There are many different injuries that can occur as a result of a motorcycle accident. Although some motorcycle accident victims may be fortunate enough to sustain only minor injuries, other people are not as fortunate. One type of devastating injury that can be caused by motorcycle accident is a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries, also known as SCI, can cause several different impairments, including loss of or impairment of sensation, movement, as well as many other impairments. While not all spinal cord injuries are permanent, many unfortunately are. There are four types of paralysis after a motorcycle accident in New York that a victim may sustain in an accident. If you or a loved one have suffered any one of these types of SCIs or paralysis, ask our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in New York for help.

Here at the O’Connor Law Firm, we understand that victims who have sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of a motorcycle accident will likely will face a lifetime of costly medical bills, the need for adaptive equipment, rehabilitation, and other needs as a result of their injury. That’s why our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in New York will fight to protect the rights of victims and their families throughout the five boroughs and Long Island. If you or a loved one suffered any type of paralysis after a motorcycle accident, call us to schedule your FREE case evaluation to learn more about your rights to compensation in New York.

Types of Paralysis Due to Spinal Cord Injuries in New York Motorcycle Accidents

Spinal cord injury is a blanket term for a few different types of injuries that can occur. Generally, SCIs may be complete or incomplete. Incomplete refers to damage to the spinal cord, but with some residual function or sensation. A person with a complete spinal cord injury has no function or movement at the level of the injury and below the level of injury.

The distinction between these two types of SCI is important because it also dictates the type of paralysis that a victim may sustain in a motorcycle accident in New York. The most common types of paralysis after a motorcycle accident in New York include the following:

• Quadriplegia – This is the most severe form of a SCI resulting in paralysis from the neck down
• Paraplegia – Paraplegia typically causes paralysis from the waist down, typically the lower torso and lower limbs
• Monoplegia – Monoplegia causes paralysis or impairment of movement and sensation in one limb
• Hemiplegia – Hemiplegia causes paralysis in the arm and leg on the same side of the body

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury That May Result in Partial or Total Paralysis

The degree of impairment caused by spinal cord injuries vary depending on the level in which the spinal cord injury occurs, and the degree of injury. Some of the most common effects of a spinal cord injuries include the following:

• Impairment or loss of sensation or movement
• Paralysis
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Respiratory impairment, sometimes necessitating the use of a ventilator
• Spasticity (tightening of the muscles that cannot be controlled)
• Flaccidity (abnormally low muscle tone)
• Pain that is often chronic
• Weakness
• Risk for infections
• Sexual dysfunction
• Circulatory impairment
• Muscle spasms
• Impaired quality of life
• Other effects of spinal cord injuries

Damages Under New York Law for Paralysis Victims

If you have any of these symptoms above from a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Victims who were injured in a motorcycle accident and suffered any type of paralysis due to another driver’s negligence may be eligible for damages. Damages are typically awarded in the form of compensation with the purpose of covering any costs associated with the injury sustained, both short-term and long-term. Damages are also meant to compensate a victim for his or her suffering, including emotional harm.

Some of the most common damages that paralysis victims may be eligible for include the following:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (loss of relations with a spouse or loss of enjoyment with loved ones)
• Rehabilitation – All spinal cord injury victims require rehabilitation, which may be inpatient for a prolonged period of time in an effort to gain as much function as possible, and help victims learn to function as independently as possible
• Nursing care – long-term nursing care may be required if a victim sustains a spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Medical bills
• Adaptive equipment (i.e. wheelchair, walker, shower chair, etc.)
• Home and vehicle modifications – home and vehicle modifications are often needed for spinal cord injury victims
• Other damages depending on the types of injuries and losses sustained that our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in New York may be able to help you recover.

If You Suffer From Paralysis After a Motorcycle Accident in New York, Call the O’Connor Law Firm Today

Paralysis after a motorcycle accident in New York is a very serious type of personal injury that must be handled by a very experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Here at the O’Connor Law Firm, our compassionate and dedicated team of professionals can help you and your family after spinal cord injuries result in paralysis and life-changing damages.

We can review cases throughout New York, particularly in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, and in surrounding areas such as Long Island. Our personal injury law firm has proven results, fighting for the rights of victims throughout New York City and Long Island. To learn more about the O’Connor Law Firm and how we can help you, call to schedule your appointment by dialing (718) 948-3500 or send us an email through our “Contact Us” box available here.