Back Injury Compensation

Introduction to Back Injury Compensation

Back injury is the leading physical cause of disability in the UK, and is reported to cost industry more than 120 million days of lost productivity each year. There are many different types of back injury that qualify for back injury compensation and, whereas some will heal after just a few days rest, other back injuries can cause lifelong pain and disability.

Because much of a person´s nervous system is channelled through the spine, one of the major considerations in a back injury compensation claim has to be about the consequences to a victim´s quality of life. If they are no longer able to pick things up, work, drive and – in severe circumstances – walk, the back injury compensation they receive for future “loss of amenity” may be considerably greater than for the pain and suffering experienced at the moment of their accident.

Typical Back Injuries

The most common back injuries are those which affect the top third of the back – the cervical spine. This area of the back is most frequently damaged in whiplash-type injuries and, as this is the area where the spinal cord attaches to the brain, claims for back injury compensation may include the consequences of serious neurological damage.

The middle back – or thoracic spine – is most likely to get damaged in a trip, slip and fall accident. Victims sustaining a middle back injury are likely to also sustain damage to the nerves which control breathing, coughing and the amount of blood that passes through the heart. In the worse case scenarios, claims for back injury compensation might have to include the consequences of paraplegia.

The lower back – or lumbar and sacral curves – is the area of the back to get most likely damaged in a manual handling injury at work. The Health and Safety Executive reporting over 34,000 cases of back injury by manual handling in 2009/10 and back injury compensation claims for this area of the back can include loss of function to the bowels, sexual organs and the legs when nerve damage is sustained.

What to do After a Back Injury Accident

The most important thing to do after a back injury is nothing. Because of the intricate nature of the nerve system, any movement after a back injury can further damage the injury and jeopardise your chances of recovery. Even if you believe that your back injury is minor, wait for professional medical assistance to be summoned. No amount of back injury compensation will compensate for the rest of your life spent in a wheel chair.

Back Injury Compensation Solicitors

Because of the potential for ongoing costs and damages for loss of amenity, it is in your best interests to refer to your solicitor any approach by the negligent party´s insurance company with an offer of early settlement for your back injury compensation claim. These offers are frequently inadequate to provide you and your family with financial security after a back injury, and your solicitor will often be able to negotiate a far better back injury compensation settlement on your behalf.

No Win No Fee Back Injury Compensation

Although the Statute of Limitations allows you three years in which to make a claim for back injury compensation (and in some cases it may be better not to file a claim immediately), a back injury claim where liability is disputed may take a considerable time to resolve. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss your back injury compensation claim with a solicitor at the earliest possible opportunity. A “No Win, No Fee” back injury compensation claim enables you to establish whether there are any issues which will obstruct your entitlement to back injury compensation before you commit to making a back injury claim.

Therefore, you are invited to call our “No Win, No Fee” back injury compensation claims advice service on 0800 044 3253, to discuss the circumstances surrounding your back injury with an experienced solicitor. Our lines are open from 8.00am to 10.00pm, seven days a week, and there is no obligation on you to proceed with a back injury compensation claim once you have spoken with us. With the potential for lifelong debilitating injury, you need to know that your financial future is secure and that you will receive the best possible care. Allow us to provide you with the helpful and practical advice that will enable this without it costing you a penny.