At Harris Fowler, we understand how devastating a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be, not just physically, but emotionally and financially.
Whether caused by a road traffic accident, fall, or medical negligence, spinal injuries can alter the course of a person’s life in a matter of seconds. Here, we aim to provide a clear overview of spinal cord injuries, what they mean, and how we can help you seek justice and support.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system. It runs from the brain down the back and carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury occurs when this communication pathway is damaged, either through trauma or disease.
This can result in partial or complete loss of motor function, sensation, and even autonomic control (such as bladder, bowel, and respiratory functions).
Types of Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are classified in two main ways:
1. Complete Injury
A complete SCI means there is no nerve function or sensation below the level of the injury. This often results in paralysis – either:
- Paraplegia (loss of function in the lower limbs)
- Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs and torso)
2. Incomplete Injury
An incomplete SCI means some motor or sensory function remains below the level of the injury. The severity can vary greatly – some individuals may recover significant function over time, while others may continue to have serious impairments.
Common Causes
We often support clients whose spinal cord injuries were caused by:
- Road traffic accidents
- Falls from height
- Sporting or recreational accidents
- Violent assaults
- Medical negligence or surgical errors
- Workplace accidents
In many of these cases, the injury could have been avoided if reasonable care had been taken.
Life After a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can be life-changing. It may impact your ability to work, live independently, or participate in activities you once enjoyed. Many clients also face the emotional impact including anxiety, depression, and the challenge of adapting to a new way of life.
Recovery and rehabilitation often require:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Mobility aids and home adaptations
- Psychological support
- Personal care and assistance
We work closely with medical experts, rehabilitation providers, and care planners to ensure our clients receive the full spectrum of support they need.
How Harris Fowler Can Help
If your spinal cord injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Our experienced solicitors understand the complexity of spinal injury cases and the long-term needs that must be considered in a compensation claim.
We can help you:
- Establish liability
- Access interim payments to cover urgent needs
- Secure funding for rehabilitation and care
- Claim for loss of earnings and future needs
- Achieve a settlement that supports you for life
We act on a No Win, No Fee, No Risk basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your case is successful.
We’re Here for You
At Harris Fowler, our priority is to support you through every stage of your recovery and legal journey. We take the time to understand your individual needs and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury and would like to speak to a solicitor in confidence, please contact us today on 0800 213 214
