Spinal Injury

There are many causes of spinal injury, such as road traffic accidents, sporting accidents, industrial incidents or incidents in the home. Different types of spinal injury can affect the individual concerned in different ways.

Vertebral fracture, dislocation or compression may occur. There may also be damage to the surrounding nerves, spinal cord and soft tissue. In some cases the person will be able to make a full recovery, in other cases their injuries will result in permanent disability.

Spinal cord injuries are almost always very serious, and generally result in some level of paralysis. The location of the injury and the degree of damage are the two main factors that determine the resulting disability.

A serious injury to the neck may lead to paralysis in the arms, legs and torso, with impaired breathing and impairments to other bodily functions. This is known as tetraplegia or quadriplegia. Injuries at or below chest level, usually affect only the legs and lower body. This is called paraplegia.

Catastrophic spinal injury occurs only in a small percentage of accidents. However, if you have experienced such an injury as a result of the actions of another party, then it is important to begin pursuing a claim as soon as possible. Harris Fowler will be able to assist you with every stage of your claim.

The sooner a case is begun, the easier it is to establish the facts about the accident. Evidence can be gathered, and witness statements prepared. The more time that elapses after the event, the poorer a witness's recollection is likely to be. There is a time limit of 3 years in most cases, within which the litigation process must begin.