Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Serving Albany

A spinal cord injury can alter a person's life. When this catastrophic event is caused by someone else’s negligence, the impact is compounded by the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that follow. 

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to another’s carelessness in Albany, New York, the road ahead may seem overwhelming.

Our dedicated team of Albany spinal cord injury attorneys is here to provide unwavering support and aggressive legal representation after a car crash. With a deep understanding of these life-changing injuries, we are committed to helping victims obtain maximum compensation so they can rebuild their lives.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Why Partner with a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney after an Albany crash?

When facing the aftermath of a spinal cord injury caused by someone else's negligence, you want to choose the right legal team. At William Mattar Law Offices, we offer steadfast advocacy. Our team is dedicated to understanding the unique challenges you face and fighting tirelessly to secure maximum compensation.

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Albany

Spinal cord injuries can result from various incidents, including:

• Car accidents: Rear-end, head-on, and side-impact collisions can cause severe spinal injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents: High-impact collisions can result in severe spinal cord injuries.
• Slip and falls: Falls on icy sidewalks, uneven surfaces, or hazardous conditions can lead to spinal damage.
• Construction accidents: Falls from heights, heavy object impacts, and equipment malfunctions can result in spinal cord injuries.
• Medical malpractice: Errors during surgery or other medical procedures can cause spinal cord damage.
• Defective products: Faulty equipment or product design can lead to spinal cord damage.

The impact of these injuries extends far beyond physical limitations. They can affect every aspect of a person's life, from career prospects to personal relationships. Our goal is to ensure that all these factors are considered when seeking compensation for our clients.

Navigating the Legal Landscape in Albany

New York State law provides avenues for spinal cord injury victims to seek compensation, but the process can be complex. Here's how a spinal cord injury attorney can guide you after an Albany accident:

• Case Evaluation: We can conduct a thorough assessment of your situation, considering all potential liable parties and avenues for compensation.
• Evidence Gathering: Our team can collect crucial evidence, from medical records to accident reports, building a solid foundation for your case.
• Negotiation with Insurers: We can handle all communications with the at-fault motorist’s insurance companies, protecting your interests and pushing for fair compensation.
• Litigation Preparation: If a fair settlement can't be reached, we're prepared to take your case to court in Albany's legal system.
• Ongoing Support: Throughout the process, we'll be your advocates, advisors, and support system, ensuring you're informed and comfortable at every step.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries in Albany

The financial impact of a spinal cord injury can be staggering. A spinal cord injury attorney can fight for compensation in Albany, such as:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing care and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Each case is unique, and we strive to ensure that the compensation sought truly reflects the full impact of the injury on your life in Albany.

Insurance Claims for Spinal Cord Injuries: What You Need to Know

Dealing with insurance companies after a spinal cord injury can be a frustrating process. Insurance providers may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can help you maximize compensation after an Albany car accident.

Spinal cord injury cases often involve multiple insurance policies, including:

• Auto insurance (if the injury resulted from a car accident)
• Homeowners insurance (for slip and fall or premises liability incidents)
• Workers' compensation (for workplace injuries)
• Health insurance
• Disability insurance

Each of these policies has its own set of rules, exclusions, and deadlines. Without legal assistance, it's easy to miss critical details that could significantly impact your compensation.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses focused on profitability. They may employ various strategies to reduce payouts, such as:

• Offering quick, lowball settlements
• Disputing the severity of your injury
• Arguing that your injury was pre-existing
• Delaying the claims process hoping you'll give up
• Using your statements against you

This is where the a spinal cord injury attorney becomes invaluable after an Albany crash:

1. Policy Interpretation: Your attorney can thoroughly review all applicable insurance policies, ensuring you understand your coverage and rights.
2. Communication Buffer: By having your lawyer handle  communications with bodily injury liability insurance companies, you avoid the risk of saying something that could be used to devalue your claim.
3. Negotiation Skills: Experienced attorneys know the true value of spinal cord injury claims and can negotiate with insurance adjusters to maximize your compensation.
4. Evidence Compilation: A lawyer can gather and present compelling evidence to support your claim, including medical records, expert testimonies, and financial impact assessments.
5. Claim Denials: If your claim is denied, an attorney can file a lawsuit and navigate the complex legal processes on your behalf.
6. Multiple Policy Coordination: In cases involving multiple insurance policies, your attorney can strategize to optimize coverage from all available sources.
7. Bad Faith Claims: If an insurance company acts in bad faith, an attorney can pursue additional legal action to hold them accountable.

