Spinal injury
The spinal cord is the telephone network of the body, carrying messages from the brain to other parts of the body and back again. When the spinal cord is damaged the body goes into shock. This results in a loss of sensation, which can last from a few hours, to many weeks. During this period the doctors will do tests to determine the extent of damage and the likely permanent effects.
The higher up the spinal cord the damage injury occurs, the more severe the effects are likely to be, as messages to and from the brain cannot pass the point of injury. For example if the damage occurs in the cervical (neck) region a large part of the body including the arms, legs and trunk will be affected. (referred to as tetraplegia or quadriplegia) An injury that occurs lower down the spinal cord will affect less of the body (paraplegia). The degree of paralysis depends on the severity of the injury, and can range from muscle weakness to complete paralysis.
Nerve fibres in the spinal cord will not grow back and 'mend' like broken bones or skin, so once the damage has occurred it is permanent. The initial improvement happens as bruising and swelling subside, and it is likely to be at least a year before the doctors can give a final assessment of the permanent effects of the injury.
A spinal cord injury is likely to have consequences that reach far beyond the direct health and mobility effects. Additional problems often faced are:
- loss of income.
- mobility problems.
- depression.
- family and relationship difficulties.
- loss of independence
Contacting a personal injury solicitor, experienced in dealing with spinal cord injuries should be a high priority. Many people have a valid claim even though they don't realise it, and compensation can make a huge difference to your quality of life. A good solicitor will be a crucial part of the team that helps you get back to independent life. This may be very different from life before the injury, but independent living is about being in control. For example just because you can't get in or out of bed on your own doesn't mean somebody else has to decide when you go to bed!
A solicitor will be able to co-ordinate experts in many different fields, and obtain payments to help you pay for things as the claim progresses. These would include:
- Care - including the cost of private carers, and an allowance for care provided by family and friends.
- Medical expenses - including the cost of necessary treatment outside the NHS.
- Rehabilitation.
- Aids and equipment - including wheelchairs, hoists and ramps.
- Extra costs of accommodation - including relocation to suitable accommodation and adaptations.
- Transport.
These items relate to additional needs arising out of the injury, but as compensation is designed to put you back in the position you would have been had the injury not occurred, your claim would include the 'losses' arising from your injury including loss of earnings.
The psychological effects of the injury can be as severe as the injury itself. It is important that these issues are recognised, both by the injured person and their family and friends. A good solicitor will be able to help recognise these issues and point you in the direction of appropriate help when required. It is important to know you are not alone, many people who live with the effects of spinal cord injury are an inspiration to fellow sufferers and able bodied people alike. Organisations set up to assist those with spinal cord injuries, such as The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) can be a good source of information and support. Some useful internet sites are listed on the links page.
Walton Mills offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation that will help you find out if you can make a claim. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the legal process, including the, often worrying, aspect of the cost of pursuing a claim. This consultation will often take place in hospital, at your home, or wherever is most convenient for you.
Important points to remember:
- Contact a solicitor as soon as possible.
- Choose an APIL accredited solicitor experienced in spinal cord injury.
- Choose a solicitor who is approachable, friendly and with whom you feel comfortable.
- Keep a diary to record significant dates and expenses.
- Payments to assist you can be made before the case is finished.
- The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injury, the losses suffered, and the amount of help needed.
