UK SPINAL INJURY CLAIM ADVICE

A spinal injury claim can vary from relatively minor damage through to serious paraplegic injuries caused as a result of falls from height or from serious road traffic accidents This injury is not always caused by accidental trauma but can also be caused by disease and gunshot wounds. It can be a serious condition and innocent victims are often entitled to substantial damages in compensation which must not only cover the pain and suffering incurred but also any financial losses and costs in the future such as nursing care, rehabilitation charges and specialist equipment. If the victim cannot return to work as a result of the injury, any past and future loss of earnings will also be recovered. Awards of damages can run into many millions of pounds in serious cases where there will be a need for ongoing care for a young victim with a long life expectancy.

The spinal cord carries electrical impulses or ‘messages’ from the brain to the muscles. Damage at any level in the spinal cord is likely to have serious effects on the ability to control muscles below the level of the damage. Typical symptoms include paralysis and loss of sensation and reflex function below the point of damage. Other symptoms may include muscle spasms, pain or sensitivity to stimuli, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. If there is no movement or sensation below the level of the injury, it is categorised as "complete" e.g. complete tetraplegia, however if some sensation is retained or there is some muscle power below the level of the injury, it is categorised as "incomplete" e.g. incomplete tetraplegia.

A spinal injury claim can be complex and require substantial expertise from a team of lawyers and medical specialists. If you have sustained an injury that was not your fault, you should seek immediate legal advice. Our solicitors specialise in personal injury law and in addition to being recognised by the Spinal Injuries Association they are also all members of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts.

If you would like free advice on how you can protect your legal rights and future finances, you should contact us now. Our legal service is provided on a no win no fee basis. Compensation is paid in full. You do not have to fund or finance your spinal injury claim and win or lose there is no charge. Our claims are totally risk free. Please call our helpline now or alternatively fill in the online contact form and we will put a member of our specialist team in contact with you.

The Limitation Act 1980 determines the applicable time limits for making claims for personal injury which must be either settled or legal proceedings must have been issued within three years of the accident. There are exceptions to this general rule for those under the age of 18 years at the time of the accident, for those who are mentally disabled and in cases where the injury was not apparent immediately following the accident. Failure to abide by the time limits may mean that the potential claim becomes statute barred and the opportunity to claim compensation may be lost forever. If in any doubt about these matters take immediate qualified legal advice.