New York Internal Spinal Cord Injuries

An internal spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord, a crucial bundle of nerves within the spinal column, sustains damage from within, leading to severe impairment and often life-altering consequences. These injuries can result from various incidents, such as car accidents, slip and falls, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, and more. When negligence or recklessness contributes to such injuries, victims have the right to seek compensation for their losses and suffering. If you or a loved one sustained a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another person, contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. We will handle your case with the utmost care and determination, fighting tirelessly to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is an Internal Spinal Cord Injury?

An internal spinal cord injury, also known as an intramedullary spinal cord injury, refers to damage or trauma that occurs within the spinal cord itself. Unlike external spinal cord injuries that affect the surrounding bones and soft tissues, internal spinal cord injuries directly impact the delicate nerve tissues and cells within the spinal cord. Examples of types of internal spinal cord injuries include:

• Contusion: A contusion refers to bruising or bleeding within the spinal cord due to a traumatic impact. The force applied to the spine can cause blood vessels to rupture, leading to internal bleeding and damage to nerve cells.
• Compression Fracture: A compression fracture occurs when the spinal cord experiences excessive pressure and force, causing the vertebrae to collapse on themselves.
• Hemorrhage: Hemorrhages within the spinal cord involve the rupture of blood vessels, leading to bleeding in or around the spinal cord tissue.
• Central Cord Syndrome: This type of internal spinal cord injury often results from hyperextension injuries. It primarily affects the nerve fibers that transmit signals to and from the arms, causing motor and sensory deficits in the upper limbs while sparing the lower limbs.
• Brown-Séquard Syndrome: Brown-Séquard syndrome is caused by damage to one side of the spinal cord, resulting in a loss of motor function and proprioception (awareness of body position) on the same side and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.

Causes of Internal Spinal Cord Injuries

Internal spinal cord injuries can be caused by various traumatic events, medical conditions, and infections. While such injuries can be caused by tumors, infections, and inflammatory conditions, they can also be caused by accidents caused by negligence.

Car accidents, slip and falls, and sports-related incidents are common causes of traumatic spinal cord injuries, which can lead to internal damage within the spinal cord itself. Car accidents, with their high speeds and sudden impacts, can be particularly devastating to the spinal cord. The force generated during a collision can cause the spine to violently jolt or be forcefully compressed between the car's seat and restraint systems. Such traumatic events can lead to immediate damage to the spinal cord, disrupting the transmission of nerve signals and resulting in various neurological impairments.

Slip and fall incidents are another significant cause of internal spinal cord injuries. A sudden fall can cause the spine to undergo abnormal bending or compression, leading to injuries within the spinal cord. These accidents can occur anywhere, from a slippery floor or staircase to a poorly maintained walkway. The impact on the spinal cord can vary depending on the height of the fall and the angle at which the body lands.

Sports-related incidents are also known to cause internal spinal cord injuries, especially in high-impact and contact sports. Tackles, collisions, and falls during sports like football, rugby, and skiing can put immense stress on the spinal cord, potentially resulting in damage to the nerve tissues within.

If you or a loved one have suffered an internal spinal cord injury due to a car accident, slip and fall, or sports-related incident caused by negligence, it's essential to seek legal advice from an experienced New York personal injury lawyer.

Consequences of Internal Spinal Cord Injuries

The consequences of these internal spinal cord injuries can be severe and life-changing. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, individuals may experience partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, impaired motor function, and disruptions in bowel and bladder control. Rehabilitation and long-term care are often necessary to address the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that individuals with internal spinal cord injuries face.

Possible Compensation for Internal Spinal Cord Injuries

As an experienced personal injury attorney in New York can explain, victims who have experienced internal spinal cord injuries may have the right to seek compensation for the various losses and hardships they endure. This potential compensation can encompass several aspects.

First, medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury may be covered, including bills for medical treatments, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care necessary for dealing with the internal spinal cord injury. In addition, compensation may extend to cover lost wages both in the past and projected into the future. This is especially applicable when the injury prevents the victim from working or significantly reduces their capacity to work. Victims may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering they endure, encompassing both the physical and emotional aspects of the injury. Additionally, this compensation may address the loss of enjoyment of life that results from the internal spinal cord injury. Moreover, victims may be able to seek compensation for the costs associated with rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other therapeutic treatments aimed at enhancing functional recovery and improving their quality of life.

Furthermore, if modifications to the victim's home are necessary to accommodate their new needs and ensure accessibility, compensation may be provided to cover the expenses incurred for these adjustments. Lastly, compensation may also encompass the acquisition of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or mobility aids, to enhance the victim's mobility and independence, thereby facilitating their day-to-day activities and overall well-being.

Note that in New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to an internal spinal cord injury is generally three years from the date of the accident or incident that caused the injury. This means that individuals who have suffered internal spinal cord injuries due to someone else's negligence must initiate legal action within this three-year timeframe to preserve their right to seek compensation.

Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Internal spinal cord injuries can cause profound and life-altering consequences for the victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered from an internal spinal cord injury due to negligence, it is essential to seek legal assistance from experienced personal injury attorneys serving New York. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, we are dedicated to advocating for victims of internal spinal cord injuries. We understand the complexities of personal injury law and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, Nassau County, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Bronx, and Westchester County.

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