Spinal Injuries most commonly happen due to a blow to the spine which fractures one or more vertebrae causing disruption to the cords normal functions. The spinal cord transports any communication that is sent from the brain to the rest of the human body.
Depending on what nerve roots are affected and the exact location of trauma, the result can range from serious and chronic pain to paralysis and untreatable injuries.
Spinal Injury Types
The majority of spinal injuries will almost always result in the restriction of mobility or some form of paralysis. The exact location and severity of the damage are the two key factors that determine how severe the injury is. Different types of injuries include:
Cervical
Cervical spinal injury is the area directly below the base of the skull where the spinal cord is attached to the brain. This injury is usually the result of a violent collision, such as a road traffic incident.
Thoracic
Thoracic spinal injury is the area between the head and the abdomen. Injuries that occur in this region of the spine usually result in paraplegia. Paraplegia in the impairment of motor or sensory function in the lower limbs, such as the loss of motor control of the legs.
Lumbosacral
The Lumbosacral injury is the area covered by the lower back, abdomen and pelvic region. Spinal injuries that occur in this region reduce the control of the hips, urinary system and legs.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition where the nerves located at the base of the spinal cord become compressed, resulting in damage to the nerves controlling the bladder and bowel.
Spinal Injuries most commonly happen due to a blow to the spine which fractures one or more vertebrae. Causing disruption to the cords normal functions. The spinal cord transports any communication that is sent from the brain to the rest of the human body. Depending on what nerve roots are affected and the exact location of trauma, the result can range from serious and chronic pain to paralysis and untreatable injuries.
Steps to making a claim
1. Seek medical attention
The most important priority is your own health and safety. No matter how minor the injury may feel it is important to be examined by a medical practitioner. A medical report will also be required as part of your claims process.
2. Report the accident
Report the incident to the relevant authority – this will vary depending on the cause of the injury. Keep a record of the report as part of the claims process.
3. Witnesses
If there are any witnesses to the accident speak to them and ask for their contact details.
4. Document the incident
It is important that you have all of the information available to give your solicitor when you start the claims process. Any information that you cannot get access to, your solicitor will be able to source it for you. The information you can record is details of the accident, a photograph of the scene, photograph of your injuries, witness details, medical bills, transport to and from hospital / treatments, CCTV footage of the accident if there were any cameras around and any other important information about the accident.
5. Speak with a solicitor
Having a solicitor involved early in the process can help to ensure that the claims process runs as smoothly as possible for you. Your solicitor will help you in gathering document, submitting your claim to the Injuries Board for assessment and work with you to bring your case to a close.