Value of a Broken Leg Injury in New York

The impact of paraplegia on an individual's life cannot be overstated. It leads to profound physical and emotional challenges, substantial medical expenses, and a significant loss of independence. Everyday activities that were once taken for granted become daunting obstacles, and the individual's ability to work and earn income may be severely compromised. Compensation may be available for individuals who have suffered paraplegia due to someone else's negligence. In New York, understanding the worth of a paraplegia injury requires a thorough examination of factors such as medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, disability, and the long-term impact on the individual's quality of life. It is essential to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable New York personal injury lawyer who can navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight for fair compensation on behalf of the injured party. At Stephen Bilkis & Associates we possesses the knowledge and expertise necessary to guide you through the legal intricacies and advocate for your rights. With over 20 years of experience representing clients who suffered serious injuries in accidents, our attorneys and of counsel have recovered over $1 billion for our clients. We will work tirelessly to gather evidence, build a strong case, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Broken leg injuries can result from another of different types of accidents, often because a person other than the victim was negligent. One of the most common ways is in a traumatic accident such as a car, bus, or motorcycle accident, accidents in the workplace, or sports-related accidents.

Premises liability accidents can also result in broken legs such as when someone slips and falls on liquid or ice that should have been cleaned up or cleared or whether there is some other hazardous condition. Improper medical treatment or surgical errors can lead to broken leg injuries as can defective products, such as faulty equipment or defective consumer goods, can contribute to broken leg injuries.

The major factors that go into determining the value of broken leg injuries include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, to get a better idea as to the compensation to which you might be entitled to, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in New York.

Medical Expenses: Medical expenses are a critical component in determining the value of a broken leg injury as the plaintiff is typically compensated for both their past and future medical expenses. The cost to treat a broken leg can vary due to several factors, including the severity of the injury. A simple fracture that can be managed with non-surgical methods, such as casting or bracing, may incur lower medical expenses compared to a complex fracture that requires surgical intervention, implants, or multiple procedures. When pursuing compensation, it’s important to demand payment for past medical expenses, as well as for future estimated medical expenses.

Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the injury, including missed workdays, reduced earning capacity, and potential future income losses, is considered. This amount will vary depending on the type of work that the plaintiff did before the accident, how much work they will miss, and their compensation, and whether the plaintiff would be able to return to similar work after the broken leg injury.

Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering are significant factors that impact the value of a broken leg injury. While medical expenses and economic damages can be quantified more easily, pain and suffering represent the non-economic losses and intangible effects experienced by the injured individual. Here's how pain and suffering can influence the value of a broken leg injury.

• Physical Pain and Discomfort: The level and duration of physical pain experienced as a result of the broken leg injury contribute to the assessment of pain and suffering. This includes the immediate pain after the injury, the pain during the treatment and recovery process, and any ongoing or chronic pain that may persist. The severity and extent of physical discomfort are considered in determining the compensation amount.
• Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: The impact on the individual's mental well-being and overall quality of life is taken into account when assessing pain and suffering. This includes the emotional toll of dealing with the injury, the frustration of limitations imposed by the injury, and the psychological effects of the recovery process.
• Impaired Mobility and Loss of Enjoyment: The loss of independence, diminished quality of life, and the inability to participate in recreational activities or social events are considered in evaluating the impact of pain and suffering.
• Long-Term Effects and Disability: In cases where a broken leg injury results in long-term or permanent disability, the impact on the individual's life and their ability to work, pursue personal goals, or engage in regular activities is taken into account.
• Age and Life Circumstances: The age of the injured person and their life circumstances can also influence the value of pain and suffering. Younger individuals who have a longer life expectancy may experience the effects of the injury for a more extended period, potentially increasing the value of their pain and suffering claim.

As an experienced personal injury attorney in New York will explain, there are many factors that go into determining the value of a broken leg injury case. Here are examples of some jury verdicts:

Liciaga v. N.Y.C. Transit Auth., 2019 N.Y. Slip Op. 33331 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2019). $150 million. Plaintiff’s spine was shattered leaving him a paraplegic. After a liability trial, the jury rendered a verdict attributing 100% fault to the defendant. The jury granted the 26-year old plaintiff a $9 million for past pain and suffering, encompassing a span of around three years. Additionally, the jury awarded an extraordinary amount of $60 million for future pain and suffering, spanning 48 years. Moreover, the jury recognized the substantial impact on the plaintiff's economic prospects and provided a considerable award for future economic losses. The parties mutually agreed upon the judgment amount for past economic losses, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the plaintiff's losses.

Lewis v. City of New York, 689 F. Supp. 2d 417 (E.D.N.Y. 2010). $4.6 million. Lewis’s injuries required immediate hospitalization, multiple surgeries (on his back and spinal column), and caused complete and permanent paraplegia. Thus, the catastrophic and permanent nature of plaintiff’s injury is undisputed. However, the testimony as to the degree of pain and suffering Lewis experienced, and continues to experience, and the existence/likelihood of other medical complications was equivocal. Plaintiff was awarded approximately $4.6 million in compensatory damages, comprising $3,490,968 in past and future medical expenses, $900,000 for past and future pain and suffering, and $150,000 for past and future lost wages.

In personal injury cases involving broken leg injuries, understanding the value of the injury is crucial for obtaining fair compensation. Evaluating the value of a broken leg injury requires a comprehensive analysis of factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation needs, and the long-term impact on the injured party's life. If you or a loved one has suffered a broken in an accident caused by the negligence of someone else, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney serving New York who can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve based on the specific circumstances of your case. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW (1-800-696-9529) to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Staten Island, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.