If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in Syracuse, New York, due to someone else's negligence, an experienced attorney can help to protect your rights. That’s where we come in—William Mattar Law Offices.
A Syracuse spinal cord injury attorney from our team can provide personalized legal representation while pursuing compensation for your injuries after a Syracuse crash.
Table of contents
- Why Choose a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer From Our Firm?
- Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Compensation
- How Our Syracuse Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Can Help
- Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Syracuse
- Recognizing Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury Accident in Syracuse
- Understanding the Costs Associated With Spinal Cord Injuries
- Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
Why Choose a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer From Our Firm?
The aftermath of a spinal cord injury is often a lot to deal with after a Syracuse crash. Having a spinal cord injury attorney from William Mattar Law Offices by your side can make a significant difference in your case and your future.
When you work with our experienced Syracuse spinal cord injury lawyers, you'll benefit from:
- Legal Experience: Spinal cord injury cases are among the most complex in personal injury law, requiring in-depth knowledge of both medical and legal aspects. Our spinal cord injury attorneys have extensive experience in handling these types of cases and stay current with the latest developments in personal injury law.
- Claim Evaluation: Accurately determining the full extent of damages in a spinal cord injury case requires a thorough understanding of the long-term implications of the injury. We work closely with our team to assess your current and future needs so that your claim reflects the value of your losses.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in high-value cases like spinal cord injuries. Our skilled negotiators know how to counter their tactics and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- No Upfront Costs: Like most personal injury attorneys, at William Mattar Law Offices we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay any legal fees unless we win your case or you receive a settlement, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Peace of Mind: We'll handle important aspects of your legal claim, from investigation to negotiation to litigation if necessary.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our spinal cord injury attorneys will leave no stone unturned regarding justice and compensation for you.
By choosing William Mattar Law Offices to represent you in your spinal cord injury case, you're hiring a lawyer who is a dedicated advocate who will fight hard for your rights.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Compensation
Given the severe nature of spinal cord injuries, compensation in these cases can be significant. The impact on a person's life is typically profound and long-lasting, which is reflected in the potential compensation.
People who have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else's negligence may recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Includes all medical expenses related to your injury, both past and future. It often covers initial emergency care, surgical procedures, hospital stays, prescribed medications, necessary adaptive equipment, and ongoing rehabilitative treatments. Medical expenses that are not covered by no-fault insurance can be recovered in a lawsuit against the at-fault parties.
- Lost Income: Covers not only the wages you've already lost due to your injury, but also accounts for any future reduction in your earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This category compensates you for the intangible yet significant impacts of your injury, such as physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish.
- Lifestyle Impact: Addresses the diminished quality of life resulting from your injury, including the inability to engage in activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed.
- Residential Adaptation: Expenses related to modifying your living space to accommodate your new needs, such as installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, or renovating bathrooms for accessibility.
- Vehicle Modifications: This includes costs associated with adapting your vehicle to suit your changed physical capabilities, potentially including hand controls, wheelchair lifts, or other necessary modifications.
- Ongoing Care Expenses: If your injury involves continual personal care or assistance, these long-term costs can be factored into your compensation.
- Loss of Consortium: Your spouse may be eligible for compensation due to loss of companionship and support resulting from your injury.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages can punish the wrongdoer.
As you can see, several factors influence the final compensation amount. Every case is unique, and our dedicated legal team is committed to pursuing all of your damages.
How Our Syracuse Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers Can Help
A spinal cord injury lawyer from William Mattar Law Offices can be instrumental in building and pursuing your claim after a Syracuse crash.
Here's how we can provide:
- Case Analysis: We conduct thorough investigations, collecting evidence like police reports, eyewitness accounts, and video footage to establish a strong foundation for your case.
- Medical Documentation: Our team will secure detailed records to fully illustrate the extent of your injuries and future care requirements.
- Liability Assessment: We identify all potentially responsible parties, whether they're negligent drivers, property owners, or product manufacturers, ensuring no avenue for compensation is overlooked.
- Insurance Dealings: Our attorneys manage insurance company communications, shielding you from potentially damaging statements and fighting against claim undervaluation.
- Litigation Readiness: If the other side refuses a fair settlement, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
- Settlement Advocacy: Our skilled negotiators persistently pursue a fair settlement that fully addresses your injuries and losses.
- Trial Representation: Should your case proceed to court, our seasoned spinal cord injury attorneys will present a compelling argument to the jury.
- Long-Term Financial Planning: We will collaborate with experts to structure any settlement or award to safeguard your future financial stability.
Choosing William Mattar Law Offices ensures that every part of your spinal cord injury claim receives meticulous attention and handling. Our approach aims to secure a financial outcome that supports your recovery and future well-being.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Syracuse
Spinal cord injuries can arise from a variety of incidents and accidents. Recognizing these common causes is good for determining liability and building a strong injury case.
