Spinal injuries range from fractures that heal with time to spinal cord damage causing permanent paralysis. Because the consequences can last a lifetime, these are among the most complex and highest-value claims.
What types of spinal injury are there?
Vertebral fractures and disc injuries damage the bones and discs of the spine without injuring the spinal cord. They can still cause long-term pain and restricted movement. Spinal cord injuries damage the nerves that carry signals between the brain and body. They are described as complete or incomplete, and by the level of the injury: injuries to the neck (cervical spine) can cause tetraplegia, affecting all four limbs, while lower injuries can cause paraplegia.
What causes serious spinal injuries at work?
Falls from height are the most common cause. Others include being struck by heavy falling objects, vehicle collisions and overturns, being thrown from or trapped by machinery, and crush injuries. See fall from height claims and struck by a falling object.
What can be claimed?
- General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, assessed using the Judicial College Guidelines. For paraplegia and tetraplegia, general damages alone run to several hundred thousand pounds.
- Care, both professional and from family, often the largest part of the claim. See claiming for care.
- Accommodation and adaptations, and specialist equipment such as wheelchairs, hoists and adapted vehicles. See home adaptations.
- Loss of earnings and pension, often for the rest of a working life. See future loss of earnings.
- Medical treatment, therapies and case management.
What are provisional damages?
Some spinal injuries carry a risk of a specific serious deterioration in future. Under section 32A of the Senior Courts Act 1981 (and the equivalent county court provision), the court can award provisional damages: compensation now, with the right to return for more if that deterioration happens.
Can I get help before the claim settles?
Yes. Where liability is admitted or likely, interim payments can fund rehabilitation, care, equipment and adapted accommodation. Under the Rehabilitation Code, insurers can also fund a case manager and early treatment.
How long does a serious spinal claim take?
Often several years, because the full long-term picture must be clear before the claim is valued. Early advice helps secure rehabilitation and interim funding while that happens.
Sources
Browse every plain-English guide in the work accident guides hub, or read the main guide to how a claim works.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every claim turns on its own facts. For advice about your specific situation, speak to a regulated solicitor.