From Spinal Injury to Clinical Negligence

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury, you are aware of how much life can change. Using the NHS’s own statistics, as well as data from other countries, the charities estimate that the number of people injured or diagnosed with a life-changing spinal cord injury in the UK is 2,500 per year, whilst the total number of people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK is 50,000. Spinal injuries can rise as a result of medical negligence from treatment or surgery, a road traffic accident, or sporting injuries, they can also vary depending on the location of damage and the severity of damage.

Spinal injuries can have extremely devastating effects and leave the injured person paralysed and stripped of their independence. Spinal injuries can also affect other bodily functions such as bladder control, fertility and sexual functioning, respiratory issues, and mobility.

The symptoms of a spinal cord injury are different depending on which part of the spinal cord has been affected and the severity of this. Symptoms may include problems with movement (paralysis), sensation (inability to feel hot or cold) and sometimes difficulty with bladder and/or bowel control.

In the context of medical negligence, spinal injuries can be caused in a multitude of ways;

• Infection entering the spinal canal;

• Delay in diagnosis and surgery of cauda equina syndrome;

• Injury sustained during spinal surgery or procedure;

• Missed fractures of the neck and back;

• Errors and failure in suitably handling patients with neck and back injuries;

• Failure to inform patient

If you think your spinal injury has been caused by medical negligence, speak to one of our experts at PA Duffy & Co. for advice on making a compensation claim.

Individuals in Northern Ireland are granted three years to claim from the date of injury, or date of knowledge of injury. The amount of time it takes to make a claim will depend on the seriousness of your injuries.

On the other hand, individuals in Republic of Ireland have 2 years to start a claim from the date of injury, or knowledge of same. The amount of compensation a person is entitled to will also be depend on the severity of the injuries and their impact on other aspects of quality of life. Due to these time constraints, it is important to speak to us as soon as possible as we will need to gather medical evidence in support of the compensation claim. This evidence will normally come from an independent medical expert such as a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic consultant.

Making a back and spinal injury claim can be a daunting prospect as this can take time, due to the nature and extent of the injuries the individual has suffered. However, primary aim of PA Duffy & Co will be to support you and your family by getting all the help, medical treatment and rehabilitation you might need to speed up your recovery.

For an enquiry you can call us on 02887722102, fill out an enquiry form on our website or chat with us on our live chat.