A spinal cord injury can happen in a split second on a job site, and what follows can affect every part of your life for years to come. Falls from scaffolding, being struck by heavy equipment, or being involved in a work vehicle accident are among the leading causes of spinal cord injuries for workers in Queens.
At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, our Queens workers’ comp lawyers represent Queens workers who have suffered spinal cord injuries on the job. These cases are serious, and the compensation available needs to reflect that reality. We can stand up for your rights and maximize your injury compensation.
How Spinal Cord Injuries Happen in the Workplace
In Queens, high-risk industries like construction, transportation, and warehouse work put workers in positions where spinal cord injuries can and do occur. Common causes on the job include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms
- Being struck by falling tools, materials, or equipment
- Forklift or vehicle accidents in warehouse or loading dock settings
- Caught-in or caught-between accidents with heavy machinery
- Slip and fall incidents on hazardous, unmarked surfaces
Partial Versus Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
Not all spinal cord injuries result in full paralysis. Doctors classify these injuries as either complete or incomplete. A complete injury means total loss of function below the injury site. An incomplete injury means some function remains, though permanent limitations are still common.
Even incomplete injuries can permanently affect your ability to work, move, or perform basic daily tasks. Both types require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and often significant home modifications.
What Long-Term Recovery Actually Costs
The financial impact of a spinal cord injury extends far beyond the initial hospitalization. Ongoing costs often include:
- Inpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braces, or mobility aids
- Home modifications like ramps or accessible bathrooms
- Lost wages during a recovery that can stretch for years
- Attendant care or home health services are ongoing
Workers’ compensation in New York is required to cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment under NY WCL § 13. Making sure all of these costs are recognized and covered is something our firm works on directly with clients.
New York Protections for Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Under New York Labor Law § 240, also known as the Scaffold Law, property owners and contractors have strict liability for gravity-related injuries on construction sites. If your spinal cord injury happened in a fall at a construction site, you may have a claim beyond workers’ compensation. NY WCL § 10 also ensures that injured workers receive compensation without needing to prove their employer was at fault.
Why These Cases Take Serious Legal Attention
Spinal cord injury claims involve high dollar amounts, which means insurers and employers fight them harder. Medical evidence must be thorough, future care costs must be properly calculated, and every benefit you’re entitled to must be identified and pursued. Our firm works closely with Queens workers and their families to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online to speak with our team.
