Paralyzed After an Accident? NYC Injury Lawyers for Paralysis Cases

Why paralysis cases demand a focused legal strategy

Spinal cord and severe nerve injuries can affect mobility, employment, independence, and lifelong medical needs. NYC injury lawyers typically coordinate immediate fact investigation, preservation of evidence, and collaboration with treating specialists and rehabilitation experts. Early life-care planning helps project long-term costs and support needs so the full impact of the injury can be documented and presented to insurers or a jury.

Common causes of paralysis in New York injury cases

Paralysis may result from many negligent or wrongful acts. Common scenarios include:

• Motor vehicle collisions (including trucks, rideshare, and buses)
• Falls on unsafe premises
• Construction and worksite incidents
• Medical negligence
• Defective products
• Assaults enabled by negligent security
• Cycling or pedestrian collisions

Identifying every potentially at-fault party—drivers, property owners, contractors, manufacturers, or institutions—can be critical to securing full compensation.

Compensation that may be available

A well-documented paralysis case may seek damages for:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment, inpatient rehab, and home health care
• Durable medical equipment and home/vehicle accessibility modifications
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
• The economic value of necessary family caregiving and attendant care

In rare cases, punitive damages may be available where conduct was egregious or willful, beyond ordinary negligence. Your attorney will also evaluate liens, benefits coordination, and potential structured arrangements to help protect long-term needs.

How NYC injury lawyers prove liability and damages

Building a strong case often includes: scene inspections; preservation of video or vehicle data; obtaining 911 records and witness statements; consulting biomechanical and human-factors experts; and subpoenaing maintenance, training, or construction safety records. To explain the human impact, firms may use demonstrative exhibits and day-in-the-life visuals. For damages, qualified specialists and a comprehensive life-care plan—paired with economic analysis—are commonly used to estimate lifetime costs in serious spinal cord injury cases (see NSCISC Facts & Figures).

Time limits and notice requirements

New York imposes strict, claim-specific deadlines. Missing a deadline can bar recovery. Examples include:

• General negligence (e.g., car or premises cases): typically three years from the accident (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5)).
• Medical malpractice: generally two years and six months, with limited discovery-rule exceptions such as certain foreign-object cases and the cancer diagnosis discovery rule (N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214-a).
• Claims against cities and other municipalities: a written Notice of Claim is typically due within 90 days (GML § 50-e), and the lawsuit deadline is often one year and 90 days (GML § 50-i).
• Wrongful death: generally two years from the date of death (E.P.T.L. § 5-4.1).

Deadlines can vary based on the facts, parties, and evolving law. Consult a lawyer promptly to identify which periods apply to your situation.

What to do after a paralyzing accident in NYC

• Prioritize medical care and follow specialist recommendations.
• Preserve evidence: photos, video, names of witnesses, and incident or crash reports.
• Avoid recorded statements or signing releases without legal advice.
• Keep all bills, insurance letters, and proof of missed work.
• Contact an NYC injury lawyer who handles paralysis cases to evaluate liability, benefits coordination, and next steps.

Ready to talk? Request a free consultation.

How contingency fees work

Most NYC personal injury matters are handled on a contingency fee, meaning no attorney’s fee is owed unless there is a recovery, consistent with New York’s professional conduct rules (Rule 1.5(c)). Medical malpractice cases are subject to a statutory sliding-scale fee schedule (Judiciary Law § 474-a). Initial consultations are typically free, and case expenses may be advanced by the firm and reimbursed from any settlement or verdict, subject to your written retainer and applicable law. For general public information on contingent fees, see the New York Courts overview (NY Courts: Contingency Fees).

Building your future care plan

Your legal team can coordinate an individualized life-care plan that projects medical and support needs over time—spasticity management, pressure-injury prevention, adaptive technology, home accessibility, transportation, and vocational support. These projections, coupled with economic analysis, can inform settlement negotiations and help structure a recovery to protect long-term needs (see NSCISC).

When trial becomes necessary

If insurers undervalue a claim, seasoned NYC trial lawyers prepare to present liability and damages clearly to a jury using expert testimony and demonstrative evidence. Thorough trial preparation often prompts fair settlements; when it does not, a verdict may be necessary to obtain full accountability. No outcome is guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

What compensation is typical in New York paralysis cases?

Compensation may include medical care, home and vehicle modifications, in-home support, lost wages and earning capacity, and pain and suffering. The amounts depend on liability proof, insurance limits, and documented lifelong needs.

Do I have to pay anything upfront to hire a lawyer?

Most NYC injury lawyers use contingency fees. You typically pay no attorney’s fee unless there is a recovery. Case expenses are often advanced and repaid from the recovery, subject to your retainer and law.

How long do these cases take?

Timelines vary. Complex paralysis matters can take many months to several years, especially if litigation and expert discovery are required.

Will I have to go to court?

Many cases settle, but some proceed to trial if insurers dispute liability or damages. Your lawyer will advise you on strategy and preparedness.

What should I do right now?

Get needed medical care, preserve evidence, avoid insurer statements, and consult counsel promptly. Contact us to start a free case review.

Free consultation

If you or a loved one is living with paralysis after an accident in New York City, a prompt legal review can protect your rights. An attorney can assess potential claims, identify all liable parties, and map out a strategy to secure the resources you need. Contact us to get started.

Sources

• N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5) – General negligence statute of limitations (3 years).
• N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214-a – Medical malpractice statute of limitations and discovery-rule exceptions.
• N.Y. Gen. Mun. Law § 50-e – 90-day Notice of Claim requirement.
• N.Y. Gen. Mun. Law § 50-i – One year and 90 days to commence certain actions against municipalities.
• N.Y. E.P.T.L. § 5-4.1 – Wrongful death limitations period.
• NY Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5(c) – Contingent fees.
• N.Y. Judiciary Law § 474-a – Medical malpractice fee schedule.
• NY Courts: Contingency Fees – Public overview.
• National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center: Facts & Figures (2024) – SCI epidemiology and cost context.

Disclaimer

This blog is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes and deadlines depend on the specific facts and applicable New York law; consult a licensed New York attorney about your situation. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.