New York City Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury in New York

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are some of the most devastating injuries that an accident victim can suffer. They often result in partial or complete paralysis, as well as a range of other complications. If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury in New York, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Our NYC spinal cord injury lawyers at Sutton & Smyth, LLP can help you fight for the maximum recovery you are owed.

Call (866) 935-1862 or online today to request a free consultation.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a wide range of accidents and events. In many cases, these injuries are the result of another person or party’s negligence. When this is the case, the injured individual can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for their damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other losses.

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

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Construction accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Sports and recreational accidents
• Violent acts, including assault and gunshot wounds

Not all spinal cord injuries are caused by negligence. Some are the result of unintentional accidents, such as slip and falls. In these cases, the injured individual may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner, manager, or other responsible party.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries, each of which can result in different symptoms and complications. These two types are complete spinal cord injuries and incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

A complete spinal cord injury is one in which the spinal cord is fully severed. In other words, the communication between the brain and the body is completely cut off. As a result, the injured person will lose all sensation and motor function below the site of the injury. If the injury occurs in the lower back, the person may lose all sensation and motor function in their legs, bladder, and bowel.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

An incomplete spinal cord injury is one in which the spinal cord is not fully severed. In these cases, the injured person may retain some sensation and/or motor function. The severity of an incomplete spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord. For example, a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury may have some sensation and motor function in one leg but not the other. They may also have some sensation and motor function in their legs but not their bladder or bowel. Incomplete spinal cord injuries can result in a variety of conditions, including:

• Central cord syndrome
• Brown-Sequard syndrome
• Anterior cord syndrome
• Posterior cord syndrome
• Cauda equina syndrome

What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?

In some cases, the symptoms of a spinal cord injury are immediately apparent. In others, the symptoms may not become noticeable for several hours, days, or even weeks after the accident or event that caused the injury. Any injury to the head, neck, or back can result in a spinal cord injury. As such, you must seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms after a serious accident or event:

• Loss of sensation
• Loss of movement
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Exaggerated reflexes
• Changes in sexual function
• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing secretions from the lungs
• Pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
• Weakness or paralysis

How Our NYC Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, our New York spinal cord injury attorneys can help you navigate every step of the legal process, including but not limited to:

• Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident or event that caused your spinal cord injury
• Gathering all available evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and more
• Working with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to build a strong case on your behalf
• Determining the full extent of your damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more
• Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance company and/or opposing counsel
• Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
• Providing you with personalized, one-on-one legal guidance and compassionate support throughout the process

Contact us online or call (866) 935-1862 today to learn more about how we can assist you during a free consultation.