Understanding Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury (SCI) means the spinal cord has been fully severed or severely damaged, leading to total loss of sensation and motor function below the injury site. These injuries often result in paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs).
Common Causes of Complete Spinal Cord Injuries in NYC
Spinal cord injuries are often the result of traumatic accidents, many of which occur due to negligence. The most common causes include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are the leading causes of SCIs. High-speed crashes, rollovers, and collisions with large vehicles often lead to severe spinal trauma.
Construction Site Falls & Workplace Accidents
New York construction workers face high risks of spinal cord injuries from falls, falling objects, scaffolding collapses, and machinery accidents. Under New York Labor Laws 200, 240, and 241, workers injured due to unsafe conditions may have legal claims beyond workers’ compensation.
Slip & Fall Accidents
Falls from unsafe walkways, icy sidewalks, or poorly maintained premises can lead to serious spinal injuries. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe and may be held liable for negligence.
Violent Assaults
Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and violent physical attacks can cause catastrophic spinal injuries. Property owners may also be liable for failing to provide adequate security in some cases.
Medical Malpractice & Surgical Errors
Mistakes during spinal surgery, anesthesia errors, or misdiagnosed spinal conditions can cause permanent spinal cord damage. Holding negligent healthcare providers accountable requires aggressive legal action.
The Devastating Impact of a Complete Spinal Cord Injury
A complete spinal cord injury permanently alters a person’s life and often leads to:
- Paralysis (Paraplegia or Quadriplegia) – Loss of movement and sensation below the injury site.
- Loss of Independence – Inability to perform daily activities without assistance.
- Chronic Pain & Medical Complications – Including infections, pressure sores, muscle atrophy, and respiratory issues.
- Financial Hardship – The lifetime cost of care for a person with quadriplegia can exceed $5 million, including medical treatments, home modifications, and lost wages.
Legal Options for Spinal Cord Injury Victims in NYC
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may have multiple legal avenues to seek compensation:
Workers’ Compensation & Third-Party Lawsuits
If your SCI happened on the job, workers’ comp may cover medical bills and lost wages—but not pain and suffering. However, if a third party (such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner) contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for full compensation.
Personal Injury & Premises Liability Claims
If your injury resulted from a car crash, slip-and-fall, or unsafe premises, you could file a claim against the at-fault driver, property owner, or business. New York law holds negligent parties accountable for preventable injuries.
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
If your spinal cord injury was caused by surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, or misdiagnosis, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Holding hospitals and negligent doctors accountable requires experienced legal representation.
Compensation Available for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Given the lifelong consequences of an SCI, securing maximum compensation is critical. Damages may include:
- Medical Expenses – Covers surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term care.
- Lost Income & Future Earnings – Compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain & Suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Home & Vehicle Modifications – Includes wheelchair-accessible housing, adaptive transportation, and home care services.
- Permanent Disability & Emotional Distress – Compensation for the lifelong impact of a spinal cord injury.
In wrongful death cases, families may seek damages for funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
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