Spinal injury compensation claims

For the most severe back injuries involving damage to the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in severe pain and disability with incomplete paralysis and incontinence, there are judicial guidelines which state that a sum ranging from £85,470 - £151,070 would be appropriate to compensate for a person’s pain and suffering. However, the overall compensation for a spinal injury claim could be much higher than this as financial losses (both past and future) would then be added to this figure. These losses could include care and assistance, accommodation costs, the costs of aids and equipment and costs associated with future medical treatment as well as loss of earnings.

For the most severe neck injuries involving incomplete paraplegia and little or no movement in the neck with severe headaches, there are judicial guidelines which state that a sum in the region of £139,210 would be appropriate to compensate for a person’s pain and suffering. However, the overall compensation for a neck injury claim could be much higher than this as financial losses (both past and future) would then be added to this figure. These losses could include care and assistance, accommodation costs, the costs of aids and equipment and costs associated with future medical treatment as well as loss of earnings.

Often it can take around 24 months for the full extent of any neurological recovery to become apparent following rehabilitation and support, and this may be a full recovery or partial; often with ongoing needs relating to bladder/bowel function and mobility.

It is always impossible at the outset of a medical negligence claim to estimate how long it will take.  As a general guide, some straightforward claims can be settled in 12 months, but large or difficult claims can take 18 – 24 months to investigate and a further 2 – 3 years if Court action is required. It is sometimes possible to obtain interim payments while a claim is ongoing to ease the financial burden while the claim is being investigated and valued.