Yonkers Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe trauma that disrupts communication between the brain and body. These life-altering injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis depending on the severity and location of the damage.

There are two main categories of spinal cord injuries:

• Complete SCI: Results in total loss of function below the injury site, causing full paralysis of affected body parts.
• Incomplete SCI: Some function or sensation remains below the injury site, with potential for partial recovery through treatment and rehabilitation.

After an accident, be alert for both immediate and developing symptoms of spinal cord injury:

• Severe neck or back pain, especially with pressure or worsening intensity
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in any part of your body
• Problems with movement, balance, or coordination
• Changes in bodily functions, including bladder and sexual function
• Breathing difficulties or chest tightness
• Muscle spasms or abnormal reflexes
• Emotional changes, including growing anxiety or depression

Any of these symptoms could indicate a serious spinal injury. Don't try to "tough it out" or wait to see if they improve. Seek immediate medical attention — early treatment can significantly affect your recovery outcome.

The experienced Tomkiel & Tomkiel attorneys understand how these symptoms can develop and worsen over time, which is why we work to ensure your compensation covers both immediate and future medical needs.

Fighting for Yonkers Families: What We Do Best

At Tomkiel & Tomkiel, we don't just handle your case — we stand by your side throughout your journey to justice. Our deep roots in the Yonkers community mean we understand local courts, insurance companies, and healthcare providers. When you work with us, we do the following in every case:

Thorough Investigation

Our Yonkers spinal cord attorneys conduct detailed investigations to gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and accident reports. We ensure all relevant facts are collected to support your case.

Identifying Responsible Parties

We identify all parties responsible for your injury, whether they are negligent drivers, employers, property owners, medical professionals, or product manufacturers. Holding all responsible parties accountable is key to securing fair compensation.

Calculating Damages

Spinal cord injuries often lead to high medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs. We work with medical professionals to calculate the full scope of your damages, including future medical costs and quality-of-life losses.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts for spinal cord injury claims. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. We fight to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers your current and future needs.

Litigation and Trial

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our spine injury lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We have decades of experience and vast resources to present a strong case in court, ensuring your rights are protected.

No Upfront Costs: Our Promise to You

Dealing with a spinal cord injury is expensive enough. That's why our law firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis:

• Zero upfront costs or fees
• We cover all case expenses
• You only pay fees if we win your case
• Free initial consultation

Don't Let Another Day Pass Without Taking Action!

Don’t risk your future. Contact Tomkiel & Tomkiel now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We're available 24/7 to discuss your case.

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Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are caused by a variety of accidents and events, most of which are preventable and caused by negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

Car Accidents

Whether it's a rear-end collision or a T-bone accident at a local intersection, the force of impact can cause severe spinal trauma. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in herniated discs, nerve damage, or more serious spinal cord injuries.

Motorcycle Incidents

Riders face unique risks on Yonkers' busy streets. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, even a low-speed collision can lead to catastrophic spinal injuries. Being thrown from a motorcycle often results in multiple points of trauma to the spine.

Truck Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are often devastating. The massive force difference means even "minor" truck accidents can cause severe spinal cord damage to occupants of smaller vehicles.

Construction Site Accidents

Yonkers' ongoing development brings particular risks for construction workers. Falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, or accidents with heavy machinery can all cause life-changing spinal injuries.

Workplace Accidents

In high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, or warehouse work, spinal cord injuries are often caused by falls, machinery accidents, or heavy lifting. We help workers pursue both workers' compensation and third-party liability claims to secure maximum compensation.

Premises Liability

Property owners in Yonkers have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. We regularly see spinal injuries caused by wet floors in shopping areas, poorly maintained stairs in apartment buildings, and inadequate lighting in parking structures. Winter brings additional risks from icy walkways, while defective elevators or escalators pose year-round hazards.

At Tomkiel & Tomkiel, we've seen how a spinal cord injury can happen in virtually any setting — from a busy intersection to a construction site in downtown Yonkers. Understanding how these injuries occur helps us build stronger cases for our clients.

