SCI Compensation Calculator

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to support your recovery and long-term needs. A spinal cord injury can have life-changing consequences, affecting mobility, independence and financial stability.

Our spinal cord injury compensation calculator provides an estimate of how much you may be able to claim, helping you understand the potential financial support available for medical treatment, rehabilitation, care and loss of earnings.

Compensation amounts vary based on the severity of the injury, its impact on your daily life, and the ongoing costs associated with your condition. While our calculator can give you an initial estimate, speaking to a specialist solicitor will provide a more accurate assessment of your case.

Please call 0345 872 6666 or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.

What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, either partially or completely, leading to a loss of function or sensation below the level of the injury. The spinal cord is a crucial part of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is injured, it can result in a range of symptoms, including paralysis, numbness, tingling, and loss of bladder and bowel control.

Spinal cord injuries are classified into two main categories: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord is entirely severed, resulting in a total loss of function and sensation below the injury level. In contrast, an incomplete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is only partially damaged, allowing for some degree of function and sensation below the injury level.

How Much Compensation for a Spinal Cord Injury Can I Claim?

Spinal cord injuries can have profound consequences, affecting mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. If you have sustained a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation to support your recovery and long-term needs. At JMW, our experienced solicitors can assess your case and help you determine exactly how much compensation you might be entitled to.

In cases of severe spinal cord injuries, compensation amounts can reach millions when future needs and costs are factored in. This includes covering expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation, care, assistive equipment and loss of earnings. Preparing a legal claim requires expertise to ensure that every aspect of your future wellbeing is accounted for. We work with leading medical and financial experts to build a strong case and secure the maximum compensation available.

For a detailed assessment of how much your case could be worth, contact JMW today. Our SCI team is led by Cathy Leech, an award-winning expert in spinal cord injury claims. The Legal 500 recognised Cathy as “possibly the best spinal injury solicitor in the country” in 2022.

For medical negligence claims, the team is headed by Eddie Jones, a specialist in clinical negligence, particularly cauda equina claims.

What Should I Do Next?

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury, the amount of compensation you can claim will depend on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life, finances, and ability to work. Seeking legal advice as soon as possible ensures that evidence is preserved, and the claim process can begin without delays.

A spinal cord injury can result in a range of long-term consequences, including:

• Paralysis: this can range from partial loss of movement to complete paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Loss of sensation: damage to the spinal cord can affect sensory perception below the site of injury
• Chronic pain: many people with SCI experience long-term pain and discomfort
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction: loss of control in these areas can require ongoing medical management
• Respiratory complications: depending on the severity, a person may need assistance with breathing
• Psychological impact: living with an SCI often requires emotional and psychological support

Given these challenges, compensation aims to provide financial security and access to the best available care. It is essential to work with experienced solicitors who understand the complexities of spinal injury claims and can ensure every aspect of your needs is addressed.

For further details about spinal injuries, see:

• How the Spine Works
• Types of Spinal Injury
• Rehabilitation for Spinal Cord Injury

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries You Can Claim For

The spinal cord is divided into four major sections, and injuries can vary in severity depending on the location and extent of damage. Below are common types of spinal cord injuries:

Cervical Spine Injuries (Vertebrae C1 - C7)

The cervical spine is the uppermost part of the vertebral column. Injuries to this region are particularly severe as they can impact breathing, movement, and overall neurological function. Types of cervical spine injuries include:

• Cervical radiculopathy: nerve root damage causing pain, weakness or numbness
• Cervical dislocation or fractures: misalignment or breakage of vertebrae, which can compress the spinal cord
• Herniated cervical discs: bulging or ruptured discs pressing on spinal nerves

Thoracic Spine Injuries (Vertebrae T1 - T12)

The thoracic spine, located in the mid-back, provides stability to the upper body. Injuries here often result from high-impact trauma, such as road accidents or falls. Types of thoracic injuries include:

• Compression fractures: the collapse of vertebrae, often leading to severe pain and limited mobility
• Thoracic disc injuries: damage to spinal discs affecting nerve function
• Spinal cord damage in the thoracic region: can result in paraplegia, affecting movement below the waist

Lumbar Spine Injuries (Vertebrae L1 - L5)

The lumbar spine supports much of the body’s weight and is prone to injury from heavy lifting, falls or impacts. Injuries in this region may include:

• Lumbar fractures: breaks in the vertebrae that can cause instability and nerve damage
• Spondylolisthesis: a vertebra slipping out of place, leading to pain and mobility issues

Sacral Spine Injuries (Vertebrae S1 - S5)

The sacral region connects the spine to the pelvis and plays a crucial role in lower body function. Injuries here may cause:

• Sacral fractures: can impact stability and cause severe pain
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: can lead to chronic lower back and hip pain
• Nerve impingement: may affect bladder and bowel control

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can arise from various incidents, each with potentially life-altering consequences. Common causes include:

• Road traffic accidents: car accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents are significant contributors to spinal cord injuries
• Falls: falls from heights, such as ladders or buildings, can result in severe spinal cord injuries
• Sports injuries: contact sports like football and rugby can lead to spinal cord injuries due to high-impact collisions
• Medical negligence: errors during medical procedures, such as surgical mistakes or misdiagnosis, can cause spinal cord injuries
• Workplace accidents: accidents at work, including falls or equipment malfunctions, can result in spinal cord injuries

Can I Claim for Spinal Cord Injury Compensation?

If your spinal cord injury was caused by negligence - whether in a road traffic accident, workplace incident, medical negligence, or another circumstance - you may be entitled to compensation. Claims can cover a range of financial and medical needs, including:

• Medical expenses, including specialist treatment and rehabilitation
• Ongoing care and support
• Loss of earnings and future employment prospects
• Home adaptations and assistive equipment
• Psychological support and therapy

How Can Compensation Help?

Compensation aims to help individuals with SCI regain independence and financial stability. This may include:

• Specialist rehabilitation: access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and mental health support
• Housing adaptations: modifications such as ramps, stairlifts and widened doorways
• Specialist equipment: wheelchairs, adapted vehicles and exercise machines
• Loss of earnings: covering current and future income losses
• Professional care and support: providing assistance for daily activities
• Lifestyle adjustments: support for hobbies, holidays, and family activities post-injury

Interim Payments and Financial Support

If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to interim payments and financial support to help cover the costs of your care and rehabilitation. Interim payments are made by the defendant’s insurance company to assist with expenses while your claim is ongoing.

Interim payments can be used to cover a range of costs, including:

• Private medical treatment: Covering the cost of private medical treatment, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
• Rehabilitation: Funding for rehabilitation services, including speech therapy and cognitive therapy.
• Care and support: Financial assistance for nursing care and personal care.
• Equipment and adaptations: Covering the cost of essential equipment and home modifications, such as wheelchairs and accessibility adaptations.

Case Studies

JMW has a strong track record in securing compensation for spinal cord injury claims. Some of our successful cases include:

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