Spinal Injury Solicitors

The spinal cord carries nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When it is damaged, those signals are disrupted below the injury site. A complete injury means no function remains below the damage site. An incomplete injury means some signals still pass through, so partial movement and sensation may be retained. The location of the injury within the spine will affect which parts of the body are impacted and the severity of the symptoms. Depending on the level and severity of the injury, a person may also experience changes to bladder or bowel function, weight and physical health resulting from reduced mobility, as well as ongoing pain and other complications. 

General damages compensate for your pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life caused by the spinal injury. The amount awarded will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury, whether it is complete or incomplete, and the long-term impact on your daily life and independence.

Special damages cover past and future financial losses, and are typically the larger element of the settlement. These may include loss of earnings, care and support needs, adaptations to your existing home or the cost of alternative accommodation where appropriate, specialist equipment, rehabilitation, and travel expenses. We work with independent medical and care experts to fully assess the long-term impact of the injury before valuing your claim.

The standard limitation period is three years from the date of your accident, or from the date you first became aware that your injury was linked to the accident. If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the three-year time limit does not begin to run until they regain capacity. If the person was a child at the time of the accident, they have until their 21st birthday to bring their own claim, as they cannot do so until they turn 18. If a child has suffered a spinal injury due to negligence, their parent or guardian can bring a claim on their behalf if they are aged under 18 years.

An interim payment is an advance payment on some of your compensation, released once the other side has accepted or is very likely to accept responsibility. For spinal injury survivors, interim payments can fund urgent rehabilitation, specialist equipment, home adaptations, care, and lost earnings without waiting for the final settlement. We pursue interim payments as quickly as the evidence allows, because early rehabilitation genuinely improves long-term outcomes.

Through our network of specialist case managers and clinicians, we can help you access physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological support, speech and language therapy, pain management, neurorehabilitation, adapted accommodation, and specialist transport. A case manager coordinates this on your behalf and takes much of the administrative weight off you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Most spinal injury claims settle through negotiation or at a round-table meeting without a court hearing. Proceedings are issued in some cases to maintain pressure on the other side or where liability is disputed, but a final hearing is uncommon. If your case does proceed to a court hearing, you will be represented by an experienced barrister and supported throughout the process by your legal team.

Most spinal injury claims take several years to resolve, particularly where the full long-term impact of the injury is still being assessed. Settling a claim too early can risk future care, rehabilitation, and financial needs not being fully taken into account. We will keep you updated throughout the claims process and work as efficiently as possible whilst ensuring the claim is properly valued.

Call us on 0800 260 5010 or request a callback. One of our Spinal Injury experts will speak with you, explain your options, and answer any questions you might have. The first conversation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to proceed.