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If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident in New York, the resulting disability can have a significant impact on your life. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace injury, the consequences can be long-lasting. In New York, personal injury laws allow individuals who are hurt due to someone else’s negligence to seek compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
This guide will explore the top 10 disabilities, as compiled by the Social Security Administration, caused by accidents and how victims pursue compensation for their injuries.
Musculoskeletal disorders—including arthritis, back pain, and herniated discs—are among the most common injuries from accidents like car crashes, falls, or workplace injuries. These conditions cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
In New York, individuals with musculoskeletal injuries may be eligible for benefits under Workers’ Compensation Law if the injury occurred at work. If the injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, a personal injury claim can help you recover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Disabilities affecting the special senses—such as vision loss, hearing loss, and speech disorders—are common results of head injuries, exposure to loud noises, or trauma to the face or throat. These conditions can severely affect your quality of life, making it difficult to communicate or perform everyday tasks.
In New York, you can seek compensation for sensory disorders caused by accidents. Under CPLR § 214, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is generally three years, so it’s important to act promptly after an accident.
Respiratory disorders, including COPD, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension, can be triggered or worsened by accidents or exposure to harmful substances like smoke or chemicals. Accidents involving hazardous materials or even workplace injuries can lead to long-term breathing difficulties.
Under New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law, workers suffering from respiratory issues due to the job may be eligible for compensation. If the condition was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for medical treatment and lost wages.
Heart disease, stroke, and hypertension are cardiovascular conditions that can be aggravated by the physical and emotional stress caused by accidents. For example, the stress of a car crash or physical trauma from a workplace injury can trigger a heart attack or stroke.
If your cardiovascular condition results from an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional suffering under New York personal injury law.
Digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be exacerbated by trauma or stress following an accident. These conditions cause chronic pain, digestive issues, and fatigue, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
Severe skin conditions, such as burns, eczema, and psoriasis, are often caused by accidents involving fire, chemicals, or trauma. For example, burns from car accidents or workplace accidents can lead to permanent scarring, nerve damage, and emotional distress.
Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency, affect hormone regulation in the body. Trauma or stress from an accident can worsen these conditions, requiring long-term care.
Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and epilepsy, can be aggravated by head injuries or trauma from accidents. For instance, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to neurological conditions that affect motor skills, cognitive functions, and daily independence.
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise after a traumatic event like a car crash or workplace injury. The emotional distress caused by physical injuries can sometimes be as disabling as the injuries themselves.
In New York, if an accident results in mental health issues, you may be entitled to compensation for therapy, counseling, and emotional distress under personal injury laws.
Certain types of cancer, like lung cancer, brain cancer, and pancreatic cancer, can be caused by exposure to harmful substances during an accident. For example, construction workers exposed to toxic chemicals or materials may develop cancer years after their exposure.
If your cancer diagnosis is linked to a workplace accident or another form of toxic exposure, you may be able to seek compensation. This may include compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and emotional distress under New York personal injury laws and Workers’ Compensation if the injury occurred on the job. You may also be entitled to receive disability benefits.
Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.
Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York
New York allows victims to file claims for injuries caused by accidents, including both physical and mental disabilities. If you or a loved one is suffering from a disability caused by an accident in New York, consulting with an experienced attorney can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
For more information, please contact the Buffalo personal injury lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer. We have a convenient office location in Buffalo, NY.
Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer. Choose the 2’s.
With over 80 years of combined experience, the Buffalo personal injury lawyers at O’Brien & Ford, PC are here to fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at (716) 222-2222 to schedule your free consultation with one of our top-rated attorneys.
We proudly serve all throughout Erie County and the state of New York.
O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main St, Suite 201
Buffalo, New York, 14226
(716) 222-2222
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Chris O’Brien, who has more than 33 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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