Whether caused by a road traffic accident, workplace incident, medical negligence, or a fall, the impact on your health, mobility, independence, and future can be profound.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord – the bundle of nerves that runs from the brain down the back, transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord does not have the ability to repair itself like other parts of the body. This means that damage can often lead to permanent changes in strength, sensation, and bodily functions below the level of the injury.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified into two main categories
Complete Spinal Cord Injury
This is where the spinal cord has been fully severed or damaged to the point where all signals from the brain to the body below the level of the injury, are completely blocked. In this case, the individual will lose all sensory (feeling) and motor (movement) function below the point of injury.
Key Characteristics:
- Total paralysis below the injury site
- No sensation (touch, pain, pressure) below the injury
- No voluntary muscle control
- Typically permanent, though some therapies may improve quality of life
Types of Paralysis:
- Paraplegia: If the injury occurs in the thoracic or lumbar region (middle or lower back), it can result in paralysis of the legs and lower body.
- Tetraplegia (or quadriplegia): If the injury is in the cervical spine (neck area), it can result in paralysis of all four limbs and often the torso, along with possible breathing difficulties.
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
This occurs when the spinal cord is partially damaged, and some communication between the brain and body is still possible. This means the person may retain some feeling, movement, or function below the injury site.
Incomplete injuries vary widely depending on:
- The extent and location of the damage
- Which part of the spinal cord is affected
- The severity of compression or bruising to the cord
Common Types of Incomplete SCIs
- Anterior Cord Syndrome – Damage to the front of the spinal cord; affects motor control and some types of sensation, but touch may be preserved.
- Central Cord Syndrome – Often affects the arms more than the legs; may retain some leg movement but have difficulty using the hands and arms.
- Brown-Séquard Syndrome – Involves damage to one side of the spinal cord; leads to weakness on one side of the body and loss of sensation on the other.
Key Characteristics:
- Partial loss of movement or sensation
- May experience muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling
- Some potential for improvement with early and ongoing rehabilitation
- Greater chance of functional recovery compared to complete injuries
Understanding whether a spinal cord injury is complete or incomplete is essential for:
- Medical prognosis and treatment planning
- Rehabilitation strategy (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
- Estimating long-term care needs
- Calculating the level of compensation you may be entitled to
At Harris Fowler, we work closely with medical experts and rehabilitation professionals to assess the severity of your injury and ensure your legal claim reflects your full physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Moving Forward After a Spinal Cord Injury
No matter the classification, a spinal cord injury is a life-changing event. But with the right legal support, medical care, and rehabilitation, many people are able to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence – whether in a car accident, workplace incident, or medical setting – you may be eligible to claim compensation. We can help you secure funds for:
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Adapted housing or mobility aids
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Care and support services
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
How We Support You
Our dedicated spinal injury solicitors provide:
- Clear, compassionate advice
- Access to expert medical assessments
- Specialist rehabilitation support from the outset
- Guidance throughout the legal process
- Home or hospital visits where necessary
We understand the complexity of these cases and always take a personalised approach, tailored to your specific needs.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Compensation can never undo what has happened, but it can provide the tools and support needed to help you rebuild your life.
To speak to one of our expert solicitors in confidence, please call 0800 213 214
