Spinal cord injuries can be serious and life-changing injuries. According to The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, a spinal injury can cost a person over $72,000 per year.
If you suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be left with many questions, including how you will be able to pay medical expenses and everyday bills. You may also be wondering how to regain your enjoyment of life and properly care for yourself.
With the help of a Brooklyn spinal cord injury lawyer, you could obtain compensation for your economic and non-economic losses by filing a claim against the party responsible for your injury. An experienced personal injury lawyer could help you assess your damages and negotiate with the defendant during settlement or in court.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is composed of nerve tissues that send messages between the brain and the body. When messages travel from the brain to spinal cord nerves, a person is able to move their appendages. Likewise, when the skin or tissues send messages to the brain, a person feels sensations.
The spinal cord is imperative to daily living. This delicate bundle of nerves is located in the spinal column where it is protected by spinal bones. However, even though the spinal cord is protected, it can still sustain injuries from accidents. These injuries can cause severe and permanent impairment and even death. Generally, the further up the spine the injury is, the more areas of the body it will impact. Common causes of spinal cord injuries include:
Motor vehicle accidents are by far the most common cause of spinal cord injuries, often causing paraplegia or quadriplegia. Since even minor injuries to the spinal cord can cause decreased function and enjoyment of life, an injured individual may want to contact a skilled attorney in Brooklyn to discuss their eligibility for compensation.
What is a Certificate of Merit?
When a plaintiff’s spinal cord injury lawyer in Brooklyn files a spinal cord lawsuit arising from medical malpractice, they must also submit a certificate of merit, according to New York Civil Practice & Law Rules § 3012-a.
This certificate is an official document that states the attorney obtained the opinion of a physician who, in their professional opinion, believes the lawsuit has merit. If the attorney cannot do so, they must state that they made three good faith attempts to reach other physicians to do so. This law is in place to help reduce the number of invalid lawsuits the court must hear. This law applies to medical and dental malpractice cases because the underlying matter must be proven via expert testimony from a medical doctor.
Speak with a Brooklyn Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
If you were injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, a Brooklyn spinal cord injury lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Attorneys who are well-versed in the New York laws regarding spinal cord injuries could develop a personalized strategy to reduce their client’s liability and maximize the defendant’s liability.
We could leverage years of knowledge and experience to obtain a fair settlement or jury award to help you pay your bills and move forward on secure financial footing. Call today to see how we can advocate for you.
