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Spinal Injury Claims

We understand that spinal injuries are among the most serious that a patient can experience, and the consequences are often life-changing. Our Medical Negligence solicitors at Jackson Lees are highly experienced acting for clients with spinal injuries and will help you secure the compensation that you need, to make your life a little easier.

Spinal injuries can result in confinement to a wheelchair, fundamentally altering day-to-day life. A successful Clinical Negligence claim will provide for medical treatment and can also assist carers or family members whom you may now depend on.

Medical Negligence claims often follow a spinal injury that was initially caused by an accident or fall. If medical professionals fail to take an appropriate history, detailing the nature and cause of a spinal injury, they may cause extended damage. Sadly, following a serious accident, the symptoms of a spinal injury can be overlooked or attributed to another cause. This may result in a lack of follow up tests, a delayed diagnosis and a hold-up in providing appropriate treatment.   

We recognise the significant effect a spinal injury can have upon our clients, their families, and those who care for them. This is why our Medical Negligence team combines medical and legal expertise, to carefully consider current issues and future outcomes after an injury.

We offer initial consultations free of charge, where we can provide advice about what’s required to make a case. Our solicitors will initially discuss the potential consequences of an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, before further exploration with a medical professional. Where improper medical treatment has resulted in serious injuries, we can accept your case on a no win, no fee basis (or conditional fee agreement).

Case Study

Our experienced Medical Negligence solicitors have acted for clients whose spinal injuries were caused by poor diagnosis and lack of correct care.

In one case, we acted for a client who had suffered a fall whilst taking a shower, and had struck his chin on the side of the bath. He was taken to A&E by ambulance, but was discharged after medical assessment. He continued to suffer from various neurological signs and symptoms, but it was 6 months before he received a spinal injury diagnosis.

As a result of his injury, he underwent a number of operations for cervical spine decompression. Even following the surgery, our client was left with ongoing problems: he has continued difficulty in walking and restricted use of his hand and arm. These issues affect his day to day life considerably, and rendered him no longer able to work.

The matter eventually settled without need for trial. Our client received compensation to the sum of £280,000 (and the Defendant repaid benefits to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a further £40,000).

In another case, we acted for a client who had suffered from a fracture to the cervical spine, following a fall from a horse. The fracture was missed by the staff at A+E, and only diagnosed some time later. As a result of her accident and lack of treatment, our client was left with ongoing problems with her dominant arm. We successfully argued that earlier diagnosis and treatment would have avoided these ongoing issues, and the matter was settled for £75,000.

Generic FAQs

What Can Compensation Pay For?

Dependent on the severity of your spinal injury, you may require vastly different levels of care. Our Medical Negligence experts will help to assess your case to ensure you have the support you need.

Compensation can help you to access:

  • Specialist medical care

  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

  • Specialist equipment

  • Adaptations to your home and vehicle

  • Loss of earnings

We understand that you can’t put a price on your health, but a successful Medical Negligence claim can also account for physical and emotional suffering. You may need psychological treatment, helping to adjust to your new way of life.

Can I claim against the NHS?

Unfortunately, Medical Negligence claims often come at the hands of the NHS. It is often advisable to use the NHS Complaints Procedure before or at the same time as investigating a claim. This procedure requires you to complain within six weeks of the event of the date you found out the consequences.

Related Information

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Our People

We are independently accredited by leading legal organisations such as Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Law Society. Our Medical Negligence solicitors can assist with conditions such as Cauda equina syndrome and other types of spinal injuries. We know exactly what to do to uncover the crucial information for your case.

We appreciate that you will probably have many questions about your case. Please give us a call for initial advice on the best way to proceed with a claim.

Our aim is to claim the compensation you deserve, by approaching your case in a meticulous and sensitive manner.

Find out how we can help you today. Contact our team on 0151 282 1700, or fill in our online enquiry form.

 

Spinal Injury FAQs

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

The time limit for Personal Injury claims is three years from:

  • When you first suffered the injury

  • When you became aware that you suffered an injury that could have been caused by an act or omission of another

  • When you became aware of the identity of the defendant.

If the injured person does not have the mental capacity to bring a claim, then the time limit won’t apply. If your claim is out of time, you can lodge a claim form at the court to protect your case from the time limit.

The rules on limitation are not straightforward, and there are a lot of considerations when deciding to start court proceedings. Therefore, it is essential to seek legal advice as soon as you think that you might have a claim.

How much compensation will I receive for a serious spinal injury?

The amount of compensation payable in spinal injury claims can vary drastically. Our experts will ensure that the cause and consequences of your Medical Negligence case are fully assessed, to define a figure for the compensation you deserve.

We have successfully secured six-figure damages for clients who suffered spinal injuries as a result of Medical Negligence.

If your claim is ongoing and you need to pay for rehabilitation in the meantime, there is an option to arrange interim payments. These will be deducted from the final settlement.

What are the symptoms and causes of spinal cord injury?

Spinal injuries are often caused by trauma, such as a road traffic accident, slip, trip or fall from a height, Where Medical Negligence is involved, spinal injuries can be caused by healthcare professionals failing to fulfil their duty of care. These include:

  • Surgical errors: Mistakes made during surgery may cause damage that cannot be undone.

  • Diagnostic errors: A medical professional should be able to spot any spinal abnormalities and treat them accordingly. A failure or delay in this diagnosis being made can allow your condition to worsen or become untreatable.

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis of limbs, affecting the ability to move, feel pressure and control vital functions.

Following an accident, it is important to look out for emergency signs of a spinal injury and take action as soon as possible. These can include any of the following:

  • Extreme pain or pressure in your neck, head or back

  • Contorted or twisted neck or back

  • Difficulty with balance and walking

  • Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body

  • Numb, tingling hands and feet,

  • Loss of sensation or ability to feel temperature and touch.

  • Exaggerated reflexes or spasms

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

  • Impaired breathing