When it comes to a spinal injury, the financial and medical implications can be daunting.
We put together relevant information such as legislation, procedures for submitting a claim and the time frames it takes to process the claim. We will also cover information about negotiation and settlement offers.
Note that this article applies to the spinal injury claims cases and processes in Ireland and covers the best advice on how to get the best outcome for your case.
What is a Spinal Injury?
A spinal injury is a serious and potentially life-changing type of injury that can occur to anyone at any age. The spinal cord is a vital part of the nervous system, carrying signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, these signals are disrupted, causing a range of symptoms that can vary from mild to severe.
If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal injury as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. The experienced team at our O’Reilly Doherty law firm can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Causes of Spinal Injury in Ireland
Spinal injuries can be caused by a wide variety of accidents and incidents, including car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and violence. Medical Negligence can also play a part in spinal injuries, for example, injuries sustained in surgery and infection entering the spinal canal. In many cases, the resulting damage to the spinal cord is permanent, leading to a lifelong need for specialised care and support.
Road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal injury in Ireland, and this is often due to the high speeds involved. Falls from a height are also a common cause of spinal injury, particularly in construction workers or those who work at heights on a regular basis.
What Are The Different Types Of Spinal Injuries?
Generally, spinal injuries can be classified into two main categories:
- Complete: A complete spinal cord injury is when there is a total loss of sensation and movement below the point of injury. It is total paralysis or loss of function below the level of the affected part and it affects both sides of the body.
- Incomplete: An incomplete spinal cord injury is when there is some preservation of sensation and movement below the point of injury. This means that the brain and the body can still communicate along certain pathways that’s why the patient is still able to make a certain amount of movement or feel a certain level of sensation along or around the injured body part.
How Can I Submit A Claim For My Spinal Injury?
If you have suffered a spinal injury in Ireland, you may wonder what the claims process is and how you can get started. Here are a few steps to understanding the spinal injury claims process in Ireland so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
- Step 1: Gather all of the necessary documentation. This includes medical records, police reports (if applicable), and any other relevant paperwork. Once you have everything in order, the next step is to meet with a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims. They will review your case and give you an idea of whether or not you have a strong claim.
- Step 2: Gather evidence to support your claim. This may include witnesses’ statements, photos of the accident scene, and any other relevant documentation. Your solicitor will be able to help you with this.
- Step 3: Once all the evidence has been gathered, your solicitor will assess your case and decide how much compensation you are entitled to. They will then negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to try and reach an agreement. Your case may go to court if an agreement cannot be reached.
The spinal injury claims process in Ireland can be complex, but with the help of a specialist solicitor like O’Reilly Doherty, it can be navigated successfully.
Working with O’Reilly Doherty on your spinal injury claim can provide you with a number of benefits. Our experienced team of legal professionals have a thorough understanding of Irish legislation relevant to spinal injury claims, allowing us to provide you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision and seek the compensation you deserve.
O’Reilly Doherty has extensive experience navigating the claims process and helping clients like you get the most favourable outcome for these cases.
If you have any further questions or need help with your claim, please do not hesitate to contact one of our qualified solicitors who will be more than happy to assist you.
