New York Spinal Contusions

Injuries to the back and spine are common to accident victims, such as those involved a car accident, motorcycle accident, or slip and fall accident. Victims of SUV rollover accidents are particularly susceptible to back, neck and spine injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be quite serious since the spinal cord is made up of the bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body for movement and sensation. A seemingly minor injury to the spinal cord can affect mobility. One type of spinal cord injury is a spinal contusion. A spinal contusion is a bruise to the spinal cord. A bruise to the spinal cord, which is a direct injury, can occur if the spinal cord is pulled, pressed sideways, or compressed such as when the head, neck, or back is twisted in an abnormal manner during a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall accident, or some other type of serious accident. Fortunately, under New York law victims who suffer serious injuries due to the negligence of others are entitled to seek damages through a personal injury claim. If you or a family member have been in an accident and suffered a spinal contusion, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced New York Spinal Contusions Lawyer who will review that facts of your case and work aggressively to help you get the compensation to which you are entitled.

Depending on where in the spine the contusion is located, symptoms may include:

• Paralysis
• Loss of normal bowel and bladder control, such as constipation, incontinence, or bladder spasms
• Numbness
• Sensory changes
• Pain

Sometimes these symptoms are temporary, while in other cases the symptoms are permanent.

Treatment for a spinal contusion typically includes pain management, use of a brace, physical therapy or prescription steroids. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Depending on the severity of your spinal cord injury, you may be unable to work for a substantial amount of time. Furthermore, in some cases a spinal injury may prevent you from performing certain types of work that requires heavy lifting or the use of heavy equipment. Ultimately you may not be able to earn the amount of money you would have been able to earn had you not suffered a nerve impingement injury. Holding the negligent person accountable through a personal injury lawsuit may result in the compensation you need to provide you and your family with needed financial relief. Through a personal injury lawsuit you may receive compensation for losses you suffered. For example, you may receive damages for both your past and future medical expenses. Medical expenses including emergency room services, hospital stay, surgery, prescriptions and rehabilitation. You also may be entitled to receive damages to cover your lost wages if you miss work while you recover. Lost wages includes the paychecks you miss as well as the value of sick and vacation days that you used during your recovery. If as a result of your injury you are unable to earn the amount of money you otherwise would have, you may be entitled to damages for loss of earning capacity. The physical and emotional pain that you endured are also compensable in a personal injury lawsuit.

It is important to understand that New York has strict time limits for filing a personal injury claim. If you miss the deadline, you will be forever barred from seeking compensation regardless of the merit of your case.

If the injury occurred at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Compensation often comes in the form of medical expenses, lost income and benefits, loss of ability to earn, and more. However, just because the accident occurred at work does not necessarily mean that you are limited to the benefit available through workers’ compensation.

If you suffered a spinal contusion in an auto accident, slip and fall accident, construction accident, workplace accident or any other accident, contact an experienced attorney who understands both the legal issues associated with personal injury cases as well as the medical issues associated with back, neck and spinal cord injuries. The staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, workplace and construction accidents, including victims who have suffered from a spinal cord injury, brain injury, or other serious injury. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.