When someone experiences a serious accident, one of the most devastating outcomes can be spinal cord injuries in New York. The spinal cord serves as the body’s communication highway, carrying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When this vital pathway is damaged, those signals are disrupted, causing partial or total loss of movement, sensation, or other functions.
These injuries can be catastrophic and life-altering. Victims often face complex medical and emotional challenges as they adjust to new limitations. According to the Mayo Clinic, prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital for stabilizing the injury, preventing complications, and improving long-term outcomes. Understanding what these injuries are, how they happen, and what steps to take afterward is essential for those affected.
What Are Spinal Cord Injuries?
A spinal cord injury occurs when trauma damages the spinal cord or the nerves connected to it, interrupting the brain’s ability to communicate with the body below the point of injury. Doctors typically classify spinal cord injuries as either complete or incomplete.
In a complete injury, all feeling and voluntary movement below the affected area are lost. In an incomplete injury, some sensory or motor function remains. The location of the injury determines the extent of impairment. For example, an injury to the cervical spine (neck region) can result in quadriplegia, affecting both the arms and legs, while damage lower in the spine may cause paraplegia, impacting only the lower body.
These distinctions guide treatment plans and help set realistic recovery expectations. The level and severity of injury determine whether a person can regain movement, adapt through the use of assistive devices, or achieve independent living.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Happen?
Spinal cord injuries occur for many reasons, but most result from sudden, forceful trauma. Car crashes, falls, sports accidents, and acts of violence are among the leading causes across New York. In urban areas such as New York City and Long Island, motor vehicle collisions and construction incidents are particularly common.
During an accident, the vertebrae that protect the spinal cord may fracture or dislocate, compressing or tearing the cord itself. In some cases, swelling, bleeding, or fluid buildup inside the spinal canal worsens the injury in the hours and days that follow. Non-traumatic causes such as infections, inflammation, or degenerative conditions like arthritis or cancer can also lead to significant spinal damage.
Regardless of the cause, spinal cord injuries in New York often require emergency medical intervention, surgical stabilization, and lengthy rehabilitation to maximize recovery and quality of life. Understanding how these injuries occur helps victims and their families better comprehend the path ahead and make informed medical and legal decisions.
To get a strong head start on your claim, it’s important to know what action to take after a catastrophic injury.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury
If you or someone you love sustains a spine injury, taking the right steps early on can make a major difference.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Early treatment can prevent further damage and preserve as much function as possible. Follow all recommended evaluations and specialist referrals.
- Keep detailed documentation: Record hospital visits, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and progress in physical therapy. These records are vital for both treatment and potential legal claims.
- Be cautious with insurance companies: Avoid signing documents or giving statements until you fully understand the injury’s long-term impact. Victims of spinal cord injuries in New York often face lifelong costs for rehabilitation, mobility aids, and home modifications. Understanding your rights helps secure the support and compensation needed for ongoing care.
- Build a strong support system: Rehabilitation professionals, family members, and peer networks play an important role in recovery. Progress may be gradual, but with consistent therapy and proper resources, many people regain some function or adapt through the use of assistive technology.
- Consult a personal injury attorney: In cases of spinal cord injuries in New York, proving fault can be complex. A knowledgeable attorney can gather evidence, establish liability, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Matera & Manley, LLP, Will Fight for Justice
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team can connect you with the right resources and guide you toward recovery and long-term stability.
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