Spinal & Back Injury Claims
If you were injured in an accident due to another party’s fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Our legal team will guide you through the claims process.
Have you suffered a back injury?
According to the World Health Organisation, a spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating and life-changing injuries a person can sustain. Spinal cord injuries are caused by a blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates one or more vertebrae. In many cases, this can cause partial or total paralysis in parts of the body.
On average, in Ireland, one person each week will suffer a spinal cord injury from which they will never fully recover. 75% of people suffering from spinal cord injuries will never be in a position to return to work. Spinal cord injuries can arise out of many different types of accidents/incidents such as road traffic accidents, trip and fall or slip and fall accidents, sports injuries, failure to diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome, negligence in administering an epidural or negligence during spinal surgery. The exact location and the severity of the damage to the spinal cord are the factors taken into account when determining the extent of the injury sustained.
Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of your accident to make a claim, after which your case will become statute-barred. If you have any legal questions or wish to start your claim, contact us 7 days a week by phone, email, text, or by filling out the contact form to speak to a solicitor.
5 common spinal Injury types
1. Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries
The most common causes of cervical spinal cord injuries are road traffic accidents and slip and fall accidents. Cervical spinal cord injuries are typically the most severe type of spinal injury.
2. Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries
Lumbar spinal cord injuries will generally result in loss of function in the hips and legs and a person suffering with this particular injury will have little or no voluntary control over their bowel or bladd
3. Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries
The thoracic spine is located in the middle and upper part of the back. An injury to this area of the spine can affect the upper chest, mid back and abdominal muscles.
4. Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries
The sacrum is located below the lumbar spine and above the tailbone. Injuries to this area of the spine can, depending on the nerves that have been damaged, affect the hips, groin, back of the thighs, medial buttock area and the perineal area.
5. Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries
A complete spinal cord injury is one in which all functions below the injured area are lost. An incomplete spinal cord injury is one in which motor or sensory function below the level of injury in the spinal cord has been preserved.
Spinal Injuries you can claim damages for:
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to the negligence of another person you may be entitled to claim for damages. When calculating damages for this particular type of injury there are many factors to take into account:
- Cost of home help and nursing care if required
- General damages – The amount you will be awarded for pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings – This will be calculated from the date of the accident up to the date that you would have retired, had the injury not occurred
- Cost of treatment to date and into the future, this will incorporate all costs of future care
- Cost of having your home refurbished if you have been left wheelchair bound
- Cost of all and any necessary aids or devices that you may need
Talk to a solicitor
At Synnott Lawline we fully understand that the last thing you may be thinking about, following on from such a catastrophic injury, is contacting a solicitor. However, employing the services of an expert injury law firm, can ensure that you receive the best possible care, both now and into the future and that you will be financially secure. Should you wish to discuss starting a spinal injury claim then get in contact with us, one of our dedicated injury lawyers will talk you through the process and address any concerns that you may have.
Related Links
No Win No Fee Explained
No Win No Fee – The legal term used to describe how solicitors take on a case where they pay the costs of the litigation. Irish Law Firms who operate on this basis pay for the medical reports, expert fees and other legal costs associated with your injury case. It’s common for specialised personal injury firms to operate on a “no win no fee” basis. Solicitors are not allowed to advertise no win no fee services.
Start your injury case
If you’ve suffered injury, loss, damage or expense as a result of another party’s negligent act or omission, you may be entitled to claim from that party or their insurers. Starting a case with our legal team is a seamless process. Subject to strict exceptions, you have two years from the date of your accident to commence legal proceedings. A different claims policy applies to children under 18.
What can I claim for?
Personal Injury Claim amounts are difficult to value at the outset of any case, but the value of your case in terms of General Damages will depend on the severity of the injury, the pain, suffering and inconvenience caused by the length of time to recover and the prognosis for the future. In addition, you are entitled to claim for all financial losses and expenses sustained by you as a result of the accident.
Got a question about Starting a Claim for Personal Injury or Medical Negligence? Send us a message!
If you’ve suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own, the path to fair compensation can be daunting. Our experienced solicitors have successfully represented clients across Ireland, offering compassionate, expert advice. Contact us confidentially any day of the week by call, email, text, or contact form, and a solicitor will respond. We’re here to help 7 days a week.
Talk to a Solicitor today
Contact us 7 days a week by phone, email or fill out the tell us about your case form and a solicitor will contact you without delay. We are Here to Help.
