Back Injury
Paralysis
- Tetraplegia or quadriplegia£396,140 - £493,000
- Paraplegia£267,340 - £346,890
- Temporary paraplegiaIn the region of £60,210
Back Injury
- Severe back injury with spinal cord damage£111,150 - £196,450
- Serious back injury causing significant permanent damage£90,510 - £107,910
- Back injury causing chronic permanent symptoms£47,320 - £85,100
- Back injury causing serious permanent symptoms£33,880 - £47,320
- Back injury causing permanent symptoms£15,260 - £33,880
- Back injury recovering in two-five years£9,630 - £15,260
- Back injury recovering in up to two years£5,310 - £9,630
How Much Compensation for a Back Injury Can I Claim?
An injury to your neck or back can have extremely serious consequences, especially if it involves spinal cord/neurological damage. 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 vitally 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:
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:
FAQs About Back Injury Compensation
- How is compensation calculated for back and spinal injuries?
Compensation for back and spinal injuries is calculated by considering two main components: general damages and special damages.
- General damages address the pain, suffering and loss of quality of life caused by your injury. For instance, compensation may vary depending on the severity of your back injury, such as whether it has caused chronic pain, loss of mobility, or long-term disability. The Judicial College Guidelines, which provide a framework for valuing injuries, are often used to determine these amounts. For example:
- A moderate back injury like a herniated disc might attract compensation in the range of £12,000 to £36,000.
- Severe injuries, such as paralysis resulting from spinal cord damage, can result in compensation exceeding £250,000, excluding additional special damages.
- Special damages cover the financial impact of the injury on your life. This includes past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, travel costs for medical appointments, and other out-of-pocket expenses. For example, if your back injury prevents you from working in your chosen career, your claim may include the loss of future earning potential, which can significantly increase the total compensation amount.
Additionally, expert medical assessments, economic reports, and testimony from rehabilitation professionals are often used to quantify the full impact of the injury. A solicitor specialising in back injury claims will ensure no aspect of your suffering or loss is overlooked.
- Will I need a medical assessment for my spinal injury compensation claim?
A medical assessment is an important component of pursuing a spinal injury compensation claim. The medical assessment usually involves:
- A thorough examination by a medical expert, often a specialist in orthopaedics or spinal injuries, to assess the extent and nature of your injury.
- Medical tests such as X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, or CT (computerised tomography) scans may be required to provide a detailed view of the injury.
- A comprehensive medical report, which outlines the injury, the treatment needed, any long-term implications, and recommended future care.
This medical report serves as a critical piece of evidence in your compensation claim, helping to substantiate the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your quality of life. It will be used to calculate how much compensation you may be entitled to, covering aspects like medical expenses, loss of earnings and potential future care costs.
- Are there time limits for making a spinal injury compensation claim?
There are time limits within which you must make a spinal injury compensation claim. In the UK, the standard limitation period for personal injury claims, including spinal injuries, is generally three years from the date of the accident, or the date you became aware that your injury was a result of the accident. This means you have three years to initiate legal proceedings.
There are some exceptions to this rule:
- Children: for individuals who are under 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year period doesn't begin until their 18th birthday.
- Mental capacity: if the person suffering from the injury lacks mental capacity, there might be no time limit if/until mental capacity is regained.
- Can compensation cover the cost of long-term care or rehabilitation?
Compensation claims for back and spinal injuries often include provisions for long-term care and rehabilitation. These are essential to ensure the injured person can achieve the best possible recovery and maintain a good quality of life.
- Rehabilitation costs can cover physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain management programmes, and psychological counselling. For instance, someone with a severe spinal cord injury may need ongoing therapy to manage chronic pain or regain some level of mobility.
- Long-term care costs may include hiring professional carers, either for full-time live-in care or periodic assistance. Compensation may also include the cost of nursing services, specialised rehabilitation centres, or case management services to coordinate your care needs.
- Additional therapies and equipment: if you require alternative treatments like hydrotherapy, or access to specialised rehabilitation equipment such as standing frames or exercise machines, these costs can also be factored into your compensation.
The inclusion of these elements ensures you have the support you need to adapt to life after the injury, whether that involves returning to work, learning new skills, or regaining as much independence as possible.
- Are additional costs like adapted housing or equipment included in compensation?
A significant portion of compensation for back and spinal injuries is dedicated to covering additional costs, such as adapted housing and specialist equipment. These provisions are critical for ensuring that your living environment is safe, comfortable, and suited to your new needs.
- Housing adaptations: depending on the severity of your injury, you may need modifications to your existing home or assistance in moving to more suitable accommodation. For example, your compensation claim may include costs for installing stairlifts, widening doorways for wheelchair access, or adapting bathrooms and kitchens.
- Specialist equipment: claims can include the cost of items like mobility aids, wheelchairs (manual or electric), ergonomic furniture, or standing aids. For severe injuries, compensation may also cover high-tech equipment, such as smart home systems designed for individuals with limited mobility.
- Transportation adaptations: if your injury affects your ability to drive, compensation may cover the cost of modifying a vehicle or purchasing a specially adapted one. Alternatively, it could fund ongoing taxi or transportation expenses.
- Future-proofing: claims can also factor in the anticipated replacement or maintenance costs of this equipment over time, ensuring that your needs are met long-term.
These expenses are categorised under special damages and are carefully calculated by legal experts to ensure the total claim fully addresses the financial implications of your injury. By working with experienced solicitors, you can ensure your compensation includes all necessary adjustments to help you live as independently as possible.
Talk to Us
To find out how much spinal injury compensation you could be entitled to, speak to JMW Solicitors today. Our personal injury solicitors team will provide you with a clearer idea of how much you are eligible for and help you start your claim. Call 0345 872 6666 today, or fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you.
