No one is prepared for the trauma of a catastrophic spinal cord injury and the possibility of becoming paralyzed. If you or a loved one are struggling with all the adverse effects of paralysis, holding the liable party accountable may be your best option to recover the compensation you need to cover expenses and deal with this new reality.
An experienced NYC paralysis lawyer at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. can help you explore your legal options and advocate for total financial recovery. Get started with a free consultation to learn more. Call (212) 490-5700 today or contact us online.
What Does a Paralysis Injury Look Like?
Many circumstances could cause paralysis injuries. But generally, paralysis involves the temporary or permanent inability to use certain limbs or parts of the body. Depending on where the spine has been injured, you could experience a complete or incomplete spinal cord injury.
A complete spinal cord injury means a portion of the spinal cord has suffered permanent damage. An incomplete spinal cord injury means there is partial damage. Although the injury is not as significant as a complete injury, you might experience some lost function.
Common Accidents That Cause Paralysis
Some examples of accidents known for causing paralysis injuries in NYC include:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Assault
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Work-related accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Product defects or malfunctions
- Construction site accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Medical malpractice
You can also suffer paralysis from a stroke, seizure, or traumatic brain damage. It can all feel overwhelming, but a paralysis lawyer in NYC can help assess your situation, identify the cause of your paralysis injury, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
All Paralysis Injuries Are Not the Same
A paralysis injury is as unique as the victims involved. The portion of the spine that has been injured will determine the severity of your paralysis injuries and which limbs will be affected. Even if you are dealing with partial paralysis, you may still have the right to compensation for your damages.
This is particularly true if another person or entity’s negligence is responsible for causing the accident that injured you. You can rely on your NYC paralysis attorney to scrutinize your case details to ensure we seek maximum restitution to protect you financially for years.
Types of New York Paralysis Injuries
Our NYC injury lawyers have encountered all manner of devastating spinal injuries and cases involving paralysis. In our decades of fighting for the rights of injury victims, particularly in the construction industry and after car accidents, we’ve learned that paralysis can take multiple forms. These include:
- Tetraplegia
- Paraplegia
- Hemiplegia
- Monoplegia
With the proper medical care and circumstances, you might be able to regain some functionality, even if you have been completely paralyzed. You will need to discuss your prognosis with your healthcare provider to prepare for the future and know how much compensation is available in your paralysis claim.
Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia)
Tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, occurs when there is severe damage to the neck or cervical spinal cord. Tetraplegia means all limbs will be permanently paralyzed.
Individuals with quadriplegia will have no movement or feeling below their injury and often require around-the-clock medical attention and care to complete daily living activities.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is caused by damage to the spine’s thoracic region, the area just below the neck to the upper back. This paralysis affects your legs and can impact some of your arms’ functionality.
Hemiplegia
Hemiplegia means only one side of your body is affected by your paralysis injuries. For many individuals, it begins with the sensation of a limb falling asleep, also commonly known as a “pins and needles feeling.” This feeling progresses to debilitating muscle weakness or complete paralysis of the affected side of the body.
Monoplegia
Monoplegia affects only one area of the body. While you may still control other body parts, you may not have functionality in the area affected by your monoplegia spinal cord injury. You might suffer paralysis in your right leg or left arm. This could be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of your case.
Spinal Injuries
What Should I Do After a Paralysis Injury?
When someone’s negligence caused your or a loved one’s paralysis, your next steps are crucial. It’s common to battle depression, and often difficult to cope with such immense pain and loss.
However, you can build a powerful case against the liable party by getting the medical attention you need and obtaining recommended treatments. For example, some of the top treatment options for paralysis include:
- Participating in support groups for your emotional health
- Working with trauma specialists
- Ongoing physical and occupational therapy to regain as much function as possible
- Surgical intervention to improve functionality
- Mental health counseling
As soon as possible, make sure you hire a paralysis lawyer in NYC who can help you handle the legal details of your case. This way, you can devote time and energy to recuperating and rebuilding your life.
Compensation After a Paralysis Injury
After becoming paralyzed due to another’s negligence, you can recover compensation for your losses. For instance, if you are involved in a work accident, you may be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits according to the New York Workers Compensation Impairment Guidelines.
However, workers’ comp benefits are unlikely to cover your damages fully. If this is the case or your injuries stem from another type of negligence, you may need to consider a third-party liability claim, where you can seek compensation for every loss, including economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Losses
Examples of financially-based or economic losses you could recover and your paralysis claim include:
- Costs of adapting living quarters
- Costs of purchasing adaptive equipment
- Ongoing occupational and physical therapy costs
- Costs of daily living assistance
- Reduced earning capacity and loss of income
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Losses
Non-economic losses do not have fixed financial values. It can be more difficult to quantify them, but since they impact victims’ lives, it is essential to recover restitution for these damages accordingly. Examples include:
- Your physical pain and suffering
- Compensation for family members who have had to change their lives to take care of you
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of companionship, love, support, protection, and advice
- Reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
Call a New York Paralysis Injury Lawyer
Your paralysis injuries may permanently alter the course of your life. Make sure you have access to the compensation that is rightfully yours. Bring the liable party to justice and get the most out of your claim when you contact an experienced NYC paralysis lawyer at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.
Our firm proudly offers free consultations to injury victims across New York City and the state. Schedule yours by completing our online contact form or calling our office at (212) 490-5700.
CLIENT REVIEWS
09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
Harendra Gautam, HKD CLIENT
08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
patricia Carnevale, HKD CLIENT
06/22/2021
I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.
5
Deniece Buffaloe, HKD CLIENT
04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
thabossladi87, HKD CLIENT
03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
5
Stephanie Campos, HKD CLIENT
02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
5
lisa kessler, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
5
Emily Weinstein, HKD CLIENT
02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
5
Jason Bauer, HKD CLIENT
01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
5
VIRGINIA BOOTHE GORDON, HKD CLIENT
01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
5
Richard Leff, HKD CLIENT
01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
5
Larry Schatz, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I have known Judd Kleeger for over a decade now. By far the smartest hardest working attorney I have ever dealt with. His advice has been spot on time and time again. Highly recommend him.
5
Michael nessim, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.
5
Lisa Dawn Angerame, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
5
Emily Halperin, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
5
Didi Hutt, HKD CLIENT
01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
5
Alan Levine, HKD CLIENT
01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
5
Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
Marisol Pitre, HKD CLIENT
12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
5
peggy lamarre, HKD CLIENT
12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
Kjanecaron, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
5
Martin Munitz, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
5
Dan Greenberg, HKD CLIENT
12/04/2020
Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.
5
Ben S, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
5
Linda Winikoff, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive
5
Peter Visconti, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
Robert Dallas, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
Jeffrey Jagid, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
5
Kelvin Morel, HKD CLIENT
01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
David Irwin, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT