You would think that a spinal cord injury would be apparent following a serious New York accident, but the truth is, it can take time for the symptoms to develop. Unfortunately, if a spinal cord injury is not identified, the complications can become more severe and the recovery may be more difficult.

It can take several days or even weeks for the symptoms of a spinal cord injury to surface. The warning signs of such an injury appear when there is an increase in bleeding, swelling, inflammation and fluid in and around the spinal cord.

Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injury and to blame for about half of all new spinal cord injuries every year. Violent acts, falls, diseases and sport injuries are also factors in numerous spinal cord injury cases.

The spine has nerve fibers that carry messages to and from the brain. When the spinal cord is injured, it can lead to muscle impairment and nerve damage below the site of injury. This type of injury can result in permanent paralysis.

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury resulting from an auto accident in Long Island, New York City, the Bronx, Brooklyn or other area in New York, you may be able to recover compensation. You may also be entitled to damages if another negligent event, besides a car accident, led to your condition. Contact Rappaport, Glass, Greene and Levine at 800.734.9445 for more information.