Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Schenectady, NY
As one of the body’s most critical components, your spine must always be healthy. It provides ease of motion, stable posture, and the functioning of all major systems. Moreover, it houses the spinal cord, which relays messages between your brain and the rest of your body. If you’re in an accident that causes a severe spinal cord injury, the medical, psychological, and financial consequences can be dire and far-reaching.
The lawyers at Dalmata, Maloy, & Burke, LLP, understand that such a devastating injury can completely transform your life in the blink of an eye. When someone else’s negligence or misconduct causes your spinal cord injury, you need an experienced legal representative who knows how to fight for the compensation you need.
At DMB Legal, we’ve built a strong reputation helping accident victims throughout New York’s Capital Region recover the financial resources necessary to rebuild their lives after catastrophic injuries. We combine trustworthiness with determined advocacy to ensure each client receives personal attention and skilled representation. Our reputable firm takes pride in treating every client as an individual, never as just another case number.
If you’ve sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s actions, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing upfront for us to start on your case, and there are no fees unless we successfully resolve your matter.
How a Schenectady, NY, Attorney Can Help with Your Spinal Cord Injury Claim
A Schenectady spinal cord injury attorney can provide comprehensive legal support throughout your recovery process. When you work with DMB Legal, you gain access to legal professionals who understand the stark medical and financial challenges these injuries create.
Your attorney can comprehensively investigate your accident to identify all responsible parties. This investigation often involves working with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists. A skilled attorney knows how to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case on your behalf.
DMB Legal will handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance adjusters often use underhanded tactics to minimize payouts or deny valid claims entirely. Having experienced legal representation means having someone who will protect your rights throughout the process.
Your back injury lawyer can also help you understand the full scope of your spine injury case. Many people don’t realize the long-term financial implications of their injuries until months or years later. An experienced spinal cord injury law firm like DMB Legal can enlist the assistance of medical experts and life care planners to calculate the actual cost of your injury.
Reach out to DMB Legal today to schedule your free, confidential case review and discover the difference we can make for your spine injury lawsuit.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury?
Multiple parties might be responsible for causing your spinal cord injury, and DMB Legal can work to identify all at-fault parties to maximize your potential recovery. The specific individuals or entities who can be held liable depend on the circumstances surrounding your accident, and they can include the following:
- Negligent drivers, trucking companies, or vehicle manufacturers in motor vehicle accidents
- Employers, equipment manufacturers, or third-party contractors in workplace accidents
- Property owners, when unsafe conditions cause slip and fall accidents or other injuries
- Healthcare providers and medical facilities in cases involving medical malpractice
- Product manufacturers, distributors, or retailers, when defective products contribute to injuries
A Schenectady spinal cord injury lawyer from DMB Legal can work to identify all potentially liable parties in your case, which may include both individuals and institutions. Our determined approach motivates us to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions or failures.
What Types of Compensation Could Be Available in a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit?
Spine injury compensation can address both your immediate needs and long-term care requirements. The compensation available in your spine injury lawsuit will depend on the severity of your injury and how it affects your life.
The average settlement for a car accident back injury varies considerably because the circumstances of each accident and its consequences are so wide-ranging. While a minor back injury might settle for thousands of dollars, a severe spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis can result in settlements worth millions of dollars.
Your spine injury claim may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays, medications, equipment, and ongoing rehabilitation
- Lost income for missed time at work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity, if your spinal cord injury prevents you from returning to your former line of work
- Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Modifications to your home, including wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms, as well as modified vehicles
- Ongoing care costs, including personal care assistance, physical therapy, and specialized equipment
The amount of compensation you are eligible to recover depends on the unique circumstances of your case. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer in Schenectady can give you an informed estimate of how much your claim might be worth.
How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit in New York?
New York law establishes specific time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, the state gives you three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for a spinal cord injury. However, there are some exceptions, such as the following:
- Medical malpractice cases typically must be filed within 2½ years.
- Cases against government entities have much shorter deadlines, often requiring notice within 90 days.
- Some situations can “toll,” or extend, the statute of limitations, such as when the injured person is a minor.
Acting quickly is crucial because evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and important documentation may be lost over time. The sooner you contact a spinal injury lawyer, the better they can preserve evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
What Are Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Causes of spinal cord injuries are wide-ranging, but certain types of accidents account for the majority of these devastating injuries:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes, cause approximately 37 percent of all spinal cord injuries.
- Falls, including falls from heights and slip-and-fall accidents, account for about 31 percent of spinal cord injuries.
- Acts of violence, including gunshot wounds and assaults, cause approximately 15 percent of spinal cord injuries.
- Sports and recreational activities, particularly contact sports and extreme activities, cause about 8 percent of spinal cord injuries.
- Medical procedures can sometimes result in spinal cord injuries through surgical errors or complications.
- Workplace accidents in construction, manufacturing, and other industries can cause spinal cord injuries through falls or equipment accidents.
What Are the Types of Spinal Cord Injuries?
Spine injury classifications help medical professionals and attorneys understand the extent of your injury and its likely prognosis. They include the following:
- Complete spinal cord injuries result in a total loss of sensation and voluntary movement below the point of injury.
- Incomplete spinal cord injuries allow some sensation or movement below the injury site.
- Cervical spinal cord injuries occur due to a neck injury and are often the most severe, potentially causing quadriplegia and affecting breathing.
- Thoracic spinal cord injuries affect the portion of the spinal cord attached to the ribcage, typically resulting in paralysis of the legs and lower body.
- Lumbar spinal cord injuries occur in the lower back region and may affect leg function and bowel or bladder control.
Herniated disk injuries can also cause serious problems by putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
What Are the Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury?
Recognizing spinal cord injury symptoms is crucial for getting prompt medical treatment. The following symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of your injury:
- Loss of movement below the injury site
- Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold, or touch
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Breathing difficulties, particularly with higher spinal cord injuries
- Pain or intense stinging sensations from nerve damage
- Changes in reflexes or muscle spasms
If you experience any combination of these symptoms after an accident, seek immediate medical attention.
What Are Treatment Options for a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal cord injury treatment aims to prevent further damage, maintain function, and help you achieve the highest possible quality of life. Treatment typically begins immediately after your accident and continues for months or years. They can include the following:
- Emergency treatment aims to stabilize your spine and prevent additional injury through immobilization or surgery.
- Surgery may be necessary to remove fragments or relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- Rehabilitation, including occupational and physical therapy, can help you maintain your strength and learn new methods for daily activities.
- Medications may help manage pain, muscle spasms, and other complications.
- Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, braces, walking frames, and modified vehicles, can help you maintain your independence.
- Psychological counseling can help you and your family cope with changes.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?
The long-term effects of spinal cord injuries go beyond the immediate physical symptoms. They include the following:
- Mobility limitations that necessitate the permanent use of assistive devices
- Chronic pain that interferes with sleep, mood, and overall quality of life
- Secondary health complications, including respiratory problems and an increased risk of infection
- Emotional and psychological effects, such as depression and anxiety
- Financial consequences from ongoing medical expenses and lost income
- Relationship changes as family members take on caregiving roles
- Career limitations that may force occupation changes or workforce departure
