Spinal injuries can turn your world upside down. If your back injury happened because of someone else's mistake, you could make a back injury compensation claim. However, when an injury is this serious, you need specialist support straight away. We're here to help.
Spinal injuries can be devastating and have the potential to drastically change the life of the injured person, and their wider family too. Many spinal injury patients require specialist care and rehabilitation, as well as significant adaptations to their lives and routines to enable them to maximise their independence. Home adaptations are a common need, or even a move into a new home.
After suffering such a traumatic and potentially life-altering injury, a spine injury claim can help in enabling access to the best possible care, rehabilitation and support. It is vital that legal advice is sought from specialists with the knowledge, experience, and connections in this field.
Our back injury solicitors have secured substantial compensation payments for many survivors and have been by their sides as they rebuild their lives and look to the future. We understand the huge implications that a spinal cord injury can have on the lives of the survivor and their family.
Our industry-leading solicitors have a wealth of experience securing the spine injury compensation our clients deserve, and to receive support from a specialist team of healthcare professionals who can enable them to thrive again after a life-changing injury.
What accidents could lead to a spine injury being sustained?
Spine injuries can arise in many different situations, and it is not always the case that the accident appears severe at the time. Even a seemingly ‘simple’ fall can lead to serious injury if the force of the impact affects the vertebrae or nerves. These are some of the circumstances we often see in which people suffer spinal injury:
This is not an exhaustive list. What matters most in a compensation claim is not the location of the accident but whether another person or organisation was legally responsible for your injury. A spine injury lawyer will examine how the accident occurred and whether it could have been prevented if proper care had been taken.
We are one of the UK’s most experienced spine injury law firms, and we’re on hand to support you with expert legal advice and guidance from day one. For more information, or to start your claim, get in touch on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back online.
What is the process of making a back injury compensation claim?
At Slater and Gordon, our spine injury lawyers have many years’ experience in helping people to claim the compensation they deserve, while enabling access to the highest standards of care and rehabilitation. We have a trusted network of healthcare professionals who will support you in rebuilding your life and maximising your potential in regaining independence and function.
To start your spine injury claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to speak to a member of the team, who will discuss the details of your case with you.
We’ll assess your case and, if we think you have a claim, we’ll talk you through the claims process and your funding options (most of our spine injury claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis).
To support your claim, we’ll help you gather all the relevant evidence, including accessing your medical records (with your permission) and arranging for you to have a medical examination with an independent expert who specialises in providing medical evidence in cases such as this.
As part of your claim, we’ll ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, where appropriate, to maximise your chances of a full recovery and future independence.
Once we’ve collected all the information we need, we’ll submit a Letter of Claim to the responsible party. Your solicitor will keep you up to date with your claims progress and will handle all negotiations, ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible.
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a settlement cannot be reached, and the matter must go to court so a judge can rule on the case.
Watch Susan's story
Susan's active lifestyle was brought to a halt when a tree fell on her during a jog. Slater and Gordon's specialist back injury lawyers made sure that enough compensation was available to ensure her house and new hand bike could be adapted to suit her needs.
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What will be considered as part of a back injury compensation claim?
When you make a spine injury claim, your solicitor will consider the extent to which your injuries impact your life when determining how much compensation you should be awarded.
In addition to the compensation for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injuries, we also ensure that all financial losses caused by the injury are expertly calculated and projected into the future. Back injury compensation can be sought for:
A loss of earnings if you’re unable to continue working, including potential losses to your pension
Costs associated with your rehabilitation and ongoing medical treatment
Costs associated with adaptations you may need to make to your home, or if you need to move house due to your injuries
The cost of any professional care you may have had or will need to receive in future, even if a family member or friend provides this
Any equipment or aids to support you in living your life and maximising independence, such as mobility devices
Can making a spine injury claim help me pay for long-term care?
One of the biggest worries for spinal injury patients and their families is about how long-term care will be funded. Many spinal injury survivors will need care for the rest of their lives.
It's important to understand that the cost of long-term care, medical costs, rehabilitation and aftercare over your entire lifetime is part of the overall calculation for your spine injury compensation settlement.
We will also factor in other expenses, such as necessary modifications to your home, as part of your claim, to ensure you are supported in every possible way.
Why choose Slater and Gordon's spine injury lawyers?
The consequences of a spinal injury can be life-changing, and it is crucial that you have the support of trusted and experienced serious injury solicitors on hand to help you get the compensation and support you deserve to aid in your recovery and rehabilitation.
