Making sure you get the best and most appropriate compensation package
Spinal cord injury (SCI) claims are typically made be people who have suffered life-changing consequences as a result of an accident or incident that was not their fault. The level of disability suffered by the injured party will depend on the severity of damage to the spinal cord and where the injury is positioned along the spine. If the accident causes a 'complete' spinal cord injury, where the entire width of the spinal cord has been damaged or severed, it is almost certain that there will be permanent loss of function and sensation below the level of the injury. And even in cases when the SCI is 'incomplete', loss of function and disability may result, especially in the early stages after the injury.
Assistive equipment as part of your spinal injury compensation claim
At Thompsons, our personal injury solicitors will seek the fullest amount of compensation to cover all your needs as you recover and rehabilitate. This is likely to mean that we will seek sums from the defender in respect of assistive equipment. The type of assistive equipment (also known as adaptive equipment or assistive devices) you will need will depend on the type of disability you have suffered. Types of equipment may include:
- Mobility equipment: This can range from sophisticated electric wheelchairs to canes, crutches, walkers and even specially adapted orthotic shoes.
- Vehicle adaptations and accessible vehicles: This could mean an adaptation to your vehicle to allow you to drive it following your SCI, or the purchase of a vehicle that will support the use of a wheelchair.
- Respiratory equipment: For those whose breathing has been affected by the SCI, the equipment includes machines for breathing and suctioning; i.e. ventilators, CPAP machines (continuous positive airway pressure) and other devices.
- Medical beds: Specialised, hospital grade beds that can assist with turning a spinal injury patient, provide greater comfort, and prevent skin breakdown, pressure sores, thrombosis and muscle wasting.
- Transfer equipment: Tools to help caregivers move the SCI patient, such as hoists , lifts, benches and transfer boards.
- Positioning devices: Items that can keep the injured person's body in a comfortable position and able to be secured safely whenever necessary. These devices can also help alleviate skin and muscle problems and include cushions, splints, back-rests, braces and more.
- Sports and recreational equipment: Carrying on with a previous sport or taking up a new one can be important for a spinal injury patient's recovery and rehabilitation. Adaptive and assistive sporting equipment is therefore extremely useful and may include specialised bicycles, wheelchairs, skiing equipment, archery equipment and more.
- Environmental control equipment: This may be for certain day-to-day necessities such as turning on lights, controlling central heating systems and air-conditioning, as well as opening and closing doors and windows.
- Day-to-day self-care equipment: To assist with everyday tasks such as bladder and bowel movements, dressing, menstrual care, personal grooming, eating and drinking, and exercising etc. Equipment may include, accessible showers and baths, commodes, dressing sticks, feeding utensils, ramps and more.
Each injury and each injury claim is unique and it will be necessary for your lawyer to ensure that all the above is taken into consideration when establishing your needs in a compensation settlement.
Thompsons serious injury claim experts
Our team of specialist spinal injury claim solicitors has years of experience representing claimants in these complex cases. Our knowledge and expertise in this area is second to none and we pride ourselves on offering one of the most comprehensive packages available for claimants and their families. We are dedicated to representing those who have been injured as a result of another party's negligence and we strive to ensure they receive the maximum amount of compensation in the shortest time possible. When necessary and appropriate we will seek interim compensation to assist with your most pressing financial needs. Call 0800 0891 331 to speak to our friendly team.
