Meet Your New York City Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Our team is here to offer the support and expertise you need in personal injury cases. Each member brings unique skills and a solid commitment to getting the best results for our clients.
Here’s a little about the New York spinal cord injury lawyer team who will be working on your case:
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny handles personal injury cases, including slip and falls, car accidents, and pedestrian injuries across New York State. He’s known for giving each client personal attention and helping them through the legal process.
Paul is dedicated to ensuring you get the support and results you need during tough times.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz is a well-respected personal injury lawyer with a reputation for strong courtroom skills and client dedication.
He sees himself as more than just a lawyer; he’s a personal advocate who keeps clients informed and guides them through every step.
Michael’s background as a competitive athlete helps him deal with big insurance companies, and he’s ready to take cases to court if necessary.
He keeps clients updated and provides direct communication through his cell phone, making the process smoother and more transparent.
How Our New York City Spinal Cord Injury Law Firm Can Help
Our firm can assist you in:
- Recovering lost wages
- Covering medical bills and home care
- Supporting emotional recovery, including therapeutic care and necessary equipment
- Help with claims for loss of consortium and companionship
- Pursue punitive damages when applicable
Help No Matter What the Injury Entails
Spinal cord injuries can result in a wide range of severe and life-altering issues. Whether it’s paralysis, paraplegia, quadriplegia, or even death, the impact on your life can be profound.
Injuries may disrupt the brain’s ability to send signals to vital organs and muscles, leading to digestive issues, numbness, muscle spasms, and breathing difficulties.
We address injuries to different areas of the spine, including:
- Cervical Spine: Injuries here can affect neck movement and may lead to complete or partial paralysis.
- Thoracic Spine: Damage to this area can impact trunk stability and lead to complications affecting the chest and abdomen.
- Lumbar Spine: Injuries here often affect lower body movement and can cause issues with the legs and lower organs.
- Sacral Spine: Damage to this region can affect bowel, bladder, and sexual functions.
No matter the severity or type of spinal cord injury, our team is here to provide comprehensive support and pursue the compensation you need for your recovery and well-being.
Important Initial Advice To Remember After A NYC Spinal Cord Injury
Experiencing a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming and distressing. Taking certain steps to protect your health and legal rights from the outset is important.
Here’s some essential advice to guide you through this challenging time, ensuring you get the care and compensation you deserve:
- Attend All Medical Appointments: Follow up with all scheduled medical visits to ensure comprehensive care and accurate documentation of your injury.
- Avoid Social Media: Do not discuss your injury or legal matters online, as these posts could negatively impact your case.
- Don’t Settle Quickly: Be cautious about accepting initial settlement offers, which may not cover all your future needs and expenses.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Contact our spinal cord injury attorneys in New York City for professional advice and assistance with your case. You can schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers.
- Be Careful with Communication: Carefully consider what you say to insurance companies and others; statements can be used to undermine your case.
- Document Everything: For future reference, maintain thorough records of all medical treatments, related expenses, and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Gather Evidence: Collect and preserve evidence related to the incident, including photographs, witness accounts, and any official reports.
- Notify Your Employer: Inform your employer about your injury to facilitate necessary workplace accommodations or disability benefits.
- Seek Specialist Care: Obtain specialized medical treatment and rehabilitation tailored to your injury.
- Limit Public Statements: Avoid discussing your injury or the legal situation with anyone outside your legal and medical teams.
Deadlines For A Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
In New York, you typically have three years from the date of your spinal cord injury to file a legal claim.
To protect your rights and avoid losing your chance for compensation, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly ensures that your case is handled within the required timeframe.
Gathering Evidence With Your Personal Injury Attorney For A Spinal Cord Injury Lawsuit
Gathering comprehensive evidence is key to building a strong case when pursuing a spinal cord injury lawsuit. Here’s a detailed list of what should be collected as soon as possible:
- Police Documentation: Obtain a copy of the police report, which includes details of the accident, parties involved, and any preliminary findings.
- Medical Records: Secure all medical records of your spinal cord injury, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and ongoing treatments.
- Eyewitness Statements: Collect statements from witnesses who saw the incident or can provide relevant information about the circumstances leading to your injury.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Gather pictures or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Visual evidence can help illustrate the severity of the incident and its impact on your life.
- Employment Records: Document any loss of wages or changes in your ability to work due to your injury. This includes pay stubs, employment records, and a statement from your employer, if applicable.
- Insurance Information: Track all communications with insurance companies, including claim forms, correspondence, and settlement offers.
- Personal Impact Statements: Write a personal account of how the injury has affected your daily life, including physical, emotional, and financial impacts.
Dealing with these tasks while recovering from a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to contact an experienced NYC spinal cord injury lawyer from our firm.
We will handle the evidence collection process for you so you can take the time to recover from your injuries.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
You won’t have to worry about upfront costs or hourly fees when working with us. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
This way, you can focus on your recovery without financial stress. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
Feel free to contact us for a detailed explanation of how our fee structure works and to discuss your case.