Some of the primary sources of spinal cord injuries include:
- Traffic Accidents: Busy highways, crowded city streets, and rural roads all pose risks for devastating collisions. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. The sudden impact and forces involved in these crashes can result in severe trauma to the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Falls: These incidents, particularly common among seniors and in workplaces, can cause severe spinal cord damage whether occurring from a height or on level ground.
- Athletic Accidents: Contact sports, diving mishaps, and extreme sports can lead to spinal cord injury accidents.
- Healthcare Negligence: Instances of medical malpractice, such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or improper treatments can lead to spinal cord injuries.
- Workplace Accidents: The diverse industrial landscape of Syracuse presents risks of spinal cord injuries from construction site falls, industrial accidents, and other workplace incidents.
- Defective Products: Defective safety gear, vehicle component failures, or faulty recreational equipment can result in spinal cord trauma.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists can result in spinal cord injuries.
We aim to identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation allowable under New York state law.
Recognizing Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injury symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. You’ll want to recognize these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact the long-term prognosis. Common symptoms may include:
- Impaired Mobility: Partial or complete loss of movement in body parts below the injury site, ranging from weakness to full paralysis.
- Sensory Deficits: Decreased or absent ability to perceive touch, temperature, or pressure in areas affected by the injury.
- Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Challenges in managing involuntary bodily functions, particularly related to bladder and bowel control.
- Muscle Spasticity: Involuntary muscle contractions or exaggerated reflex responses, often resulting in uncontrolled limb movements.
- Neuropathic Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain sensations, often described as burning or stinging, stemming from damaged nerve fibers.
- Respiratory Complications: Potential breathing difficulties, particularly in injuries affecting the upper spine and subsequently impacting diaphragm function.
- Paresthesia: Unusual sensations such as numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the extremities.
- Balance and Coordination Issues: Difficulties with maintaining equilibrium and executing precise movements.
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms following an accident in Syracuse, seek immediate medical attention. Then, don’t hesitate to contact William Mattar Law Offices to discuss your legal options.
Steps to Take After a Spinal Cord Injury Accident in Syracuse
While immediate medical care is paramount in the hours after an accident, there are other actions to consider in the days that follow:
- Continue Medical Treatment: Follow all treatment plans and recommendations from your healthcare team.
- Gather Information: Gather all available details about the incident, including police reports, witness contact information, and photographs. Ensure an accident report is filed with your employer for workplace injuries.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Please notify your insurance company about the accident and injury. Insurance companies have notice requirements and a failure to comply with these can lead to a loss of coverage.
- Document Everything: Begin a daily journal documenting your experiences, pain levels, and how the injury impacts your life. Preserve receipts related to your injury, including transportation costs for medical visits.
- Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney: At William Mattar Law Offices, we can help protect your rights and ensure that you meet important deadlines after a Syracuse crash.
- Avoid Social Media: Avoid posting about your accident or injury on social platforms, as insurance companies may use this information to challenge your claim.
- Preserve Evidence: If possible, preserve any physical evidence related to the accident (e.g., damaged clothing, equipment). Don't repair any property damage until it has been properly documented.
By taking these steps, you're protecting your health, your rights, and your future.
Understanding the Costs Associated With Spinal Cord Injuries
Immediate and Ongoing Medical Expenses:
- Emergency care, surgeries, and hospitalization: Initial treatment can be costly.
- Long-term care: Regular check-ups, medication, and potential re-hospitalizations.
- Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are often required for extended periods.
Lifestyle Adaptations:
- Assistive devices: Wheelchairs, specialized equipment, and mobility aids are essential.
- Home modifications: Ramps, widened doorways, and accessible bathrooms may be necessary.
- Vehicle adaptations: Modifications for wheelchair access and operation are often required.
- Personal care assistance: Home health aides or live-in caregivers may be needed.
Financial Implications:
- Lost wages: Both current income and future earning potential can be significantly impacted.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Training for new careers may be necessary.
Emotional and Psychological Support:
- Psychological treatment: Counseling and therapy are essential for coping with the challenges of a spinal cord injury.
Additional Considerations:
- Transportation: Specialized transportation services may be needed for appointments and daily activities.
- Medication: Ongoing prescription costs for pain management, spasticity control, and other conditions.
- Secondary conditions: Treatment for complications like pressure sores and infections.
- Adaptive recreation: Specialized equipment and programs for enjoying leisure activities.
These costs can quickly accumulate, making it essential to have a spinal cord injury attorney by your side after a Syracuse crash.
Contact a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
The experienced team at William Mattar Law Offices is here to handle the legal process and advocate for the compensation you deserve after a Syracuse crash. Take the first step towards securing your future by contacting William Mattar Law Offices today.
Call us at (315) 444-4444 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us be your voice and your champion in seeking justice and fair compensation for your spinal cord injury. We're prepared to stand by your side every step of the way.
Don't let the opportunity for maximum compensation slip away. Reach out to William Mattar Law Offices today, and let us help you move forward with confidence.