Spinal injuries claims

An injury to the spine is a life changing experience which has serious consequences for you and anyone connected to you. Damage to the spinal cord often results in paralysis which is a devastating diagnosis to receive.

Apart from the physical trauma a spinal injury causes a great deal of psychological distress which may lead to depression. Depression often occurs as a result of a reaction to the injury and the change in circumstances.

Post traumatic stress disorder is another by product.

Anyone who suffers a spinal injury is faced with having to come to terms with what has happened and adapting to a new way of life. None of which is easy especially if it has resulted in severe paralysis such as quadriplegia.

If you have sustained a spinal injury as a result of an accident at work which was caused by someone else’s fault then you may be entitled to compensation.

Common causes of spinal injuries

There are a number of accidents that occur in the workplace which can result in a spinal injury. The most common include:

• Struck by a falling object e.g. scaffolding pole
• Fall from a height
• Slipping or tripping down a flight of stairs

All of these can result in a serious spinal cord injury such as paraplegia or quadriplegia.

Employer responsibility

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure that his/her employees are protected against the risk of an accident in the workplace. There are Health and Safety regulations set up to ensure that employers are fully aware of the dangers and take steps accordingly.

They should clearly display these guidelines so that their employees are also aware of the potential dangers in their environment.

Training should be provided if necessary and protective equipment/clothing issued if necessary.

If any of this is inadequate then the consequences can be catastrophic.

Effects of a spinal injury

This is one of the most traumatic injuries anyone can experience. It completely changes your life and those of your family and is difficult to come to terms with.

If you were employed in a job which was physically demanding then the realisation that you are no longer as active or able to perform that job is a considerable source of distress.

Having to change jobs or even give up work altogether is no less upsetting especially in the current economic climate. The loss of earnings and possibly pension rights means a drop in your family’s income and their standard of living.

This causes a great deal of stress and anxiety for you and your family.

Your family have to come to terms with your injury, the prospect of rehabilitation and what the future might hold. If you are unable to work then this causes additional worry about finances and other similar issues.

If your spinal injury has resulted in quadriplegia then you will require rehabilitation, care and support on a 24 hour basis to deal with your needs. Your home may need to be modified to deal with your altered condition or re-housing may be the only suitable option.

An injury such as this requires the best medical and psychological care plus the help of various support services such as physiotherapy. Whilst it may be possible to access this through the State it can be a complex and time consuming process.

This is where compensation can help. We know that it cannot undo your current situation but it can help in a variety of ways. It can cover the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation and help you to rebuild your life.

Making a claim for compensation for a spinal injury

There are personal injury lawyers or solicitors with experience and a wealth of understanding in areas such as this. Find someone who has handled many of these claims before and understands the many complex issues surrounding compensation claims for this type of injury.

They will understand the impact the injury has had upon your life; the fact that you are now incapacitated and unable to work and the consequences of this for your family.

They should handle your claim with tact, discretion and sympathy and advise you about the various ways compensation can be used to improve your quality of life.

An initial review will be conducted to examine the facts of your case and the supporting evidence. You should be advised about the possible outcome of your claim.

For more information about the claims process, visit our making a claim for compensation section.

Time limit for claiming compensation for a spinal injury

Claims for personal injuries usually have a 3 year time limit which starts from the date of the injury or accident.

There are a few exceptions to this so check with your lawyer or solicitor. They will advise you about the deadline and will encourage you to make a claim within that timescale.

It is important to find a lawyer or solicitor as soon as you can so that you apply in good time.