Our specialists have received high rankings from reputable independent legal guides, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
Many of our personal injury solicitors hold positions within the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), including senior litigator and brain injury specialist.
We’re accredited by The Law Society's Lexcel program, recognising that we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ensure our clients benefit from our expertise.
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to every case that goes far behind legal support, and we work with every client to secure any future care and rehabilitation they may require.
Our team includes an in-house rehabilitation coordinator, who works closely with our solicitors to assess each claim and identify any requirements for further support. This enables us to ensure all our clients get the best possible rehabilitation and further care, often funded by interim payments to avoid any financial pressure.
We’re committed to helping those suffering from serious injuries in every way possible, and as part of this commitment, we work with several charities and partners to help support our clients in their long-term recovery, including Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research, the Spinal Injuries Association and Backup.
Speak to our back injury lawyers to start your claim
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again!
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you.
Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
We’re no win no fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work or in a public place.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work and in public places.
Tailored advice
As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Your local law firm
We’re a reputable National law firm with expert lawyers in local areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
Speak to one of our personal injury solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about spine injury claims
How much will I receive in a back injury compensation claim?
Naturally, every spinal injury is different, and the final amount of compensation awarded is based on factors including the cost of long-term care and therapies, loss of earnings and the loss of mobility.
However, where spinal injuries result in paraplegia or tetraplegia, and where someone else is at fault, compensation payments in the millions of pounds are not uncommon. Our spine injury lawyers can even help you claim compensation for the rehabilitation and any necessary house adaptations needed to get your life back on track.
Is there a time limit for making a spine injury claim?
Under UK law, an injury claim must be brought within three years of the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, such as if you're claiming on behalf of someone who has diminishing mental capacity, or in the event the accident happened abroad.
It's therefore important that you speak to a specialist spinal injury solicitor as soon as you are able, and they will be able to advise you on any deadlines pertinent to your case.
Can I get financial support before my back injury compensation claim is settled?
No one should have to worry about their finances after suffering a spinal injury, yet time out of work and expensive treatment and rehabilitation can cause significant financial pressure. That is why we work hard to secure interim payments during your claim, providing you with financial assistance before your claim has been settled.
The amount you will be paid for an interim payment will vary, and the early payment will be deducted from the final amount of compensation once this has been established. For more information, see our guide to interim payments.
Can I make a No Win No Fee spine injury claim?
Many of the cases we pursue on behalf of our clients are done so by way of a conditional fee arrangement, more commonly known as No Win No Fee. There are no upfront costs, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay a fee to your solicitor.
However, No Win No Fee arrangements are not the only way to fund your case. To learn more about the available funding options and which might suit you best, speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back online.
How long does a spine injury claim take?
Every serious injury claim is different, and how long the case will take can be dependent on several factors. As you might expect, the extent of your injuries and prognosis for recovery are often significant influencing factors, including the circumstances that led to the injury and how straightforward it is to establish liability.
It’s best to speak to our specialist spine injury solicitor, who will review your case in more detail. They’ll then be able to take you through the claims process and advise on how long you may expect your claim to take.
Can I make a spine injury claim on behalf of somebody else?
If a loved one has experienced a serious injury, they may not be in a position to be able to claim compensation for themselves. In some circumstances, it may be possible for you to submit a claim on their behalf. This includes:
Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
Claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity
Claiming after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming back injury compensation on behalf of a loved one, speak to one of our specialist spine injury lawyers today on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back at a time that suits you.
Will going back to work affect my injury claim?
In most cases, going back to work won’t prevent you from bringing a claim. This is because personal injury law focuses on the facts of the accident, your injuries, and the financial impact these injuries have had on your life. Whether you return to work quickly, gradually, or after a long recovery, you can still pursue back injury compensation for the losses you have already experienced and those you are likely to face in the future.
For instance, if returning to work has been difficult, or you’ve had to reduce your hours, change your role or lose income as a result of your back or spine injury, these factors can be included in your claim. A spine injury lawyer will consider all these practical realities when presenting your case.
For more information, or to discuss your eligibility for making a spine injury claim, speak to one of our legal experts today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
How do I know if my back injury was serious?
A back injury can be considered serious if it has a long‑lasting or life‑altering effect on your mobility, independence, employment or general wellbeing. While symptoms vary, people often experience significant pain, restricted movement, weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation.
