When you have been involved in a serious car accident in New York that resulted in a spinal cord injury, you may have a lot of questions about your care and how it will be paid for. If someone else was the cause of your accident, he or she may be held liable. Contact a Staten Island car accident lawyer to learn what your rights are.
Overview of a Spinal Cord Injury
Injuries to the spine can occur in different locations and with varying degrees of severity. When the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, nerves and muscles are injured, it can lead to chronic pain, numbness and tingling.
Sometimes the pain will shoot into other parts of the body. However, when you have suffered a spinal cord injury, it can be more traumatic because it may lead to paralysis.
When the spinal cord is injured, along with other parts of the back, various treatments may be necessary. Depending on the source of your injury and the prognosis, you could be entitled to compensation that goes beyond just your medical expenses.
Consulting with a Staten Island car accident lawyer will help you understand if you have a legitimate claim worth pursuing. It will also determine the types of damages you may be able to recover.
Diagnosing and Treating a Spinal Cord Injury
Damage to the spinal area is usually detected through an MRI or CT scan. Neurosurgeons, orthopedists and other types of specialists may need to be involved in your case.
Treatment will depend on the extent of your spinal cord injury. Anti-inflammatory medication is often prescribed to help reduce the inflammation and relieve pain. Something more powerful may become necessary, such as steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be given in pill form or injected into the area of the injury.
Physical therapy can help and may include a number of treatments including:
- hot/cold therapy;
- nerve stimulation;
- massage;
- exercises; and
- aquatic therapy.
Surgery is another possible treatment for a spinal cord injury. The type of surgery performed will depend on the location and type of injury. There are different types of spine surgery that can be done.
When the spinal cord has been permanently damaged, it may lead to the need for assistive devices, including a wheelchair, braces or a walker.
Medical treatment for a spinal cord injury can be an overwhelming experience. Adding to that, it can be extremely costly. Expenses can soar quickly into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. And if you are permanently disabled, you may need long-term care.
Damages Stemming from a Serious Car Accident in New York
Besides the medical costs, being out of work can add to the financial burden. You may be unable to return to your job for weeks, months or years. Or you could be permanently disabled.
Damages could include not only medical expenses, but also your lost income or earning potential if you are not able to continue working. In addition, there may be other damages available to address your bodily and psychological injuries.
Some of the other types of damages that could be recoverable include pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, reduced quality of life and more. By consulting with a Staten Island car accident lawyer, you can learn what your rights are and what steps you need to take in order to protect them.
Don’t delay in seeking legal advice when you have been injured in a serious car accident in New York. A Staten Island car accident lawyer may be able to help with other aspects of the claims process, including necessary paperwork completion and evidence collection for your case.
Contacting a Staten Island Car Accident Lawyer
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one as a result of a car accident in New York, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with a Staten Island car accident lawyer can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing an accident claim is right for you.
At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of accident attorneys to serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your accident claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
