Quadriplegia Compensation: No Win, No Fee

 

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What is quadriplegia?

Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, is a condition where paralysis affects all four limbs (arms and legs) and sometimes the torso. It usually results from damage to the spinal cord at the neck (cervical) level, often caused by traumatic injuries such as car accidents, falls, or sports incidents. Non-traumatic causes include medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord tumours, or infections.

While there is no cure for quadriplegia, treatment focuses on rehabilitation to improve quality of life. This includes physical and occupational therapy, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and medical support to manage pain and complications.

If you are looking for a quadriplegia compensation claim solicitor, it is important to choose one with experience in handling cases like yours. Our team are experts in paralysis injury claims and have worked with many clients in obtaining personal injury compensation.

Our personal injury solicitors are able to provide expert legal advice for many types of claims, including paralysis injuries that have been caused as a result of medical negligence, accidents at workroad traffic accidents, and many more. We offer our personal injury services on a no win, no fee basis.

Please get in touch with us today for a free consultation with a specialist quadriplegia injury solicitor at Beacon Law. We have many years of experience in this area of the law and are confident we will be able to assist you.

Common types of accidents that can cause quadriplegia

Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, is most often caused by severe damage to the cervical (neck) spinal cord, which disrupts communication between the brain and the body below the injury. Common types of accidents that can lead to quadriplegia include:

Road Traffic Accidents

  • Car, motorcycle, and truck collisions are leading causes of injuries to the spinal cord due to the high-impact forces involved. Rollovers and ejections are particularly risky.

Falls

  • Falls from heights, such as ladders, roofs, or stairs, can result in spinal trauma and brain injuries, especially among older adults or workers in construction or maintenance industries.

Sports and Recreational Injuries

  • High-contact sports (like football or rugby), diving into shallow water, or extreme sports accidents often result in cervical spine injuries.

Acts of Violence

  • Gunshot wounds, stabbings, or other violent acts that penetrate or severely impact the spine can cause permanent damage.

Industrial and Workplace Accidents

  • Crush injuries, falls, or heavy machinery accidents in workplace environments can lead to cervical spine damage. Employers have a duty of care to their employees to minimise the risk of accidents occurring.

Medical Conditions or Surgical Errors

  • Conditions like tumours, infections, or improperly performed surgeries involving the spine may result in paralysis. If you have suffered medical negligence you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim.

It is important to note that accidents leading to paralysis can have serious and long-lasting consequences, affecting an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. Proper safety measures, including helmet use and seatbelt use, are essential to reduce the risk of such accidents. Additionally, prompt medical attention and rehabilitation are crucial for those who experience paralysis as a result of accidents to maximise their potential for recovery.

What is the difference between quadriplegia and paraplegia?

The primary difference between quadriplegia and paraplegia lies in the location and extent of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or disease. Quadriplegia, also known as tetraplegia, involves paralysis of all four limbs and often the torso. It typically results from damage to the cervical region of the spinal cord. In addition to mobility loss, quadriplegia may impair functions such as breathing, arm movement, and bladder or bowel control, depending on the severity of the injury.

Paraplegia, on the other hand, affects only the lower body, including the legs and sometimes pelvic organs, but leaves the arms and upper body fully functional. It usually results from damage to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord. While quadriplegia generally results in more severe disability, paraplegia often allows for greater independence due to the preservation of upper body movement.

What is the process of making a quadriplegia compensation claim?

During your initial consultation, a personal injury solicitor from our team will provide you with legal advice about quadriplegia 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 quadriplegia compensation claim, it’s 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.

Quadriplegia 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, medical expenses, 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.

How long do you have to make a claim?

The time limit for making a claim, known as the limitation period, typically depends on the type of claim and the jurisdiction in which it is being made. 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.
  • For Those Without 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’s 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 quadriplegia lawyers with a wealth of experience in dealing with a range of paralysis 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 quadriplegia compensation claim for 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.

 

 

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0161 428 1234

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0330 1332 857

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Beacon Law

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Shirley House

12 Gatley Road

Cheadle

Cheshire

SK8 1PY

Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by Stacey