The location of your injuries can often influence how serious they are. For example, injuries affecting the spinal cord or nerve roots are often considered incredibly serious, as they are far more likely to have lasting consequences.
As a rule, if your symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, interfere with your work or daily routine, or require ongoing treatment, it is likely that you could be eligible to make a claim.
When you speak to one of our specialist back injury solicitors, they will examine your medical records to understand how severe your injury is, how it has affected your life, and what future challenges you may face. They will then be able to advise you on how your claim will progress, how long it may take, and how much back injury compensation you could be entitled to.
What if I was partially responsible for the accident that injured my spine?
It may still be possible to make a claim for spine injury compensation if you were partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. However, the amount of compensation you are awarded may be reduced to recognise your liability.
This is known as contributory negligence. For example, if it has been determined that you were 20% responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, your compensation will be reduced by 20% to reflect this.
It’s important to keep in mind that even if you believe you may have been partially responsible for your injuries, you may still be entitled to a significant compensation payout, particularly if your injuries are severe. This can be crucial in supporting you and your family, whether through access to rehabilitation and care, or helping to alleviate any financial losses you may have suffered.
We strongly recommend speaking to an experienced spine injury lawyer to learn more about your legal position and how much compensation you could receive. Call our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What types of spine injury can a compensation claim cover?
A spine injury claim can cover almost any type of injury, from damage to muscles and ligaments through to more complex spinal fractures or nerve injuries. This is because the purpose of compensation is to recognise the impact an injury has had on your working life, independence and long‑term wellbeing, regardless of the specific diagnosis.
Spine injury compensation is not limited to the most severe cases. It can cover injuries to the cervical, thoracic or lumbar sections of the spine, whether temporary or permanent, or conditions involving soft tissue damage, disc injuries, nerve compression, vertebral fractures and injuries affecting mobility or sensation. Whether your symptoms are short‑term or life‑changing, a back injury solicitor will assess your needs based on independent medical evidence.
Can I still claim if my spinal injury was minor?
Yes. You can pursue spine injury compensation even if your injury is considered minor. What matters is whether the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence and whether it had an impact on your life. Even relatively short‑term symptoms can cause pain, financial loss, and disruption to work or family responsibilities.
When you get in touch with our team, one of our specialist back injury solicitors will look at the medical evidence, the duration of symptoms, the effect on your physical and emotional wellbeing, and any costs you have incurred. They’ll then inform if they think you have a claim and how much compensation you may be entitled to.
How much will a legal claim cost?
We understand that the cost of pursuing legal action can make claiming compensation feel overwhelming. That is why most of the spine injury claims we pursue are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement. This means there is no upfront cost to start your case, and you only pay a fee if the claim succeeds. If your case is unsuccessful, you do not pay legal fees. There are no hidden fees, and the arrangement is regulated under UK law to protect claimants from unexpected costs.
Will I need a medical assessment for my spinal injury compensation claim?
Yes, you will. A medical assessment carried out by an independent expert is an essential part of the claims process as it provides an unbiased and detailed account of your injury, how it has affected your life, and what future treatment or support you may need.
The assessment is arranged for you and carried out by an independent medical specialist. It is not an invasive or stressful process; its purpose is simply to ensure your back injury compensation reflects your true needs and long‑term prognosis.
Can compensation cover the cost of long-term care or rehabilitation?
Yes, it will. Spine injury compensation can cover a wide range of long‑term needs, including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, home adaptations and mobility aids. The aim of compensation is to put you in the strongest position possible for your recovery and independence. If your injury affects your ability to work, care for yourself, or manage day‑to‑day tasks, these factors will be considered when valuing your claim.
Supporting your long-term rehabilitation and recovery is central to our process, and we’re dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the best possible care as quickly as possible. We’ll work hard to secure interim payments to fund your care, and we’re proud to work closely with a range of support organisations across the UK that can provide important guidance and resources to aid your recovery.
Overall, Slater and Gordon provided a very good service to me. From the first phone call through to the last correspondence they were so helpful and understanding towards me. Always listened to me and acted on my wishes. Would definitely use them again! Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
Excellent staff! As well as keeping me well informed at all times on my claim, the communication was first class. Staff should be commended on their work commitments and service to public. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)
I would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for an outstanding job, and I will be advising everybody to use you. Once again, thank you. Client testimonial (Personal Injury)