If you’ve been in some type of accident that has caused a spinal cord injury, whether car accident, slip-and-fall accident, or another type of accident that has left you or a loved one with a spinal cord injury, you know that the effects can be devastating.

About 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries are reported every year in the United States. While some are relatively minor, others can be devastating indeed, such that they cause an immediate change in mobility for the person injured. Some result in full or partial paralysis. Even relatively “minor” injuries can cause permanent pain and suffering, however, even if permanent paralysis doesn’t result.

When a spinal cord injury occurs and is the result of another party’s actions or negligence, the victim has a right to sue for damages; those damages can be a consequence for the pain and suffering caused by the injury, and can help pay for the medical care (perhaps ongoing) that’s going to be necessary to treat the injury and to help rehabilitate the person injured. If permanent disability has resulted, the monies may be needed for long-term care, as well.

How spinal cord injuries occur and why

Spinal cord injuries can occur as a result of vehicle accident (car or motorcycle crashes), violence, sports injuries, or falls.

How much time do you have to file a lawsuit if you’ve been injured and sustained spinal cord injuries?

Depending on the jurisdiction and type of accident, as well as the location of the accident, you generally have roughly 90 days to file a notice of claim in New York, and a year plus 90 days from the date the accident occurred to file a lawsuit. Therefore, it’s imperative that you contact a New York personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury as soon as possible for a consultation.

What can your personal injury lawyer do for you?

Although insurance companies are quick to want to settle these types of cases because it costs them less money to do so, don’t. Instead, contact a personal injury lawyer in Queens or Manhattan to represent you in a possible lawsuit. Your attorney will carefully review your case free of charge to determine whether or not it has merit. If it does, your lawyer will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve, both based on the severity of your injury and on the pain and suffering you’ve experienced because of it. It’s imperative that you DON’T negotiate with the insurance company by yourself. You could find yourself with no financial resources to take care of yourself or your loved one during the long recovery process, or in the event you’re permanently disabled and are no longer able to work.

It will cost you no money up front

It should set your mind at ease to know that it’ll cost you no money up front to consult with a New York personal injury lawyer. No doubt you already have some significant financial burdens in your life, and the last thing you need is to worry about one more. To that end, your personal injury lawyer will charge you nothing upfront and will only collect a portion of your award or settlement if you win.

If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe  handles spinal cord injury claims throughout Nassau, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Suffolk.  We have collected millions for our clients and we can do the same for you.  We invite you to contact us at (516) 358-6900 so that we can evaluate your situation and whether you may be eligible for compensation.