While it might be tempting to handle insurance claims on your own, the stakes can simply be too high in spinal cord injury cases. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts. By hiring an Albany spinal cord injury attorney, you level the playing field and significantly increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.

At William Mattar Law Offices, we have extensive experience navigating complex insurance claims for spinal cord injury victims. We're committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal and insurance complexities.

Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury in Albany

If you suffered a spinal cord injury in Albany steps to consider include:

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the incident to relevant authorities (e.g., police for traffic accidents, management for workplace injuries).
• Avoid discussing the incident on social media or with insurance representatives before consulting an attorney.
• Contact a  spinal cord injury attorney for a free consultation to understand your legal options after an Albany crash.

The Long-Term Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can have far-reaching consequences. In Albany, where winters can be harsh and summers humid, managing such an injury presents unique challenges, such as:

• Long-term medical needs and potential complications
• The impact on your ability to navigate Albany's urban landscape
• Changes in career trajectories, especially in Albany's primary sectors like government, healthcare, and education
• The effect on personal relationships and social interactions
• Potential need for ongoing psychological support

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I have to file a spinal cord injury claim in Albany?

The three-year statute of limitations is indeed the general rule in New York for personal injury cases, including spinal cord injuries. However, it's important to note some exceptions:

• If the injury was caused by a government entity, you may have a much shorter time frame to file a notice of claim or notice of intention (usually 90 days), which is a “condition precedent” to filing any lawsuit.
• For medical malpractice cases, the statute of limitations is 2.5 years from the date of the alleged malpractice or from the end of continuous treatment.
• In cases involving minors, the statute may be tolled (paused) until they reach the age of majority. This does not mean that the time to comply with various conditions precedent is also paused. 

2. What if I can't afford legal representation?

The contingency fee basis mentioned is a common practice in personal injury law. Here's how it typically works:

• You don't pay any upfront fees or hourly rates.
• The attorney's fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award.
• If you don't win the case or receive a settlement, you typically don't owe the attorney anything for their services.
• Some costs (like filing fees or expert witness fees) may still be your responsibility, depending on the agreement.

This arrangement allows people to pursue justice regardless of their current financial situation, as the attorney takes on much of the financial risk of the case.

3. How long will my case take?

The timeline for these cases can vary significantly. Factors that influence the duration include:

• The severity and complexity of the injury
• The clarity of liability (who was at fault)
• The willingness of the opposing party to negotiate
• Court schedules if the case goes to trial

Simple cases might settle in a few months, while complex cases could take several years. A spinal cord injury attorney should be able to give you a rough estimate based on the specifics of your case.

4. What if the injury occurred at work?

These situations can indeed be complex. Here's a bit more detail:

• Workers' compensation is typically the primary recourse for work-related injuries. It provides benefits regardless of fault but may limit the amount you can recover.
• A third-party lawsuit might be possible if someone other than your employer was responsible for the injury (e.g., an equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, or property owner).
• In some cases, you might pursue both workers' compensation and a third-party lawsuit simultaneously.

An experienced spinal cord injury attorney can help determine the best strategy for your specific situation.

5. Can I still pursue a case if I was partially at fault?

New York's comparative negligence rule is more specifically known as pure comparative negligence. Here's how it works:

• You can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault (though practically, high levels of fault make recovery unlikely).
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• The determination of fault percentages can be a complex negotiation or litigation point.

This rule encourages a thorough examination of all factors contributing to an accident and allows for more nuanced outcomes in personal injury cases.

William Mattar Law Offices: Your Partners in Recovery

At William Mattar Law Offices, we understand that a spinal cord injury is more than just a legal case—it's a life-changing event. We're here to support you through every step of your recovery journey, including securing fair compensation for past and future pain and suffering. 

When you choose to work with a spinal cord injury attorney at our law firm, you're not just getting a lawyer—you're gaining a committed ally in your fight for justice and recovery after an Albany car accident.

Take the First Step Towards CompensationToday

If you suffered a spinal cord injury in Albany, don't face this challenging time alone. Contact William Mattar Law Offices today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our experience, resources, and passion for justice to work for you.

Call us at (518) 592-6518 or complete our online contact form. Remember, time is of the essence in spinal cord injury cases. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

FREE CASE EVALUATION