It is estimated three people in Ireland each week suffer a spinal cord injury which can be life-changing for some. They can be caused from trauma such as a fall which account for just over one half or from road traffic collisions which cause nearly one-in-five traumatic spinal injuries.

The human vertebrae are grouped into sections and the higher up the spinal cord the injury the more significant it can be.  The upper spinal cord is classified from C1 to C8 and these are the upper eight vertebrae in the spine.  Should injury occur to this region it is generally considered the most severe resulting in paralysis to the arms, upper body and legs.  When all four limbs are affected it is called tetraplegia or quadriplegia.  The person usually will require 24 hour lifelong care with activities of daily living such as eating, changing clothes and washing one’s self.  Further down the spine to the mid spine is the thoracic vertebrae which is from T1 to T12.  Injuries to this region usually also result in paraplegia which are injuries to the legs and arm and hand function is usually normal.  A person in this condition may be able to drive a modified car and perhaps stand in a standing frame for instance.  Injury to the lumbar and sacral regions which is the lower back are the least severe but significant nonetheless in that they can result in loss of function to the hips and legs and perhaps no voluntary control of the bladder or bowel.  Depending on the severity the person may need the assistance of a wheelchair or may thankfully be able to walk.  These type of personal injury cases can be very significant and there is much to consider having particular regard to each person’s unique situation and functionality.  In addition to compensation payable for pain and suffering there may be compensation recovered for the various special aids and assistance that will be required at the present time and into the future to help maintain a quality of life.

Considerations are as follows:-

• Home adaptation works
• Future healthcare needs
• Aids, appliances and equipment
• Car adaptations
• Future loss of earnings
• Rehabilitation which includes physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy which is concerned with appliances in the home to assist with daily living

Much of these considerations will involve obtaining expert reports from various specialists such as a vocational assessor, occupational therapist and nursing care consultant.  We would also engage the services of an actuary with the purpose of putting a Euro figure on the present and future needs.  Our job as personal injury solicitors is to ensure your injuries are fully documented and all your losses are fully accounted for when it comes to making a settlement agreement with the defendant insurance company.

Our personal injury compensation claims solicitors

If you have suffered spinal cord injury that was not your fault, then you may be able to make a claim for compensation. It is important you seek advice as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. We believe in putting you our client first and we are committed to achieving the best result possible while all the time remaining sensitive to your needs. Please feel free to reach out to us below and will be pleased to discuss your case and offer no obligation advice.

To contact one of our personal injury solicitors please call 0818 888 555 or WhatsApp/call 087 398 7386 or complete our online enquiry form