When a car crash leaves you with a cervical spine injury, the physical pain is only part of the struggle. Victims often face mounting medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about their future. These challenges make it essential to understand what compensation may be available for your injuries.
Across New York, compensation for cervical spine injury settlement amounts resulting from car accidents typically range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars when cases involve serious trauma like fractures, nerve damage, or paralysis. The final settlement value depends on multiple factors, including how severe the injury is, whether surgeries like spinal fusion are required, total medical expenses, income loss, how the injury affects daily life, and establishing liability.
At The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers, we know these serious injuries can change everything about how you live day to day, and our team is ready to help you recover the full compensation owed to you.
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What is a Cervical Spine Injury?
The cervical spine is the upper portion of the spinal column, consisting of seven vertebrae (C1–C7) that support the head and allow movement. An injury in this area affects nerves, muscles, and even breathing or mobility.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), patients with cervical spine injuries often report midline neck pain, tenderness, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
What is a Spine Injury from a Car Accident?
A spine injury from a car accident happens when the impact of a crash damages the bones, ligaments, discs, or nerves in the spinal column. Rear-end collisions and high-speed impacts are frequent causes. These injuries range from mild strains to severe spinal cord damage that leads to loss of sensation or movement.
As noted by the Mayo Clinic, early medical evaluation is essential because symptoms like numbness, paralysis, or weakness may not appear right away but can progress quickly.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Spine Injury After a Car Crash
Many car accident victims mistake neck stiffness for a mild strain when it could be a more serious cervical injury. Common symptoms may include:
- Radiating neck pain.
- Limited movement or stiffness.
- Tingling or numbness in the shoulders or arms.
- Headaches, dizziness, or vision issues.
- Weakness or loss of coordination.
Even mild symptoms should not be ignored, as spinal trauma worsens over time.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention right away after any car accident that causes neck or back pain. Doctors can use X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to identify internal injuries that might not be visible at first. Waiting too long for care can harm your health and weaken your legal claim. Thorough medical records create a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
Keep track of every appointment, treatment, and limitation you experience. These notes later help show how the injury affects your ability to work and your overall quality of life.
It’s also important to consult an attorney while focusing on your recovery. A New York car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the best compensation.
Key Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts
Several elements determine the financial value of a cervical spine injury claim after a car crash.
- Injury Severity and Treatment: More serious injuries that require long-term medical care or surgery tend to result in higher settlements.
- Lost Wages: Time missed from work due to pain, rehabilitation, or surgery can significantly increase your claim’s value.
- Permanent Disability: Lasting or permanent impairments can drastically raise compensation amounts.
- Liability: Proving the other driver’s fault is essential to recover full damages.
- Insurance Coverage: The at-fault party’s policy limits often define how much compensation is available.
- Evidence and Documentation: Comprehensive medical records, including MRIs, and detailed proof of how the injury affects your daily life, are key to building a strong claim.
Cervical spine injury settlement amounts are rarely “one-size-fits-all.” Each case depends on unique factors, such as medical prognosis, age, occupation, and lifestyle impact.
Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer to Secure Fair Compensation
Healing from a cervical spine injury goes beyond paying medical bills; it means getting back your stability and sense of calm. Our team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Long Island Personal Injury Lawyers has walked accident victims through these tough cases with care and dedication. Whether dealing with reduced mobility, constant pain, or lost time at work, our lawyers will take care of the legal work so you can focus on getting better.
Contact us today at 516-358-6900 for a free consultation about your cervical spine injury settlement amounts, and let our team stand up for your rights under New York law.
Richard S. Jaffe | Partner
After pioneering a string of personal injury cases on Long Island and in the New York City metropolitan area involving lead paint poisoning of infants, Richard’s reputation would be well known enough as a fierce trial attorney and litigator. Richard has managed to secure several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements throughout his 30-plus years of experience, which has earned him membership in many prestigious circles, such as the nation’s Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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