Impacts of Spinal Injury

Spinal injury is different from back injury. A broken back or neck does not necessarily result in spinal cord injury. The spinal cord may not be damaged. Where the spinal cord is damaged the effect can be immense.

Such injury can be sustained in any walk of life, be it a road traffic accident, accident at work, in sport, on holiday, in an assault or as a result of illness or medical treatment. 

Injury can be complete (no feeling below injury site) or incomplete (some sensation/movement possible).  Where the injury results in the loss of use of legs (paraplegia) or the use or arms and legs (tetraplegia) reliance on a wheelchair is inevitable.  In addition, an individual can experience loss of personal function including bowel/bladder and sexual disfunction. 

The impact of such an injury on an individual and their family is huge, often resulting in loss of functional ability, loss of working capability together with consequent financial hardship, unsuitable housing and increased transportation needs.

Early rehabilitation is key, involving a wealth of professional and support services, including specialist consultant and nursing care, therapists and social workers.

Litigation can appear a daunting prospect when faced with such challenges.  However, with early legal support, interim payments can be secured to fund necessary immediate financial needs including equipment and accommodation costs.  Links can be offered to established support groups, and future financial planning needs can be assessed.

Should you wish to discuss the information contained in this article further, or have questions relating to this area of law, please contact Rachael Allison on 0208 296 7950 or rachael@ctts.co.uk