There are an estimated 50,000 people in the UK living with a spinal cord injury and each year around 2,500 people are newly injured.
Spinal injuries can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. Trauma often causes some degree of paralysis which can require life-long care, support and rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries can be caused in a number of circumstances, from road traffic accidents, accidents at work, playing sport, or in some cases as a result of medical negligence.
A YouGov survey of 1,000 people has highlighted some misconceptions about spinal cord injury (SCI) among the general public:
- 38% were unaware that depending on their level of injury, some people who sustain a SCI can walk again
- 39% of those surveyed did not believe a SCI person would be able to drive a car
At Hudgells, our personal injury solicitors understand how important immediate support is to an individuals chances of the best possible recovery and we place access to relevant spinal cord rehabilitation programmes at the heart of our work, because we know what’s possible.
Our serious injury clients often require a multi-agency team for rehabilitation, nursing care, disability aids, specialist equipment and any home modifications required. This support ensures you have the best possible standard of life in the future and the best chance of recovery from a spinal injury.
One of our clients, 54-year-old Svilen Mihov, was left paralysed after being injured as a bus passenger in a motorway crash
He was airlifted to hospital where he needed blood draining from his chest, having also suffered two broken ribs, a collapsed lung, liver damage, a ruptured spleen and blood vessel tears.
He was in intensive care for three weeks and spent months in specialist spinal units. Medical and legal support provided specialist care and adapted new home.
We collaborated with solicitors and insurers, with the parties involved agreeing to instruct a specialist spinal injury case manager who has been dedicated to meeting all of Mr Mihov’s physical, psychological and medical needs.
This complete package of support helped him make the best possible recovery, and to promote the best possible return to independent living.
Prior to the accident he and his wife had lived in a two bedroomed flat in Swindon. Interim payments helped the family move into a new dormer bungalow, which was specially adapted to ensure more space to accommodate his wheelchair. A ground floor bedroom and shower room has brought him greater independence.
Weekly sessions of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and support from a spinal unit psychologist further assisted his recovery.
Read more: Paralysed Father prepares for daughter’s wedding
Samuel McFadyen, Joint Manager of Serious Injury at Hudgell Solicitors says, “People who have suffered spinal cord injuries like Mr Mihov and their families often need the support of a specialist personal injury solicitor who not only has years of experience and legal expertise, but will work closely with the family at all times.”
At Hudgells we know that life doesn’t return to normal after a spinal cord injury, but alongside organisations such as the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), we recognise that support needs to be comprehensive and long-term because our clients, like Mr Mihov, and thousands of others will have to overcome mountains every single day.
For further detail on our approach to early rehabilitation, please download a full copy of our Life Changing Injury Brochure.
Read more: Spinal Injury Compensation Claims | Hudgell Solicitors
