Let our experienced team help you, as military personnel, get compensation for spinal injuries. Experiencing an injury can be damaging and, in some cases, fatal. We can help you receive compensation to help with the complications arising from spinal injuries in the military. Serving in the military comes with inherent risks, and one of the most devastating injuries a service member can face is a spinal injury. The injuries can have life-altering consequences, impacting not only you but your family, career, and overall quality of life.
At Speir Buchan, we understand the intricacies of spinal injuries and providing unwavering support to those who have experienced them.
A spinal injury refers to damage to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal (cauda equina), the delicate bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal chord or nerves can cause disruption to the communication between brain and body resulting in changes to body functions like bladder control through to strength and sensations.
These injuries can result from various causes, including combat-related incidents, accidents on active duty, training events, vehicle accidents, medical mistakes, accidents which occur off duty or other military-related activities. The severity of spinal injuries can vary significantly, with consequences ranging from partial impairment to complete paralysis.
Appropriate medical treatment and management following the spinal or nerve injury is important in determining the extent and symptoms likely to be experienced.
Injured spinal cords can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Some of the common symptoms include:
1. Paralysis: The most severe spinal cord injuries can lead to complete or partial paralysis. Paralysis can affect the limbs (quadriplegia or paraplegia) and can be accompanied by loss of sensation.
2. Loss of Sensation: Spinal injuries often lead to a loss of sensation below the level of the injury. This can result in numbness, tingling, or a complete lack of feeling.
3. Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles can make mobility and basic tasks challenging. Service members may experience muscle atrophy and difficulty in controlling their movements.
4. Chronic Pain: Many individuals with spinal cord injuries endure chronic pain, which can be severe and debilitating. This pain often requires ongoing medical management and treatments.
5. Respiratory Problems: Injuries higher up the spinal cord can impact respiratory function, requiring the need for ventilators or other breathing assistance.
6. Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction: Spinal injuries can disrupt normal bowel and bladder function, leading to incontinence or the need for catheterisation.
Spinal injuries in the military can be particularly challenging due to the physically demanding nature of the service. Individuals with spinal injuries often encounter practical difficulties that include:
Bringing a spinal cord injury compensation claim will help with costs or rehabilitation. and making necessary adjustments. There are several compelling reasons to consider filing a spinal cord injury claim:
Financial Support: Spinal cord injuries often result in substantial medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care. Filing a claim can help you secure financial compensation to cover these expenses, ensuring you receive the necessary care and support without bearing the full financial burden.
Justice and Accountability: If your injury resulted from the negligence or wrongful actions of another party, holding them accountable through a legal claim can provide a sense of justice and closure. This can be especially important if your injury occurred during military service or in another setting where accountability is essential.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: Spinal cord injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and long-term care. Compensation from a claim can help you access the best available treatments, therapies, and assistive devices to maximize your chances of recovery and improve your quality of life.
Adaptive Accommodations: Spinal cord injuries may necessitate significant modifications to your living environment, including wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and other adaptive accommodations. Compensation can help cover these costs, making your home safer and more comfortable.
Loss of Income: Many individuals with spinal cord injuries experience a loss of income due to their inability to work in the same capacity as before. A successful claim can compensate for this loss and help you secure your financial future.
Quality of Life: Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on your overall quality of life. Compensation can provide the means to enjoy a better quality of life, including accessible transportation, leisure activities, and community engagement.
Legal Rights: As an individual who has sustained a spinal cord injury, you have legal rights to seek compensation if your injury resulted from another party's negligence or misconduct. Pursuing a claim is an exercise of these rights and can help ensure that you receive the support you are entitled to.
Prevention and Awareness: By bringing a claim, you can contribute to awareness and prevention efforts. Holding those responsible accountable can help prevent similar incidents in the future and raise awareness about the importance of safety and responsible behaviour.
Emotional Closure: For many individuals, filing a claim can offer emotional closure and a sense of justice, which can be essential in the healing process.
Advocate for Your Needs: A legal claim can serve as a means of advocating for your specific needs, including access to medical care, rehabilitation services, and adaptive accommodations. It ensures that you are not left to navigate the challenges of a spinal cord injury on your own.
If you have sustained a spinal cord injury whilst serving in the military, you might be entitled to make a spinal injury claim. We take a civil claim on your behalf for compensation. There are time scales and you should contact us as soon as possible to investigate an action for you.
If your injury was caused wholly or partly by your service, you should also make a claim to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme as soon as possible. There are strict time limits and we would encourage a claim be submitted as soon as possible.
Our solicitors understand the complex and long-lasting challenges posed by spinal injuries. We are here to help military personnel and veterans navigate the compensation. We will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and their consequences.
If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal injury while serving in the military, 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'll work towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
