Spinal injuries due to medical negligence
If you need guidance on making a compensation claim for a spinal injury caused by a medical accident then call our free helpline on 0333 888 0412 or send an email to [email protected]
We like to think that we are safe in hospital, but unfortunately accidents do occur and sometimes they result in serious spinal injury. If you or a loved one suffers a spinal injury caused by a medical accident then you will need expert guidance from experienced solicitors with a track record of success in medical negligence law.
Spinal injuries in hospital arose as a result of sub-standard surgery or a delay in diagnosing a medical condition such as cauda equina syndrome?
Hospitals are required to be alert to the risk of spinal issues. Red flags include progressive bilateral neurological deficit, sensory loss, spinal tenderness and infections, but these aren’t always acted upon.
Delays in diagnosis, management and medical intervention can result in opportunities to regain mobility being lost, potentially resulting in permanent paralysis.
Between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2019, NHS Resolution paid over £135m in compensation to patients who suffered spinal damage due to medical negligence. Compensation awards for spinal injury tend to be higher than other types of claim due to the specialist equipment required to treat these injuries and the care that an individual often requires, such as:-
- Home adaptations – For example, adaptations to your house to give you the chance to live at home once again. This may include the adaptation of a bathroom into a wet room, chairlifts, hoists and pressure relieving equipment.
- A comprehensive package of care – for example, you may require a live-in carer or to be placed in a specialist care home to ensure that your personal care is managed, and to prevent any further damage to your condition.
- A mobility vehicle – this may include a car being adapted so that you may still drive despite your disability, or the purchase of a specialist vehicle so that your family are able to transport you.
- Specialised wheelchair – to help you obtain some independence
- Specialist psychiatric intervention – to help you come to terms with your injury and how this may impact daily.