SPINAL CORD INJURY COMPENSATION CLAIM

Paraplegia is a complication of a back injury. The result is paralysis below the waist. Patients cannot feel heat or cold, hard or soft, sharp or dull or any sensation below the level of the injury. There is no control of muscles, so patients cannot walk or control their bladder. Other symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to stimuli, muscle spasms and sexual dysfunction may develop over time.

Quadriplegia is a complication of a neck injury. The result is paralysis from the neck down. Patients cannot feel heat or cold, hard or soft, sharp or dull or any sensation below the neck. There is loss of control of muscles, inability to walk, inability to move arms, bladder and bowel incontinence.

Spinal cord injury compensation claim settlements are often very substantial, frequently running into millions of pounds, however no amount of money can ever compensate for the emotional and physical effects on the patient which can produce lifestyle changes including :-

• lengthy and often recurrent hospitalisation
• reduced mobility
• dependency on others

If as a result of your accident, you require a high level of care from third parties (such as nursing and domestic assistance) then the court will award you compensation to cover the cost of this care. Your damages award will cover both the cost of past care and the cost of any future ongoing care that may be needed. In some cases full-time nursing care may be needed.

If you suffer from paraplegia or quadriplegia that is the result of someone else’s fault, then you should make a spinal cord injury compensation claim. The amount of compensation that you will be entitled to will depend upon the severity of your condition and your needs as a result of your injuries and disabilities.

“Pain and suffering” is a term used by lawyers to describe the mental or emotional injuries such as post traumatic disorder, depression, anxiety, fear, embarrassment that accident victims commonly suffer following physical injury. When assessing the “general damages” component of your spinal cord injury compensation claim, the court will look at how your injuries and disabilities have affected your life. A “loss of amenities” claim is where the ability to enjoy pre-accident activities such as walking or playing sport is lost as a result of injury caused by the accident.

You can also claim the cost of medical and rehabilitation expenses such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractor, wheelchairs, housing modifications (such as ramps and wide corridors for wheelchair access) and adaptive technologies (such as specially modified computer equipment, modified cars).

Here are 3 good reasons to choose our lawyers:

1. Our lawyers will provide you with legal advice on your rights and entitlements to compensation with no further obligation.
2. Our solicitors are specialist accredited expert members of the Law Society personal injury panel with extensive experience in negotiating, settling and litigating accident compensation claims.
3. If you decide to instruct any of our specialists to obtain compensation for you, they will act on a “no win no fee” basis. Compensation is paid in full and win or lose there is no charge.¹