Spinal & Back Injury Claims

According to the World Health Organisation a spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating and life changing injuries that a person can sustain. Spinal cord injuries are caused by a blow to the spine which 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.

5 Common Types of Spinal Injury

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 bladder.

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 where all functions below the injured area are lost. An incomplete spinal cord injury is where motor or sensory function below the level of injury in the spinal cord have been preserved.=

Spinal Injury Damages you can Claim 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:

• 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
• Cost of home help and nursing care if required

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.

You have two years from the date of your accident within which to make a claim after which time 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: 01 453 7890 Email: info@lawline.ie or fill out our Call Back Form.