sensation or movement below the affected area. However, the extent varies significantly from case to case.

Spinal cord injuries create severe immediate medical implications that require emergency intervention. Long-term consequences may include paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control, respiratory complications, chronic pain, and increased susceptibility to infections. Many victims require extensive rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives.

Legal Rights After a Spinal Cord Injury

New York personal injury law provides important protections for spinal cord injury victims. Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, injured parties have the right to seek compensation from negligent parties whose actions or inactions caused their injuries. This includes individuals, businesses, property owners, employers, and government entities.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, important exceptions and details can affect this timeline. For instance, claims against government entities typically require filing a notice of claim within 90 days of the incident, followed by a lawsuit within one year and 90 days.

New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Additionally, New York’s pure comparative negligence system allows you to pursue a claim regardless of your percentage of responsibility for the incident. Even if you were primarily at fault, you can still recover damages proportional to the other party’s degree of responsibility.

Insurance companies and opposing parties will often try to minimize their liability or deny claims altogether. Having experienced legal representation protects your rights and helps you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process.

Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injury victims in New York may be entitled to substantial compensation to address both their immediate needs and long-term care requirements. The types of damages available include economic and non-economic losses.

• Medical expenses represent one of the largest components of spinal cord injury compensation. This includes emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing medical care. Many spinal cord injury victims require equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, breathing apparatuses, and communication devices.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity are also significant factors in spinal cord injury cases. Many victims cannot return to their previous employment or must accept lower-paying positions due to their disabilities. Compensation can include past lost income, future lost earnings, and the loss of benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Pain and suffering damages address the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life that spinal cord injury victims experience. These non-economic damages recognize that the impact of a spinal cord injury extends far beyond financial losses.
• Home modifications and assistive equipment costs can be substantial for spinal cord injury victims. This may include wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, modified vehicles, computer adaptations, and other accommodations necessary for independent living. Many victims also require ongoing personal care assistance, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in NYC

New York City’s unique urban environment creates specific risks that can lead to spinal cord injuries. Understanding these common causes can help victims and their families identify potentially liable parties and build strong legal cases.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries in New York City. The city’s constant development and infrastructure projects create numerous hazardous work environments where serious accidents can occur.

Falls from heights represent the most common type of construction accident resulting in spinal cord injuries. Workers may fall from scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, or unprotected edges. New York Labor Law Section 240, known as the “Scaffold Law,” provides important protections for construction workers injured in falls. This law often makes property owners and contractors strictly liable for injuries.

Scaffolding collapses can cause devastating spinal cord injuries to both workers and pedestrians. Defective scaffolding, improper assembly, overloading, and inadequate maintenance can all contribute to these catastrophic accidents. Heavy machinery accidents, including crane collapses, equipment malfunctions, and struck-by incidents, also frequently result in spinal cord trauma on construction sites.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents remain a significant cause of spinal cord injuries in New York City. High-speed collisions, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes can generate tremendous force that damages the spinal cord. Pedestrian accidents involving vehicles also frequently result in severe spinal trauma.

Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries

Medical malpractice can also result in spinal cord injuries, particularly during surgical procedures or childbirth. Birth injuries involving spinal cord damage can have lifelong consequences for both the child and family. These cases require thorough investigation by experienced medical malpractice attorneys.

Sports and Recreational Activities

Sports-related spinal cord injuries, while less common in urban environments, can occur in New York City’s numerous recreational facilities, gyms, and sports venues. Dog bite injuries can also occasionally result in spinal trauma when victims fall or are knocked down by large animals.

Additional Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Burn Injury
• Amputation
• Disfigurement
• Facial injuries
• Birth injuries
• Severe scarring
• Electrocutions
• Internal organ damage

The Legal Process for Spinal Cord Injury Claims

The legal process for spinal cord injury claims requires careful planning, thorough investigation, and strategic advocacy. At Parker Waichman LLP, we begin each case with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the full extent of our client’s injuries and identify all potentially liable parties.

Our initial case evaluation includes reviewing medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any available physical evidence. We work closely with experts, including accident reconstruction professionals, medical professionals, and vocational rehabilitation professionals, to build a comprehensive picture of how the accident occurred and its impact on our client’s life.

Working with medical professionals is important in spinal cord injury cases. We collaborate with neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and other professionals to document the extent of injuries, establish the need for ongoing care, and project future medical costs. These professional opinions are important for demonstrating the full value of our client’s claim.

Our negotiation and litigation strategies are tailored to each case’s unique circumstances. We understand that insurance adjusters, insurance companies, and opposing counsel will often attempt to minimize the value of spinal cord injury claims. Our attorneys are prepared to take cases to trial when necessary to secure fair compensation for our clients.

Throughout the legal process, we maintain open communication with our clients and their families. We provide regular updates and help them understand their options at each stage of the case.

Life After a Spinal Cord Injury: Resources and Support

Recovery from a spinal cord injury involves much more than medical treatment. Successful rehabilitation requires a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, emotional, and practical challenges.

• Rehabilitation and adaptive equipment play important roles in helping spinal cord injury victims achieve maximum independence. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help victims develop new skills and adapt to their changed circumstances. Modern adaptive equipment, including advanced wheelchairs, computer interfaces, and environmental controls, can significantly improve quality of life.
• Support groups and community resources provide valuable emotional support and practical guidance for spinal cord injury victims and their families. Organizations such as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and local support groups offer peer counseling, educational resources, and advocacy services. The United Spinal Association also provides valuable resources for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
• Long-term care planning is important for spinal cord injury victims and their families. This includes financial planning, estate planning, and coordination of ongoing medical care. Many victims benefit from working with care coordinators who can help handle the complex healthcare system and provide continuity of care.
• Educational and vocational rehabilitation services can help spinal cord injury victims develop new skills and pursue meaningful employment opportunities. Many colleges and universities offer accessibility services. Additionally, vocational rehabilitation programs can provide job training and placement assistance. The Social Security Administration also provides disability benefits for qualifying individuals.

Understanding Your Rights Under New York Law

New York State has comprehensive laws protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, including spinal cord injury victims. The New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures equal access to employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act provides federal protections for individuals with spinal cord injuries, ensuring access to public facilities, transportation, and employment opportunities. Understanding these rights is important for spinal cord injury victims as they rebuild their lives.

Contact Our Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys in New York City

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek experienced legal help. The experienced team of attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP today at 800-968-7529 or schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced New York City spinal cord injury attorneys help you secure the compensation and support you need to move forward with your life.