Brooklyn Central Cord Syndrome Injury

Central cord syndrome is a type of spinal cord injury. It is caused by spinal cord injuries to the ligament that protects the vertebrae of the spinal column and primarily affects motor function in the upper half of the body. While there are many causes of central cord syndrome such as a car accident, the most common is a slip and fall or trip and fall accident. In addition, just like other serious injuries such as a brain injury and other types of spinal cord injuries, central cord syndrome can also be caused by medical malpractice. Victims of such injuries not only face health problems, but also face financial challenges due to substantial medical bills. If you sustained a central cord syndrome injury due to the negligence of another person, contact an experienced Brooklyn Central Cord Syndrome Injury Lawyer who will review your case and help you file a personal injury claim in order to receive damages that will compensate you for your medical expenses and other losses you suffered as a result of the accident.

One of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries including those that result in central cord syndrome is a slip and fall accident or some other high-force trauma. In older victims, central cord syndrome is often cause by a hyperextension injury. Central cord syndrome can also be caused by violent acts such as gunshot wound, knife wound, or some other type of blow to the spinal cord.

Symptoms of central cord syndrome include:

• Upper and lower extremity weakness
• Varying degrees of sensory loss
• Pain and temperature sensations
• Neck pain and urinary retention

Many victims who suffer central cord syndrome have some recovery of neurological function. However, extensive treatment is required. Physical therapy is required to preserve the victim’s range of motion, to enhance mobility, and to strengthen lower extremity musculature. Because of upper body weakness, occupational therapy is required to help restore the basic activities of daily living. Speech therapy will be necessary if the victim suffered dysphasia. Recreational therapy helps victims return to recreational activities that enjoyed prior to the injury. Such therapies coupled with medical treatment will result in substantial medical bills. Furthermore, such an injury will likely cause you to miss a substantial amount of work, or you may not be to return to work at all. However, under New York law if your spinal injury is the result of another person’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim against the negligent party and demand compensation for your losses. There are many factors that will determine the amount of compensation to which you are entitled and the type of compensation. These factors include:

• The type of injuries you suffered
• The cost of medical care including emergency room treatment, hospital fees, surgical fees, doctor’s bills, prescriptions, special medical equipment, and rehabilitation costs.
• Loss of wages and loss of future income caused by a long term or permanent disability.
• Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

It is important to understand that New York law has a specific time limit for filing a claim in a spinal cord injury case. This time limit is referred to as the statute of limitations. If you do not file your claim within the time period, you will be forever barred from collecting damages even if your case has merit. In addition, if the party responsible for your injury was a government entity then there are special procedures you must follow to file a claim.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in a central cord syndrome injury or another serious spinal cord injury, contact an experienced attorney who understands both the legal issues associated with personal injury cases as well as the medical issues associated with injuries to the spine. The staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC is experienced in handling personal injury cases where clients have suffered serious injuries as a result of a car accident, slip and fall accident, construction accident, or other type of accident. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.