Back and Spinal Injury Compensation

How Much Compensation for a Back Injury Can I Claim?

An injury to your neck or back especially if it involves spinal cord/neurological damage can have extremely serious consequences. If you have sustained such an injury and it was not your fault, the experts at JMW can help you estimate how much your back or spinal injury compensation claim could be worth. The figures for general damages above are just for the injury.

In cases of serious spinal cord injury (SCI), the total award will be valued in the millions when your future needs and costs are factored in. This aspect of preparing your legal claim requires expertise and skill to ensure the full costs are provided for. We use the most experienced experts and work with you to try and put you in the most favourable position for your future life, providing for all you need financially to give you peace of mind.

For a more accurate calculation of how much your case could be worth, or to begin your spinal injury claim, get in touch with the expert solicitors at JMW today. The SCI team for personal injury claims is led by Cathy Leech, she is an award-winning expert spinal injury lawyer. The Legal 500 referenced Cathy as “possibly the best spinal injury solicitor in the country” in 2022.

For medical negligence claims, the team is led by Eddie Jones, a renowned expert in clinical negligence and particularly cauda equina claims.

Please call 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back. You can find out more about our personal injury claim services here.

What Should I Do Next?

If you have suffered a back, neck or spinal cord injury, the amount of compensation you can claim will depend on the severity of the injury itself, as well as the impact it has on your life, finances and ability to work.

In serious cases, a spinal cord injury can leave a person unable to move their limbs. This may restrict the ability to walk and/or use their arms and hands. It can often impair bladder, bowel and sexual function and give rise to chronic pain. This often means they will require long-term care - potentially for the rest of their lives. For people with less severe back injuries, back pain can be a debilitating condition that causes inconvenience, some mobility issues and interference with day-to-day activities, making it impossible to participate in hobbies or perform certain kinds of work.

These outcomes will have a significant impact on the person’s earning capabilities, and ability to live independently. In this situation, advanced medical treatment, care and support, and rehabilitation services become really important. Adapted accommodation and specialist equipment may be needed. All of these additional costs will need to be considered to calculate the total value of the claim, which is why it is important to speak to a solicitor to find out more - this requires expert preparation and needs to be bespoke to the person who is injured.

For more information on how the spine works and what happens when you damage certain parts of it, take a look at these pages:

• How the Spine Works
• Types of Spinal Injury
• Rehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injury

The Types of Back Injury You Can Claim For

Below are some of the types of back injuries for which you may be eligible to claim, based on the region of the spinal column that's affected:

Cervical Spine Injuries (Vertebrae C1 - C7)

The cervical spine comprises the uppermost section of the vertebral column, made up of vertebrae C1 to C7. Injuries to this area can be particularly concerning due to its proximity to the brain and its responsibility for head and neck movement. Types of cervical spine injuries include:

• Cervical radiculopathy: nerve root damage
• Cervical dislocation or fractures
• Herniated cervical discs

Thoracic Spine Injuries (Vertebrae T1 - T12)

The thoracic spine consists of vertebrae T1 to T12 and is situated in the mid to upper back region. Injuries here can be severe and are often the result of high-impact accidents, such as falls or car crashes. Types of thoracic injuries include:

• Thoracic sprains and strains
• Compression fractures
• Thoracic disc injuries
• Spinal cord injuries affecting the thoracic region

Lumbar Spine Injuries (Vertebrae L1 - L5)

The lumbar spine consists of vertebrae L1 to L5. This region bears much of the body's weight and is therefore susceptible to strain and injury. Types of lumbar injuries include:

• Lumbar strains and sprains
• Lumbar disc herniation
• Lumbar fractures
• Spondylolisthesis (displacement of a lumbar vertebra)

Sacral Spine Injuries (Vertebrae S1 - S5)

The sacrum is the triangular-shaped bone at the base of the spine, comprising vertebrae S1 to S5. Injuries to the sacral region can affect the hips and legs and may result in significant discomfort. Types of sacral injuries include:

• Sacral fractures
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Nerve impingement in the sacral region

Can I Claim for Back Injury Compensation?

You can claim compensation for a back injury if it has occurred due to someone else's negligence or fault. Whether your injury affects the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral region of your spine, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, loss of earnings, and other associated costs.

How Can Compensation Help?

If you have suffered a spinal cord or back injury as a result of somebody else’s negligence, compensation can help you and your family by covering any expenses incurred as a result of your accident, such as private medical treatment or any future loss of earnings, while ensuring you have access to the best treatment and assistance possible.

This may include:

• Specialist rehabilitation - case management, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and sometimes specialist medical private treatment
• Housing and home adaptations
• Specialist equipment, wheelchairs, exercise machines, medication
• Loss of earnings and help to support you back to work if you are able to
• Professional care and support for you and your family
• Adapting or buying a vehicle or setting up a taxi account
• Help with hobbies and holidays and family activities post-injury

To find out how to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available, get in touch with JMW Solicitors by calling 0345 872 6666, or by filling in our online enquiry form to request a call back.

What Accidents Could I Claim For?

At JMW, we've successfully represented clients in a diverse range of cases involving back injuries. Below are some of the most common types of accidents for which you could make a claim:

Road Traffic Accidents

Whether you're a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, if you've been involved in a road traffic accident that was not your fault and have sustained a back injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

Workplace Accidents

Back injuries frequently occur in the workplace due to improper handling of heavy objects, falls, or unsafe work environments. Employers are obligated to provide a safe workspace, and failing to do so can make them liable.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Public places and private establishments must ensure their premises are free from hazards that could cause slips, trips or falls. If your back injury was caused due to such a hazard, you may have a valid back injury compensation claim.

Sports and Leisure Accidents

Participating in sports or leisure activities can sometimes lead to accidents and injuries. If the organisation or facility failed to ensure a safe environment, you might be able to make a claim.

If you've suffered a back injury in any of the above circumstances or others not listed, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert team of solicitors can assess the specifics of your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Case Studies

JMW has years of experience in helping people with back and spinal injuries to claim the spinal cord injury compensation they deserve. Find out more by having a look at some of our case studies:

• Paraplegia caused by complete spinal cord injury at T2/T3 vertebrae awarded £6.65m

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