Whether the injury is a direct result of a breach of duty or unmistakable negligence, hiring a specialist injury lawyer will ensure you have the opportunity to claim the correct amount of compensation that you deserve. And while money won’t change what has happened, it can help fund valuable recovery and security for the future.
What to consider when filing a spinal cord injury compensation claim
Many people who sustain a spinal cord injury find themselves with substantial care needs that need to be funded. In addition, many may struggle to return to work in the same way as they did pre-injury, and in some cases, they are sadly unable to work entirely. Not having a stable income and the added risk of adapting a house to meet accessibility needs can take its toll on already limited patience, let alone a bank account. Adaptions such as wet rooms, stairlifts and general wheelchair accessibility are costly. A compensation claim can cover the expensive fees and ensure those with SCI can live comfortably without worrying about breaking the bank.
The wait for compensation
Even if liability is admitted in your case, until a firm prognosis can be given for your injury, your claim will not be settled in full. You need to bear this in mind when bringing a claim. Solicitors will know the right time to settle a claim, so it is crucial to take their valuable advice throughout the process, as they will not advise you to do so until you know the long-term impact of your injuries. Despite this, interim compensation, known as interim payments, might be available to help you fund any living costs pre-claim settlement – but this is only an option if the opposition admits liability, and settlement deductions will occur after the agreement.
Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury
Rehabilitation is an essential consideration for anyone who sustains a spinal cord injury. Without it, you will likely not develop your capabilities as well as someone who takes advantage of rehabilitation. Depending on the level of injury, you may require immediate rehabilitation such as physiotherapy or counselling, which comes with significant fees. While the services are costly, they are necessary, and the compensation will normally cover the reasonable cost of this.
The amount of compensation to claim
The compensation amount you receive will depend on the level of injury, how severe your injury is, and what your future needs will be. It will also depend on the risks of your case and whether the defendants admit liability. While it is difficult to establish definite figures in the early stages, lawyers have official guidelines and case law that they can follow for the most realistic answers.
Spinal cord injury can be a terrifying experience, both mentally and physically, so it is important that you receive a claim that meets your care needs, loss of earnings, medication costs and any rehabilitation services you require. Make sure to keep all invoices, receipts and any payslips that highlight loss for your solicitor to document. Since every injury is unique to each patient, there is no average spinal injury settlement figure. Discussing your situation with a specialist lawyer is crucial, as they can ensure they negotiate the best outcome for you
How long will it take?
A spinal cord injury claim is incredibly complex compared to other injury claims. Even with valuable correspondence and admittance from the other party, it can take a lengthy amount of time to establish all angles and decide on an appropriate outcome, and often several years to reach.
Your spinal injury compensation claim
If you or a loved one has recently sustained a spinal cord injury, it is vital to understand that it will affect you and your family for the rest of your lives. If your spinal injury was due to an accident that was not your fault, you are well within your rights to seek compensation. We know that money will not turn the clock back. However, with our help, you can secure a financial settlement with a spinal cord injury compensation claim, which will help you and your family to maintain independence and enjoy a good standard of living.
At Aspire Law, we aim to provide a fully holistic service, helping you live an independent and fulfilling life. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help when filing spinal cord injury compensation.