New York Central Cord Syndrome

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord such as a bruise, lesion, or cut that either temporarily or permanently causes changes in its function. Spinal cord injuries can be divided into two general categories: complete injuries and incomplete injuries. An incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when there is partial damage to the spinal cord. A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the damage to the spinal cord is absolute, causing complete and permanent loss of function below the level of the injury. Examples of complete injuries can include paraplegia and quadriplegia—although in some cases such injuries can be incomplete. An example of an incomplete injury is central cord syndrome. It involves damage to the center of the spinal cord. This injury typically involves paralysis to the arms and hands, but can also involve loss of some movement to the legs. While there are many causes of central cord syndrome, the most common is a slip and fall or trip and fall accident. 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 New York Central Cord Syndrome 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. 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 a brain injury, back injury, spinal cord injury, neck injury as well as other 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.