What to Do After a Spinal Cord Injury

Immediate action is critical following a spinal cord injury. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Getting prompt medical care is vital for stabilizing your condition and preventing further injury. It also provides critical documentation for your case.
2. Document the incident: Gather evidence, including photos, accident reports, and witness statements. The more detailed the evidence, the stronger your case.
3. Report the incident: Notify the police, employer, or property owner as required. This establishes an official record of the event and supports your legal claim.
4. Contact an attorney: Reach out to our team at Tomkiel & Tomkiel. We offer free consultations to guide you through the legal process and help secure the compensation you deserve.

Remember, every hour counts after a spinal injury. Quick action not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal case. Our spinal cord injury lawyers in Yonkers have seen how early intervention can make a crucial difference in both recovery and compensation outcomes.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury's impact depends largely on where along the spine the damage occurs. At Tomkiel & Tomkiel, we want you to understand your injury so you can make informed decisions about your medical care and legal options.

Neck Injuries (Cervical Region)

The highest part of your spine, running through your neck, controls your breathing, arm movement, and hand function. Injuries here are often the most severe because they can affect everything from your shoulders down. Each vertebra controls different functions:

• An injury at the top (C1-C3) might affect your ability to breathe independently.
• Mid-neck injuries (C4-C5) typically impact shoulder and upper arm movement.
• Lower neck injuries (C6-C7) usually affect wrist and hand control.

Upper Back Injuries (Thoracic Region)

When the injury occurs in your upper or mid-back area, it typically affects your torso and legs while sparing arm and hand function. These injuries often result in:

• Changes in chest and abdominal muscle control
• Leg paralysis
• Balance issues
• Changes in bodily functions

Lower Back Injuries (Lumbar Region)

Your lower back controls key functions in your hips and legs. Injuries here might affect:

• Hip movement
• Leg control
• Walking ability
• Bladder and bowel function

Base of Spine Injuries (Sacral Region)

The lowest part of your spine primarily controls some leg functions and bladder/bowel control. While these injuries can be serious, many people retain significant function above the injury site.

Building Your Legal Case in Yonkers, NY

When someone else's negligence causes a spinal cord injury, they must be held responsible. Our knowledgeable and skilled spine injury attorneys have spent decades investigating spine injury cases throughout Yonkers, uncovering evidence that others might miss, and building winning strategies for our clients.

Potential Responsible Parties in Spine Injury Cases

Spinal cord injury cases require proving someone else caused your injury through negligence. Commonly responsible parties in Yonkers include:

• Reckless drivers on local roads
• Property owners who neglect maintenance in Yonkers' many apartment buildings and businesses
• Construction companies failing to maintain safe work sites
• Product manufacturers selling defective equipment

Proving Your Spinal Cord Injury Case

To win your case, we must show:

1. Someone had a duty to keep you safe (like a driver's duty to follow traffic laws).
2. They failed in that duty (such as running a red light).
3. Their failure caused your injury (the collision damaged your spine).
4. You suffered real damages (medical bills, lost work, pain and suffering).

Each case is unique, which is why our team investigates thoroughly to uncover all responsible parties and document every impact on your life. We know Yonkers' courts, local medical experts, and how to build compelling evidence for local juries.

Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury Victims

Spinal cord injuries often result in long-term medical needs and lifestyle changes. Compensation typically includes:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for immediate and future medical treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
• Lost wages and income: Compensation for wages lost due to the injury and potential future loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Financial compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of quality of life.
• Lifestyle modifications: Coverage for necessary modifications to your home, such as wheelchair ramps, or specialized vehicles.
• Caregiver costs: Compensation for the cost of personal care assistants or in-home healthcare services.

Our experienced lawyers fight for comprehensive compensation to cover all of your immediate and long-term needs.

The New York Statute of Limitations for Spine Injury Cases

New York's legal system sets strict deadlines for filing spinal cord injury claims. Most spinal cord injury claims must be filed within three years from the date of injury. However, this timeline can vary based on several factors:

• Claims against government entities require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
• Medical malpractice cases have a 2.5-year deadline.
• Cases involving minors may have extended deadlines.

Don't risk losing your right to compensation. Contact us immediately after your injury so we can protect your legal rights and start building your case.