Speir Buchan understand the profound impact that spinal injuries can have on individuals and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury due to medical negligence in Scotland, we are here to guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.
A spinal injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, a crucial component of the central nervous system. The spinal cord plays a vital role in transmitting messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Any harm to this delicate structure can result in life-altering consequences.
We specialise in representing victims of medical negligence, advocating for their rights, and pursuing the compensation they deserve. Our experienced team understands the intricacies of spinal injury cases and is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Spinal injuries can stem from various causes, including accidents, trauma, or medical procedures. In cases of medical negligence, these injuries may arise due to errors, oversights, or substandard care provided by healthcare professionals. Common scenarios include surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, or inadequate post-operative care.
The spine is the collection of small bones (vertebrae) that runs the length of a person’s back and the spinal cord is a network of intertwining nerve fibres that runs inside the vertebrae. The spinal cord is a vital but delicate part of your anatomy which is why it is surrounded from top to bottom by dozens of protective vertebrae. The spinal cord is part of the nervous system and carries signals between body parts and the brain to register sensations like movement, pain or temperature. The other main components running from the spine include:
If a person damages vertebra in their spine there is a good chance it could heal without lasting issues because it’s only the protective bone that’s been damaged.
However, if the injury you experience damages the spinal cord inside the vertebrae then it can have life-changing consequences. The spinal cord cannot mend and depending on where you were injured, it can result in permanent loss of function and paralysis of either limbs or from neck down.
Nerve Damage during Surgery: Invasive procedures carry inherent risks, but when healthcare professionals fail to exercise the utmost care, nerves can be unintentionally damaged during surgery, leading to spinal injuries.
Instrumentation Errors: Improper use of surgical instruments, such as misplaced scalpel or forceps, can cause serious harm to the spinal cord.
Failure to Identify Spinal Conditions: Negligence in diagnosing spinal conditions, such as herniated discs, tumours, or infections, can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment, exacerbating the spinal injury.
Misinterpretation of Imaging Results: Errors in reading X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may result in overlooking critical spinal issues, leading to a lack of timely intervention.
Complications Ignored or Mishandled: Post-surgical complications, if not promptly identified and appropriately managed, can contribute to spinal injuries. Negligent post-operative care may include failure to address infections, bleeding, or neurological issues.
Medication Errors: Administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can have serious consequences for spinal health. Medication errors may occur during surgery, recovery, or routine care, leading to adverse effects on the spinal cord.
Improper Administration: Mistakes in administering anaesthesia can result in complications, including inadequate blood flow to the spinal cord. Anaesthesia-related errors may lead to long-term spinal damage.
Failure to Recognize and Address Complications
Ignoring Warning Signs: Medical professionals have a duty to recognise and address complications promptly. Ignoring warning signs, such as infections or bleeding, can contribute to spinal injuries and long-term damage.
Failure to Provide Comprehensive Information: Patients have the right to be fully informed about the risks associated with medical procedures. If healthcare providers fail to provide comprehensive information, patients may not be adequately prepared for potential spinal injury risks.
Every case is unique to the person and their experience. All the specific circumstances surrounding a spinal injury due to medical negligence may vary and require careful examination.
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury as a result of medical malpractice, seeking legal advice is crucial to understanding your rights and pursuing a compensation claim. As part of a claim we can seek:
Financial Support: Coping with a spinal injury often involves extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and long-term care. A successful compensation claim can provide the financial resources necessary to cover these costs and ensure a higher quality of life for the affected individual.
Accountability: Holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions is not only your right but a crucial step towards preventing similar incidents in the future. By pursuing a compensation claim, you contribute to a safer healthcare system and protect others from enduring the same hardships.
Emotional and Physical Recovery: Dealing with the aftermath of a spinal injury can be emotionally and physically challenging. Compensation can aid in accessing the best available treatments, therapies, and support services, facilitating a smoother recovery journey.
Adaptations and Accessibility: Spinal injuries often necessitate significant lifestyle adjustments, including home modifications and the use of adaptive equipment. Compensation can fund these changes, ensuring a more comfortable and accessible living environment.
Legal Expertise: Our skilled team has a proven track record in medical negligence cases, ensuring that your claim is in capable hands.
Compassionate Approach: We understand the sensitive nature of spinal injury cases. Our team provides empathetic and personalised support throughout the legal process.
Thorough Investigation: We conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case, collaborating with medical experts to establish the connection between the negligence and the spinal injury.
Maximising Compensation: Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible, considering not only immediate medical expenses but also future care, rehabilitation, and the overall impact on your life.
Interim payments: with the insurer’s agreement, we can often secure cover to any immediate costs like mortgage payments (this is important as most spinal injury survivors are unlikely to be able to work for a period of time).
Adapting your space: having your home altered to the needs of a wheelchair, house hold and personal aids and technology which will help with every day living. This can often be known as reasonable adjustments.
If you or a loved one has suffered from sepsis due to medical negligence, don't hesitate to contact us. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Let us help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. There are time scales and you should contact us as soon as possible to investigate an action for you
Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the legal representation you need during this challenging time.
Our solicitors understand the complex and long-lasting challenges posed by sepsis injuries.
If you or a loved one has experienced an injury reach out to Speir Buchan today. We are here to provide not only expert legal guidance but also an understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face. Together, we will work towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Further reading and support
Aspire – spinal charity supporting those with spinal injuries
Spinal Injuries Association - Charity supporting and assisting life moving forward from a spinal injury.
Backup Trust - charity supporting those with spinal injuries
