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Delivering legal expertise since 1845

Spinal cord & spine injury claims solicitors

A spinal cord injury can occur in a split second or sometimes over a prolonged period. Whether due to a sudden impact or a disease or infection, the effects can be life changing for the individual and their loved ones alike. We are on hand to support people like you with their spinal cord injury claims, whatever the severity of your injury or its cause.
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People first, lawyers second

Recent estimates from leading spinal injuries charities such as the Spinal Injuries Association suggest that 2,500 people are injured or diagnosed with a spinal cord injury in the UK every year. Our empathetic team of specialist spinal cord injury solicitors has a deep understanding of the physical and emotional impacts these injuries can have – along with the experience needed to get you the spinal cord injury compensation you and your family are entitled to.

What is a spinal injury?

The spinal cord is an extension of the central nervous system which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. It starts in the bottom of the brain, in the brain stem, and ends in the lower back. It is a bundle of nerves that carries messages from your brain to the rest of your body. These messages help you to move and manage important functions such as breathing and blood pressure, bladder and bowel control. Damage to the spinal cord can be caused by trauma, disease or inflammation that disrupts this line of communication and often results in permanent changes in movement, sensation and other bodily functions.

The extent of these changes and their impact on your lifestyle will vary depending on how high up the spinal cord is damaged. Loss of movement and sensation also differs from person to person. While complete repair is not currently possible, there continues to be break through in treatment and the present treatment and rehabilitation available are both feasible and effective, and many people who suffer spinal cord injuries continue to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

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What are the different types of spinal cord injury?

 

The position of the damage to the spinal cord influences the resulting impacts on your body. If you damage the spinal cord in your back you may suffer paraplegia, which affects the movement and sensation in your legs and possibly your stomach muscles. Damage higher up the cord in your neck is known as tetraplegia and can impact all four limbs as well as muscles in your stomach and chest.

Medical classification

Healthcare professionals use certain terminology to describe the level and type of injury sustained. While it may appear confusing at first, it is relatively straightforward with a little explanation.

The terms ‘complete’ and ‘incomplete’ refer to the type of injury sustained. If your injury is complete this means that there will be no function below the level of the injury which will affect movement and sensation and both sides of your body are affected. If you still have some function or sensation below the damage, your injury is incomplete, and this is due to the brain being able to send some signals below the level of injury.

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Shoosmiths - spinal cord injury experts

  • What are the common causes of spinal cord injury?

    Spinal cord injuries can result from damage to the spinal cord itself or to the vertebrae, ligaments or discs that make up your spinal column. This damage can happen suddenly (traumatic) or over time (nontraumatic).

    Traumatic spinal cord injuries

    Traumatic spinal cord injuries are often preventable and occur from sudden blows to your spine that fracture, dislocate or compress vertebrae, or from cuts to your spinal cord. These kinds of injuries are more common and can worsen over the following days and weeks due to secondary effects such as bleeding, swelling and fluid accumulation. Common causes include:

    • Road traffic accidents involving vehicles, motorbikes or bicycles
    • Falls - be it an accident at work or a trip around the house
    • Acts of violence such as stabbing or shootings
    • Sports and recreation activities, particularly impact sports such as rugby, horse riding or diving

    Nontraumatic spinal injuries

    Nontraumatic types of spinal cord injury can be caused by diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis or cancer that cause the spinal cord or column to degenerate. You could also suffer a spinal cord injury due to serious inflammation or infection caused by medical negligence.

    Risk factors

    While spinal injuries are usually the result of an accident, there are factors that may make you more susceptible. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen estimate that of the 2.5 million people worldwide living with the consequences of spinal cord injury, roughly 80% are male.

    Whichever type of spinal cord injury has affected you or your loved ones and whatever the cause, you could be entitled to compensation due to your spinal cord injury.

    It may be difficult to think about money while coming to terms with the impact such an injury and how this will affect you in the future, but speaking to one of our compassionate and experienced spinal cord injury solicitors will help to paint a clearer picture, and secure you the financial and practical support you need and deserve.

  • When can I make a spinal injury claim?

    Spinal cord injuries can occur in the blink of an eye in various accidental or seemingly innocuous situations. From permanent paralysation to reduced sexual function, mental health issues and the added strain of coming to terms with your injury and the effect that it will have on you, your family and friends cannot be underestimated as the consequences can be significant and felt long into the future.

    As with any personal injury claim, you could have a case if another individual or organisation can be proved to be at fault for your injury and suffering caused – even if you may also have been partly to blame. Spinal cord injury claims can be highly complex and technical, which is why it’s important to choose spinal cord injury solicitors with the expertise and practical experience to win you the support you need in the short and long-term.

