Spinal Injury

Spinal injuries rank among the most life-altering and complex medical conditions, often resulting in profound changes to the lives of those affected and their families. Berwick Solicitors, with an established reputation for expertise, empathy and authority in the legal domain, stands at the forefront of advocating for victims of spinal injuries due to negligence.

Understanding Spinal Injuries

Types of Spinal Injury

The spinal cord, a vital conduit for neural communication within the body, can suffer injuries at various levels, each with distinct implications:

Cervical: Injuries to the neck region that can result in tetraplegia (quadriplegia), affecting all limbs and possibly requiring mechanical ventilation for breathing.
Thoracic: Injuries in the upper back that typically affect the chest and legs, leading to paraplegia.
Lumbar: Lower back injuries that may result in paraplegia, with variations in mobility and independence.
Sacral: Injuries affecting the hips, thighs, lower legs and pelvic organs, but typically sparing leg movement.

Compensation for Spinal Injuries

The compensation for spinal injuries reflects the severity of the condition and its impact on an individual’s life, career and personal well-being. While the payouts can vary widely, cases involving severe spinal cord injuries (SCI) may see amounts reaching €1 million or more, aimed at covering medical expenses, ongoing care, loss of earnings and the profound personal suffering endured.

Common Causes and Seriousness of Spinal Injuries

How Serious Can a Spinal Injury Be?

Spinal injuries can range from significant discomfort and temporary disability to permanent paralysis and life-threatening complications. The most severe, such as complete spinal cord injuries, can drastically alter one’s way of living, demanding extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and adjustments to living spaces.

Most Common Spinal Cord Injury

The majority of spinal cord injuries are categorised as either incomplete tetraplegia or paraplegia, with incomplete injuries—where some motor or sensory function remains below the level of injury—representing over 65% of all SCI cases.

Legal Expertise in Spinal Injury Claims

Berwick Solicitors combines deep legal knowledge with a compassionate understanding of the significant challenges faced by spinal injury victims and their families. Our dedicated team is committed to handling every aspect of your claim, leveraging our expertise to compile the necessary medical documentation and manage the intricacies of your medical negligence claim.

Proving Your Spinal Injury Claim

Establishing a successful spinal injury claim hinges on proving negligence on the part of another party. This typically involves demonstrating:

A duty of care was owed and breached.
The breach directly resulted in the spinal injury.

For expert guidance and comprehensive support on handling medical negligence claims in Ireland, refer to our medical negligence solicitors page. Our dedicated team, with extensive experience across a wide range of medical negligence cases, is committed to delivering the justice and compensation you are entitled to. We provide detailed information and resources to assist you through this challenging process, ensuring you have the representation you need.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Injuries

What Type of Spinal Injury Can I Claim For?

You may claim for any spinal injury resulting from another’s negligence, including complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries, whether they result in tetraplegia, paraplegia, or other debilitating outcomes.

Who Is Liable for My Spinal Injury?

Liability may rest with various entities, depending on the injury’s context—employers, public bodies, healthcare providers, or individuals. Identifying the responsible party is a critical step in pursuing your claim.

Do I Have Grounds for a Spinal Injury Claim?

Grounds for a claim exist if negligence can be demonstrated—that is, if the injury was preventable and caused by another’s failure to uphold a reasonable standard of care.

Contact Berwick Solicitors for Spinal Injury Claims

If you or a loved one has sustained a spinal injury due to negligence, reaching out to Berwick Solicitors can be the first step towards securing the compensation and support necessary for facing the future. Our team is dedicated to providing expert legal guidance tailored to the nuances of your case, advocating tirelessly on your behalf.

Contact Berwick Solicitors today for a consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process with confidence and dignity, aiming to restore as much of your life and independence as possible.