Spinal injuries solicitors

Yes. Paralysis is not a requirement for a spinal injury claim. Fractures, disc injuries and nerve damage can cause persistent pain, reduced mobility or difficulties working, even where the spinal cord remains intact.

The key issue is whether another person or organisation breached a duty of care and caused or contributed to your injury. We also consider whether an accident worsened a pre-existing condition, using medical evidence to distinguish the additional harm.

Our serious injury team can assess your circumstances. Being partly responsible does not necessarily prevent a claim, although compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.

Doctors classify spinal cord injuries by the level of damage and how much movement and sensation remain. A complete injury means there is no preserved motor or sensory function in the lowest sacral segments. An incomplete injury means some function remains.

These terms do not, by themselves, describe everything a person can do or predict their recovery. Two people with injuries at a similar level may have different abilities and support needs.

For a claim, independent medical evidence helps explain the likely long-term effects. We then consider the practical consequences, including personal care, skin protection, mobility, bladder and bowel management, and suitable rehabilitation.

There is no single compensation figure for a spinal injury. The assessment considers pain, suffering and loss of amenity, together with financial losses and reasonable care, treatment and accommodation needs caused by the injury.

For someone needing lifelong support, future costs may form a substantial part of the claim. Care experts, occupational therapists and accommodation specialists may help establish those needs, including equipment replacement and changes as you grow older.

Evidence of loss of earnings can include payslips, accounts and employment records. We assess the whole claim rather than relying on an online calculator or treating another person’s settlement as a prediction.

Yes, a claim may include reasonable unpaid care that family members or friends provide because of your injury. This is often called gratuitous care. It can include help with washing, dressing, preparing meals, attending appointments and other practical tasks.

The assessment distinguishes additional care caused by the injury from help that would have been provided anyway. Keeping a diary of tasks and time spent can support the evidence.

Our guide to gratuitous care claims explains this further. We also consider whether family care is sustainable. Future arrangements may require professional support, respite or specialist nursing rather than assuming relatives can provide care indefinitely.

Potentially, yes. We can raise rehabilitation needs with the other side early and seek funding where appropriate. An assessment may identify physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological support, equipment or case management that could help while the claim continues.

An interim payment is an advance towards compensation. It may be agreed with the defendant or ordered by the court where the legal conditions are satisfied. Availability depends on the evidence and the position on liability; it is not automatic.

These payments can help address urgent needs without settling the whole claim prematurely. Any interim payment is taken into account when the final compensation balance is calculated.

In England and Wales, court proceedings usually need to begin within 3 years of the injury or, where applicable, a later date of knowledge. Simply notifying an insurer or contacting a solicitor does not necessarily protect the deadline.

For children, the usual period generally runs from their 18th birthday. Where someone lacked capacity to conduct proceedings when the claim arose, different rules apply, and time may not run while that incapacity continues.

Other exceptions and shorter deadlines can apply, including certain transport or overseas cases. Contact our team promptly so we can check the relevant deadline and preserve evidence while it remains available.

The timescale depends on whether responsibility is disputed, how your recovery develops and the evidence needed to assess future losses. Serious spinal injury claims can take several years where long-term care or accommodation needs require detailed investigation.

Our guide to why serious injury claims can take longer to settle explains these considerations. We keep you informed and consider interim support where appropriate.

Many claims settle through negotiation without a trial. Starting court proceedings does not necessarily mean you will attend a final hearing. If a hearing is needed, we explain the process and discuss arrangements to accommodate your mobility, care and communication needs.