Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
What types of accidents cause paraplegia lawsuits in Brooklyn, NY?
Paraplegia in Brooklyn most commonly results from car and truck accidents, construction site falls, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, and acts of violence. When another party’s negligence caused the spinal cord injury, New York law allows the injured person to pursue a personal injury lawsuit for damages including medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
How long do I have to file a paraplegia lawsuit in New York?
Under CPLR §214, New York's standard personal injury statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury — this applies to negligence-based claims like car accidents, falls, and medical malpractice cases (which carry their own 2.5-year deadline under CPLR §214-a). If your paraplegia resulted from an intentional act of violence, such as an assault, a separate and much shorter 1-year deadline under CPLR §215 applies instead, though this can extend to one year after a related criminal prosecution concludes. Claims against a NYC government agency also typically require a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days of the incident. Because the applicable deadline depends heavily on how your injury occurred, consulting an attorney immediately is critical to protecting your right to sue.
What compensation can I recover in a Brooklyn paraplegia lawsuit?
A successful paraplegia claim in New York may recover economic damages such as past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, home modification expenses, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover even if you were partially at fault, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I need a Brooklyn attorney for a paraplegia lawsuit?
Catastrophic spinal cord injury cases involve complex medical evidence, long-term care cost projections, and sophisticated insurance defense tactics. A Brooklyn personal injury attorney experienced in paraplegia cases can investigate the accident, retain expert witnesses, and negotiate or litigate for full and fair compensation. Most NY personal injury lawyers handle these cases on contingency, so there is no upfront cost to you.