How Much Compensation for Paralysis?

Compensation for paralysis can be a complex and multifaceted topic, as it depends on various factors specific to each case. Paralysis, whether partial or complete, severely impacts an individual’s life, affecting their physical abilities, emotional well-being, and financial circumstances.

If it can be established that someone else is responsible for your paralysis injuries, then you may be entitled to make a paralysis injury claim.

Beacon Law has a team of experienced injury lawyers who can assist you in making a claim for paralysis compensation. If you have suffered paralysis injuries as a result of negligence and have been left wondering, “how much compensation for paralysis?”, get in touch with our team today.

What is paralysis?

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in one or more parts of the body, often accompanied by a loss of sensation in the affected area. It occurs when there is a disruption in the communication between the brain and the muscles, typically caused by damage to the nervous system. Depending on the underlying cause and extent of the damage, paralysis can vary in severity and scope.

Types of Paralysis

Paralysis is categorised based on its location and extent:

Localised paralysis: Affects a specific area, such as the face, hand, or foot.

Generalised paralysis: Involves larger areas of the body, classified into:

• Monoplegia: Paralysis of one limb.
• Hemiplegia: Paralysis on one side of the body.
• Paraplegia: Paralysis of the lower half of the body, typically both legs.
• Quadriplegia (or Tetraplegia): Paralysis of both arms and legs, often including the torso. 

Common causes of paralysis that lead to claims

Paralysis claims often arise when an individual suffers paralysis due to another party’s negligence, misconduct, or failure to meet safety standards. Common causes include:

Road traffic accidents: Crashes involving cars, motorcycles, or trucks frequently cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis. Faulty driving, intoxication, or road maintenance issues often result in claims.

Accidents at work: Falls from heights, heavy machinery incidents, or unsafe working conditions can cause paralysis. Employers may be held liable if health and safety protocols are ignored and they breach their duty of care.

Slips, trips, and falls: Poorly maintained premises, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or lack of warning signs, can lead to spinal or brain injuries causing paralysis.

Medical negligence: Mistakes during operations, especially involving the spine or nervous system, can damage nerves, causing paralysis. Failing to identify critical conditions like strokes or infections can also lead to irreversible damage.

Sports injuries: Contact sports or extreme sports accidents, often linked to inadequate safety measures or defective equipment, can result in claims.

Assaults or criminal acts: Gunshot wounds, stabbings, or physical assaults that damage the spinal cord often lead to claims against perpetrators or third parties responsible for safety.

Defective products: Malfunctioning products, such as defective airbags, medical devices, or sports equipment, can cause injuries leading to paralysis. Manufacturers or sellers may be held accountable.

Birth injuries: Mismanaged deliveries can lead to nerve damage in newborns, such as brachial plexus injuries or cerebral palsy, resulting in partial paralysis.

What is the process of making a paralysis claim?

During your initial consultation, a personal injury solicitor from our team will provide you with legal advice about paralysis claims and will inform you about the relevant limitation rules.

Our personal injury lawyers will then ask you for details about your accident and the injuries that were suffered as a result. This will help us to assess the likelihood of your claim being successful.

In the early stages of your paralysis compensation claim, it is essential to gather evidence to support your case. This may include CCTV footage of the incident, medical records, accident reports, photographs of your injuries, and witness statements.

Your injury lawyer may also request that you undergo an independent medical examination to obtain a detailed report on the nature and extent of your injuries. These medical reports serve as crucial evidence for your claim. Even if you’ve already received medical treatment, a more comprehensive assessment may still be required to ensure the reports are accurate, thorough, and reliable.

If we think that your claim would be likely to succeed, we will offer a no win, no fee basis; if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

How much compensation for paralysis?

Determining compensation for a paralysis injury can be challenging, as each case and injury is unique. Generally, more severe injuries result in higher compensation awards. The final amount depends on the injury’s severity and the long-term care or lifestyle adjustments required to help the claimant adapt to their new circumstances.

Paralysis compensation is typically divided into general damages and special damages. General damages account for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity experienced by the claimant. Special damages cover financial losses directly related to the injury, such as loss of earnings from time off work, costs of medical treatments, travel costs, and ongoing care needs. To claim special damages, it is crucial to keep medical records and receipts as evidence of these expenses.

In cases where immediate financial support is required, interim payments may be provided. These advance payments cover urgent expenses or loss of income if the claimant is unable to work due to the injury, helping them manage their immediate needs before the final settlement.

What are the time limits for paralysis compensation claims?

The time limit for making a personal injury claim, known as the limitation period, typically depends on the type of claim. In most personal injury cases in the UK, including those involving paralysis, the claimant has three years from the date of the accident or the date they became aware that their injury was caused by someone else’s negligence (known as the “date of knowledge”).

There are exceptions to this general rule:

• For children: If the injured person is under 18, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday, meaning they can make a claim until they turn 21. A parent or guardian can also bring a claim on their behalf before they reach adulthood.
• Mental capacity: If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, the time limit is suspended unless they regain capacity. A litigation friend can bring the claim on their behalf during this time.
• Fatal accidents: If the injury results in death, the family or estate has three years from the date of death to make a claim.

It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure the claim is filed within the applicable time frame. Waiting too long could result in losing the right to claim compensation.

How can Beacon Law assist?

Beacon Law are specialist personal injury and paralysis lawyers with a wealth of experience in dealing with a range of paralysis compensation claims. We can provide you with specialist legal advice on making a claim and guide you through the claims process, whilst negotiating the best settlement for your accident and injuries. We are passionate about our commitment to high-quality customer service.

We offer our services on a no win, no fee basis, which means you only have to pay our fees if we win your case for you. To find out more about making a paralysis compensation claim on a no-win, no fee basis, have a look at the funding section on our website.

If you have been left wondering, “how much compensation for paralysis?”, contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim with a member of our legal team. Please call us today on 0330 1332 857 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our experts will call you back.

Beacon Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.