Back & Spinal Injury
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The effects of back pain can range from an inconvenience to a severely debilitating condition, depending on the nature of the injury. There are many ways in which a back injury can occur; some develop over a long period of time, due to conditions you may be exposed to, such as in your work environment, whilst others are an immediate result of an accident.

The most serious back injuries happen when the body is subjected to high levels of force, for example as a result of a road traffic accident or a fall from height.

Moderate cases tend to include instances where there is a compression (or crush) fracture of the lumbar vertebrae, or when one of the bones in the spine moves out of place - also known as spondylolisthesis.

Less serious back injuries, such as strains, sprains and slipped discs, tend to come about as a result of an incorrect body positioning when lifting heavy objects and often occur in the workplace.

About Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating, with a range of effects that can limit your movement and leave you without control of various body systems, depending on the area or extent of the injury. Typically, the full extent of an injury cannot be assessed until 6-8 weeks post injury.  This is because, within minutes of an injury occurring, spinal shock can take place. This means the nervous system is unable to transmit signals, and some of this ability may return once the shock has subsided. 

Whilst no two spinal cord injuries are the same, they can all be categorised as either complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries. An incomplete spinal cord injury indicates that the spinal cord has only been partially damaged, and that it is possible that some motor and sensory function may remain below the level of the injury. There are four classifications of incomplete spinal cord injury:

• Anterior cord syndrome; where the front of the spinal cord is damaged 
• Central cord syndrome; where the central portion of the cord is damaged 
• Posterior cord syndrome; where the back of the spinal cord is damaged
• Brown-Sequard syndrome; where one side of the spinal cord is damaged 

Complete spinal cord injury, however, causes a total loss of function below the site of the injury. Again, there are several types of complete spinal cord injury:

• Tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia)
• Paraplegia
• Hemiplegia
• Cauda equina syndrome

Effects of Back Injuries

The majority of sufferers of back injuries often recover over a set period of time, however more severe injuries may lead to permanent complications such as paralysis, impotence or incontinence. Other possible effects of a back injury include:

• Bladder and bowel problems
• Difficulty with sexual function
• Persistent or recurring pain
• Reduced mobility
• Scarring

How Compensation Could Help You

If you have suffered a back injury as a result of somebody else’s negligence, our solicitors can help you make a claim for compensation. A financial payout can help you and your family by covering any expenses incurred as a result of your accident and ensure you have access to the best treatment and assistance possible. This may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Home adaptations
• Medication
• Loss of earnings
• Professional care
• Injury management equipment
• Adapting or buying a vehicle

The figures on our compensation calculator are to be used as a guide only. To find out how much you could claim for your specific injury, speak to a specialist solicitor.

Talk to Us

To start a back injury claim with JMW, contact our solicitors today by calling us on 0800 054 6570. Alternatively, fill in our online enquiry form and we will get back to you at a convenient time.

Further Reading

• Learn more about the process of claiming compensation by reading our guide, found here,
• Read more about ‘Spinal Injuries Explained’ by viewing our infographic here.
• Read more about spinal injuries and medical negligence here.