  • What could my spinal cord injury compensation cover?
    There are several factors considered with spinal cord injury claims to make sure you get the appropriate level of compensation for your injury. This could involve covering the initial financial costs of treatment and any lost earnings as well as providing the means for long-term care and rehabilitation. Your compensation will also go towards any necessary modifications to your home, as well as specialist transport or equipment, and even support for others that rely on you.
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Spinal injury experts

Our skilled team of specialist lawyers want to speak to you today for free

Nick Tubb

Nick Tubb

Partner

Medical negligence

Nick has successfully pursued complex medical negligence brain and spinal injury claims for clients, securing a number of multi-million pound awards. Tell Nick your unique story.

Call 03700 86 4223 Call Nick
Rose Donoghue

Rose Donoghue

Consultant

Personal injury

When it comes to serious personal injury law, Rose's skill is unmatched. She has over 26 years' experience as a lawyer and she is a great listener so tell Rose your story.

Call 03700 86 6371 Call Rose
Sharine Burgess

Sharine Burgess

Partner

Personal injury

Sharine is an award-winning lawyer in the personal injury department, acting on behalf of claimants and their families through a wide range of cases, so give her a call.

Call 03700 86 3423 Call Sharine

Spinal cord injury FAQS

  • How can Shoosmiths help with spinal injury claims?

    Adjusting to life with a spinal injury will be challenging enough without the added pressure of getting into a legal process. Our specialist team understands this more than most, which is why if you do decide to pursue a claim for spinal cord injury compensation, you can rely on us and our comprehensive legal expertise from the start to the finish of your claim - and beyond.

    We’ve been helping people like you secure the medical, financial and practical help they deserve for over 165 years. We’re happy to chat over the phone, by email, zoom or face to face – whichever way suits you.

    - An experienced team of spinal injury cord solicitors working out of 10 offices throughout the UK

    - Established partnerships and accreditations with spinal injury charities and agencies e.g. Spinal Injuries Association

    - We take suitable cases on a No Win No Fee basis

    - Your solicitor will be more than happy to visit you in hospital or at home

    - We’re trusted by our clients. Read their independent reviews on Trustpilot

    We’re also recognised by the legal industry as leading experts in supporting spinal cord injury claims:

    - Accredited members of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel

    - Accredited litigators/ senior litigators with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

    - “Provides first-class service in both personal injury and clinical negligence” with “extensive experience in brain and spinal injuries”, according to the impartial Legal 500 directory

    - “Nationwide firm with strong personal injury capabilities… Further strengthened through its partnerships with treatment and rehabilitation providers”, according to the independent Chambers and Partners UK legal directory

  • How do I make a spinal injury claim?

    If you think that you have got a case for spinal cord injury compensation or even if you are not sure, our skilled team are ready and waiting to get the conversation started. This initial discussion will not cost you a penny, and there is no obligation to continue if you’re feeling unsure – we will simply use it to learn more about your situation and explain the process and benefits behind making a claim.

    We will give you an honest view if we believe your claim may be successful and if we can take your case on a No Win No Fee basis. From there, the claims process is different from person to person – but be assured that we will be with you every step of the way.

    Get in touch with a member of our dedicated team today – call free on 0370 086 8686 or message us.

  • How much spinal cord injury compensation could I get?

    Any kind of personal injury can have a devastating effect on you and your entire family. Spinal cord injury claims however are more complex and frequently require careful planning for all the support and rehabilitation that you will need now and in the future due to the often more pervasive and long-lasting impact such an injury will have. While the government’s Judicial College guidelines can give you an estimated figure for the level of compensation that you will receive for your personal injury this is just one component of your compensation claim. The level and amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and the extent of care and support you need to give you the best possible quality of life.

  • How long do I have to make a spinal cord injury claim?

    The time limit for bringing a claim for personal injury in England and Wales is within three years of either suffering or becoming aware of an injury. While there are some exceptions, we always recommend contacting our expert spinal cord injury solicitors as soon as possible. This gives our team a better chance of gathering accurate witness statements and other relevant evidence that could strengthen the chances of your claim succeeding.

  • Your next steps

    Our specialist spinal injury solicitors are ready when you are. Get the clarity you’re searching for if you think you might have a spinal injury claim.

    We help individuals and families rebuild their lives. Call us on 0370 086 8686 or message us.

Need more help?

Our team of friendly specialists are on hand to help guide you through all aspects of spinal cord injury.  

Call me back
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Spinal cord injury claims

We do this work because we care passionately about helping people with spinal cord injuries. We are proud of the fact that our help really does make a difference to hundreds of families across the UK.

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