Spinal Cord Injury: Frequently Asked Questions Guide
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, it is likely that you have many important questions that need to be addressed. On this page, we address some common questions about spinal cord injury claims. If you have a question that is not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will try our best to answer it for you.
If you would like to find out more information about spinal cord injuries, see our helpful spinal cord injury resources here.
How much compensation will I receive for a spinal cord injury?
Our serious injury specialist solicitors have a successful track record of achieving the maximum amount of compensation for our clients. They understand that spinal cord injuries have a devastating effect on people’s lives and will therefore fight on your behalf to ensure the compensation you receive reflects your needs and takes into account your overall situation. They know that it is vital that you are provided with a high level of compensation that will help you to have a more comfortable and financially secure future.
It is important to know that no two spinal cord injuries are the same, and the amount of compensation awarded varies from case to case. For example, two people may have the same medically defined level of spinal cord injury, yet their physical capabilities could be completely different.
The amount of compensation you receive will be dependent on factors including the level of injury sustained, response to rehabilitation, extent of the resulting disability and any impact on life expectancy. In addition to this, past and future financial losses and damages will be considered, as well as care and living requirements. Find out more about how compensation is calculated.
What will my spinal injury compensation cover?
Our duty as specialist spinal cord injury solicitors is to maximise your compensation award and put in place the necessary support to optimise your independence and security. This may include new housing adapted to meet your needs; a care team, ranging from support with specific tasks through to a 24/7 support package; and access to all the right aids, equipment and accessible transport.
Rehabilitation is a crucial part of spinal cord injury recovery and will help to maximise your capabilities and independence via intensive therapy and support. Therefore your compensation award will ensure you have access to the best treatment and assistance, alongside long-term support.
Is there a time limit for making a spinal injury claim?
Our specialist team understands that suffering a spinal cord injury is a traumatic experience and presents life-changing circumstances. Therefore, it is important to reach out and start your claim as soon as possible. This way you can seek financial assistance throughout your case, alongside specialist legal advice and support to provide you with peace of mind. Not only this, you will be able to begin the necessary treatment and rehabilitation for your injury.
In most cases, starting at the date of the injury, there is a three-year time limit to start court proceedings for compensation for a personal injury. This is known as the ‘limitation period’. This means that court proceedings must be issued within that time. However, there can be rare exceptions to this, and in some cases a court may decide to extend a time limit, depending on the circumstances of the case. If you do have any questions or concerns about making a claim, it is always best to seek specialist legal advice.
How do Spinal Cord Injuries occur?
Spinal cord injuries may occur from a variety of different circumstances. According to recent data 41.7% of spinal injuries in the UK occur as a result of falls. Second to this, 36.8% of spinal cord injuries in the UK occur as a result of road traffic accidents. It is estimated that 50,000 people in the UK are currently living with a spinal cord injury, and approximately 2,500 people are newly injured from spinal cord injuries each year.
How do I make a spinal cord injury claim?
Spinal cord injury claims can be complex. Therefore, it is important to instruct a specialist spinal injury solicitor to represent you.
When you feel ready, you can book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly and understanding solicitors who will provide you with expert legal advice and help you begin the claims process, should you wish to make a claim with us.
We understand that you will contact us at a difficult time. Our team will listen and take the time to understand your individual situation and will always be happy to help and support you.
After sustaining a serious spinal cord injury, we understand that it may be difficult for you to know whether the accident was your fault. If this is the case and you feel unsure, it is best to speak to a member of our team so that we can help.
Call us on 0330 058 0377 or fill out the form above or below and we will call you back to discuss your situation.
