Spinal Injury Compensation

Individuals who have sustained a spinal injury are likely to find that their life will change considerably as a result. However your injury was sustained, it is likely that this type of injury will make even the simplest tasks more difficult - but you don’t have to suffer in silence.

If your spinal injury was sustained in an incident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation that will improve your quality of life. At Ramsdens, our West Yorkshire-based team understands the sensitive nature of these cases, and will be with you every step of the way throughout the legal process. We regularly assist such individuals across the region.

For more information about how to make a spinal injury compensation claim, see the information below or call us today on 01484 821 500. Alternatively, fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch at a time specified by you.

How can Ramsdens help you to make a spinal injury claim?

We understand the sensitivity with which spinal injury compensation claims must be approached. In our decades of experience in helping those who have suffered an injury through no fault of their own, we have become familiar with the emotional implications of such incidents. We will work to claim the maximum amount of compensation possible for your spinal cord injury. When you choose to work with our specialist spinal injury solicitors, you can be confident that we will take the bulk of the legal responsibility from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Claiming compensation is essential as it will provide you with the ability to pay for any care you need, such as operations and support structures in the home or at work. Making a claim will also compensate you for the pain and suffering you have had to deal with.

We will help you throughout your claim, from your first consultation to representing you in court if necessary.

What kind of compensation can I expect to receive for my spinal injury?

The amount of compensation you can expect to receive for a spinal injury can vary significantly depending on the specifics of your case. Factors that are taken into consideration include:

• Severity of the injury: the more severe and long-lasting the injury, the higher the potential compensation. This takes into account not only the physical injury itself but also any associated complications and long-term effects.
• Pain and suffering: this relates to the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury and its aftermath.
• Loss of earnings: if your injury has resulted in you being unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, you may be compensated for lost earnings. This can also include future losses if your earning capacity has been impacted.
• Medical expenses: this includes costs of immediate treatment following the injury, as well as ongoing medical costs such as rehabilitation, therapies, medications, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Care and assistance: if you need help with daily tasks due to your injury, the cost of care and assistance may also be factored into your compensation.
• Adaptations: if your home or vehicle needs adaptations due to your injury, the cost of these adaptations can also be included in your claim.

For more information on how much compensation you may be able to claim, speak to our spinal injury claims solicitors today.

What are the potential outcomes of my case?

The outcomes of spinal cord injuries cases can vary depending on the details of the injury, the evidence presented, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. However, the typical potential outcomes include:

• Successful settlement: the majority of personal injury claims are settled outside of court. The responsible party or their insurance company agrees to pay a sum of money to compensate you for your injury and associated losses.
• Court awarded compensation: if a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to court. If the court finds in your favour, it will award a compensation amount based on the evidence presented.
• Unsuccessful claim: there are scenarios where the claim may not be successful. This could be due to insufficient evidence linking the accident to the injury, the claim being made outside of the statutory time limit, or the court finding that the other party was not at fault.

How can I make a spinal injury claim?

The process of making a spinal injury claim with Ramsdens Solicitors typically looks like this:

1. Initial consultation: contact our personal injury department to arrange an initial consultation. This consultation will allow our team to understand your circumstances and offer initial advice.
2. Case evaluation: we will evaluate your case, considering factors such as the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and the circumstances leading to the injury. We will also gather necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim.
3. Representation: if we believe your case has merit, we will offer to represent you. Ramsdens work on a 'no win, no fee' basis, which means you only pay our legal fees if we successfully secure compensation for you.
4. Claim submission: we will then submit your claim, negotiating with the responsible parties or their insurers on your behalf. Our aim is to secure the maximum compensation possible, taking into account your pain, suffering, loss of amenity, and any costs or losses you have incurred as a result of your spinal injury.
5. Resolution: finally, we will work towards a resolution of your case, whether this is through settlement negotiations or, if necessary, court proceedings.

At Ramsdens, we understand the life-changing implications of spinal injuries and are dedicated to pursuing justice for our clients. We pride ourselves on providing a compassionate and personalised service, offering support and guidance every step of the way.

What is the time frame for making a claim for a spinal injury?

In the UK, the standard time limit for making a personal injury claim, including a spinal injury, is typically three years from the date of the accident that caused the injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

If the injured party was under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year time limit does not start until their 18th birthday, meaning they have until they turn 21 to make a claim.

Furthermore, in cases where the symptoms of the injury did not present immediately, the three-year time limit may begin from the date of knowledge - the date when the person first became aware that their injury was linked to a specific accident or event.

These general guidelines may vary depending on specific circumstances. It is therefore important to seek legal advice as soon as possible after sustaining a spinal injury to ensure you do not miss the deadline for making a claim.

Will I have to go to court for my spinal injury case?

While it is possible that a spinal injury case may require court proceedings, the majority of personal injury claims are settled outside of court. Your spinal injury solicitor will make every effort to negotiate a satisfactory settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company on your behalf.

However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve. If this happens, our solicitors will support and guide you through the court process, advocating for your best interests every step of the way. We understand that going to court can be a daunting prospect, and we are committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients.

What fees will I have to pay if I pursue a spinal injury claim?

At Ramsdens, we operate on a no win, no fee basis for our personal injury cases, including spinal injury claims. This means that you will not need to pay any legal fees upfront.

If your claim is successful, the legal fees you pay us will be a percentage of the compensation you receive. This will be discussed and agreed upon before we proceed with your case, ensuring transparency and understanding.

If your claim is not successful, you will generally not be required to pay any legal fees, thanks to the no win, no fee agreement. However, in some exceptional circumstances, there may be certain disbursements or expenses that you might be required to pay. We will explain these possibilities to you at the outset.

Our primary aim is to ensure that your legal rights are upheld and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your spinal injury without the stress of significant financial risk.

How will you keep me informed about the progress of my spinal injury case?

Your solicitor will help you to understand every aspect of the claims process keeping in regular contact throughout the case. We will always maintain transparency with you about the progress of your case, and whether any issues arise. However, we will also work to strike a balance between this and make the process as stress-free as possible for you, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.

FAQs about spinal injuries