Paralysis claims

Every year, it is estimated that roughly 2,500 people are diagnosed with an injured or diagnosed with a life-changing spinal cord injury.

What is paralysis?

Paralysis or partial paralysis can be defined as the loss of ability to move all or part of the body. It can include loss of voluntary muscle function and a lack of sensation (such as touch or temperature). It can also affect other bodily functions.

There are four main types of paralysis:

• Monoplegia – one limb is paralysed
• Hemiplegia – the arm and leg on one side of the body is paralysed
• Paraplegia – paralysis to both legs and sometimes the pelvis
• Tetraplegia (or quadriplegia) – both legs and arms are paralysed

Among the biggest causes of paralysis are:

• Falls from a height, such as scaffolding or roofing on a building site
• Head injuries from car or motorcycle accident
• Accidents at work
• Slips and trips
• Sports injuries
• Medical negligence and misdiagnosis

Why make a claim for paralysis compensation?

While you will be thinking about recovery and rehabilitation, there is also the longer-term future to consider. It’s a future that will likely require many adjustments and costs, and the simple truth is compensation can help ease the financial pressure when finding funds for:

• Ongoing medical costs and treatments
• Physical therapies, such as physiotherapy
• Nursing care
• Home alterations
• Adaptations to vehicles
• Power chairs, wheelchairs and mobility aids

While you are dealing with the physical and psychological impact of your paralysis, there is also the loss of income and future earnings to take into consideration. A successful claim could help give you the security you need.

If you are claiming against an employer, and feel reluctant in doing so, you might be interested to know that employers have to have insurance against this kind of thing happening. Taking actions will make sure that workplace is a safe environment for others in the future.

Find out more about making a claim.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We can help take the stress out of what is a complex subject. We have solicitors who are experts in the area of paralysis claims, who can handle the process for you, while you concentrate on recovery.

We offer a No Win No Fee service, so you don’t have to find any money upfront. And if your case is not successful, you won't pay anything.

Our initial consultation with you is free and you are under no obligation to go ahead with anything unless you want to.

How much compensation will I receive for a paralysis claim?

General damages are calculated using Judicial College Guidelines, but there are other things to take into consideration, known as ‘special damages’. This looks at the costs of things like home adjustments, loss of earnings, nursing care, travel and future earnings.

The general damage ranges for paraplegia and tetraplegia are currently:

• Paraplegia - £192,050 to £249,270
• Tetraplegia / quadriplegia - £284,610 to £354,260

Is there a time limit for making a claim for paralysis?

Generally speaking your accident will need to have happened in the last three years, but there are cases where you may have longer than three years to make a claim. These are cases where the person injured has had their mental capacity affected and are unable to make decisions, or if the claimant is a child, the three-year period doesn’t start until their 18^th birthday.

If you're unsure whether you can make a claim, just get in touch with our friendly and understanding advisors.

I think I have a claim – what should I do?

Our advisers will be able to take you through the options, based on your individual circumstances and with no obligation. Just give us a call, request a call back or start your claim online.