Paraplegia Compensation – Making a Claim

Paraplegia, the loss of motor and sensory function in the lower half of the body, is a life-altering condition often caused by traumatic injuries. These injuries may result from accidents, medical negligence, or unsafe conditions. This can have a serious impact on victims and reduce their overall quality of life.

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

Beacon Law has a team of experienced injury lawyers who can assist you in making a claim for paraplegia compensation. If you have suffered paraplegia injuries as a result of negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation today.

What is paraplegia?

Paraplegia is a medical condition characterised by the partial or complete loss of motor function and sensation in the lower half of the body, typically affecting the legs and sometimes the sides of the body. It occurs due to damage or dysfunction in the spinal cord, which interrupts the transmission of signals between the brain and the affected parts of the body.

 

Key features of paraplegia:

Loss of movement: Affected individuals may be unable to move their legs or control their lower body muscles.

Loss of sensation: There may be a lack of feeling, including the inability to sense pain, temperature, or touch in the affected areas.

Bladder and bowel dysfunction: Paraplegia often impairs the ability to control these functions.

Secondary complications: Over time, it can lead to muscle atrophy, pressure sores, or circulatory problems due to reduced mobility.

Paraplegia can vary in severity and presentation depending on the extent of spinal cord damage and its location. The main types of paralysis are complete paraplegia and incomplete paraplegia.

Common causes of paraplegia

When paraplegia is caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, it may lead to compensation claims. Common causes of paraplegia that result in legal claims include:

 

Road traffic accidents – Negligent or reckless driving, such as speeding or drunk driving, can cause spinal cord injuries leading to paraplegia. Vulnerable road users struck by vehicles may suffer severe injuries, including spinal damage.

 

Accidents at work – These accidents are common in construction or industrial settings where safety regulations are not followed. Faulty machinery or lack of proper maintenance can result in accidents causing spinal injuries. Employers that fail to adhere to health and safety standards may be held liable.

 

Medical negligence – Mistakes during spinal or other surgeries can lead to nerve damage and paralysis. Failing to identify or properly treat spinal cord conditions, infections, or injuries may result in avoidable paraplegia. Errors in administering treatments, such as epidurals or spinal injections, can also result in paralysis.

 

Slips, trips, and falls – Accidents caused by hazards like wet floors, uneven pavements, or poorly maintained premises can lead to paraplegia claims if property owners are negligent.

 

Sports and recreational injuries – If safety equipment fails or is improperly designed, it may lead to serious spinal injuries. Coaches or organisations that fail to enforce safety standards or properly supervise activities can also be liable.

 

Acts of violence – Victims of intentional harm may file claims against the perpetrator or third parties who failed to ensure safety, such as event organisers or property managers.

Defective Products – Defective vehicles, sports gear, or other products causing spinal injuries can lead to product liability claims.

What should I do following a paraplegia injury?

Seek medical attention – Call for emergency services immediately after the injury. Avoid moving unless necessary, as improper movement can worsen spinal cord damage.

Report the accident: It is important to have an official record of the incident, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if you believe someone else is at fault.

Physical Therapy: Focus on strengthening upper body muscles, maintaining flexibility, and preventing secondary complications like muscle atrophy or pressure sores.

Compensation Claims: If your injury resulted from negligence (e.g., car accident, unsafe work conditions, or medical malpractice), consult a legal expert to seek compensation for medical costs, loss of earnings, and rehabilitation expenses.

What is the process of making a paraplegia compensation claim?

During your initial consultation, a personal injury solicitor from our team will provide you with legal advice about paraplegia 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 paraplegia 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 could you receive?

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.

Paraplegia 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 lost 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 a paraplegia compensation claim?

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 paraplegia 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 paraplegia compensation claim on a no-win, no fee basis, have a look at the funding section on our website.

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.