Spinal Injury

A spinal injury can be suffered as a result of an accident or due to negligent treatment. We act on behalf of many clients who have suffered a spinal injury following a road traffic accident or accident at work. There are clients who have sustained permanent damage to their spine as a result of clinical negligence.

Some clients may still have a degree of mobility whereas others will be left permanently paralysed. The degree of paralysis will depend on the nature of the injury and level of the spine involved.

Damage to the spinal cord leads to many problems for those injured. For some, not only is their mobility restricted but they are likely to suffer problems with their bowel and bladder function and sexual function. Many clients lose control of their bowel and bladder and become reliant upon methods such as catheterisation. These problems can lead to psychiatric conditions such as depression and an adjustment disorder.

The majority of clients who are wheelchair dependent following a spinal injury will find that their homes are no longer accessible to them. The doorways are likely to be too narrow for wheelchair access, they may be unable to access those rooms upstairs and may not have access to a suitable bathroom or kitchen.

Where a client has suffered a spinal injury it is important to get an admission of liability as soon as possible and thereafter obtain an interim payment, to ensure that we can organise equipment, accommodation and care. Many clients will also need treatment such as physiotherapy and in some cases counselling.

Getting an admission of liability in clinical negligence cases can take longer and obtaining an interim payment is not always straight forward. However, at Barratts we understand the urgency of the clients situation and will do our best to put in place suitable care as soon as possible and obtain aids and equipment to make life easier. Advice will be sought with regard to suitable accommodation and this will be followed through once funds are available.

Barratts are on the panel of solicitors for the Spinal Injuries Association and have in the past supported the East Midlands Marauders Wheelchair Rugby team and the Sheffield Steelers Wheelchair basket ball team. We understand not only the importance of ensuring that rehabilitation and housing are in place but also the importance of having a specialist solicitor when pursuing such claims.