Why Choose Us Over Other New York City Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys?
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to your recovery and justice. Unlike other firms, we offer a personalized approach, ensuring you receive dedicated attention from start to finish.
Our deep experience with spinal cord injury cases allows us to handle your situation with expertise.
We don’t just seek compensation; we fight for the comprehensive care and support you need.
Choose us for a compassionate, knowledgeable ally who prioritizes your well-being and advocates fiercely on your behalf.
What is Classed as a Spinal Injury?
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons notes that spinal cord injuries are defined by the severity of the damage:
- "Complete" spinal cord injuries result in a total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury.
- "Incomplete" spinal cord injuries mean that there is some remaining function below the injury level. A person may be able to move one extremity more than the other in this form of injury.
Spinal cord injuries are also defined in terms of the extent of paralysis:
- Paraplegia occurs when the lower body is paralyzed, including all or part of the trunk and legs.
- Quadriplegia or tetraplegia occurs when a person's trunk, extremities, and pelvic organs are paralyzed as a result of the injury.
What Are the Main Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in NYC?
A sudden external impact most often causes traumatic spinal cord injuries. Common causes of spinal cord injuries, according to the NSCISC, include:
- Automobile accidents
- Falls
- Acts of violence
- Sports or recreational injuries
- Medical/surgical complications
- Other serious accidents
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can vary widely in severity and impact depending on the location and extent of the injury. Recognizing the symptoms early is paramount for timely medical intervention and treatment. Here are some common symptoms to be aware of:
- Paralysis: Loss of movement and sensation in parts of the body below the injury site. This can include partial or complete paralysis, affecting different areas depending on the injury's location—cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), or sacral (pelvic).
- Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the limbs or torso are often caused by nerve damage or compression.
- Muscle Weakness: Difficulty in moving muscles or a noticeable decrease in strength. Depending on the injury's location, this can affect the arms, legs, or trunk.
- Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control: The inability to control urinary and digestive functions leads to incontinence. This symptom typically occurs with injuries to the thoracic or lower spinal cord.
- Breathing Difficulties: Problems with respiration, especially if the injury is in the cervical region. Injuries at this level may impact the diaphragm, making breathing difficult.
- Pain: Chronic or acute back, neck, or affected limb pain, ranging from sharp and shooting pain to a constant dull ache.
- Spasms and Muscle Cramps: Involuntary muscle contractions and cramps that can cause discomfort and interfere with movement.
- Difficulty with Balance and Coordination: Problems with maintaining balance and coordinating movements, often due to impaired brain and body communication.
- Temperature Regulation Issues: Difficulty regulating body temperature, which may result in feeling unusually hot or cold.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a spinal cord injury, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact recovery and quality of life.
No matter your spinal column injury or symptoms, we are here to serve you and guide you through your personal injury claim. Contact us today to find out how we can assist
Recovering from a Catastrophic Injury
Recovering from a catastrophic spinal cord injury can take years of therapy, pain management, and surgery. As referenced by the Mayo Clinic, there can be any number of complications related to your injury, including:
- Loss of bladder control
- Loss of bowel control
- Circulatory problems
- Respiratory damage
- Loss of skin sensation
- Fertility issues
- Spasticity or flaccidity
It is important to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident or fall to determine the extent of your injuries and protect your body from further damage.
Any head, neck, or back pain could be indicative of a spinal cord injury and must be examined by a medical professional. To prevent complications, it is imperative to continue all treatment and therapy under the direction of a physician or neurological specialist.
Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
As noted by the Mayo Clinic, traumatic spinal cord injuries are caused by a “sudden, traumatic blow to your spine that fractures, dislocates, crushes, or compresses one or more of your vertebrae.”
- According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are over 17,000 new spinal cord injury cases each year.
- Approximately 294,000 people are living in the United States with spinal cord injuries, the vast majority being males.
- Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, followed by falls and acts of violence.
- Tragically, life expectancy for people experiencing spinal cord injuries has not significantly improved in decades.
- Healthcare costs and living expenses for a spinal cord injury survivor are extraordinary. As reported by the NSCISC, the average first-year cost of a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia is over $500,000, and each subsequent year is estimated to cost nearly $75,000.
- Over the course of a lifetime, a person with a spinal cord injury may spend well over $1,000,000 on healthcare costs and living expenses. These figures do not even take into account lost wages or lost productivity resulting from the injury.
Other Locations We Serve
Our dedicated team is proud to serve the heart of New York City and its surrounding areas. We cover the entire NYC metropolitan area, including but not limited to:
Speak to a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in New York City Today!
A spinal cord injury can change your life in many ways, from limiting your movement to affecting your daily independence. You need a lawyer who truly understands these challenges and can help you get the support and compensation you deserve.
Our New York City team is here to make this tough time easier. We’ll handle everything from assessing your case to negotiating with insurers and fighting for you in court. We’re dedicated to being by your side throughout the entire process.
Schedule your free consultation with our NYC personal injury lawyers.
