LEGAL SUPPORT FOLLOWING AN SCI
A spinal cord injury can have life-changing consequences, and accessing the right legal support from day one is crucial for financial stability and rehabilitation. If the injury resulted from someone’s actions or negligence, seeking legal advice early can help secure compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, and ongoing care.
This guide is provided by Thompsons Solicitors , a UK-wide law firm specialising in serious injuries. We firmly believe that securing specialist legal support from day one is crucial for anyone affected by a spinal injury. Many people are unaware of the immediate support a lawyer can provide from day one following an injury. This chapter explains in more detail why seeking expert legal advice as soon as possible can make a significant difference following a spinal injury. A legal claim can provide long-term security and financial stability, helping families focus on rehabilitation and recovery rather than financial stress. Speaking with a legal expert can clarify your options even if you are unsure whether you have a case. Compensation Pursuing compensation is not just about damages for suffering – it’s about ensuring financial security and access to the best care. The funds can cover lost income, private rehabilitation, psychological therapy, travel expenses to appointments, special equipment (wheelchairs, communication devices), and even things like home renovations (if wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, or a downstairs bathroom are needed). In severe cases, compensation may account for lifelong care costs and even the purchase of a suitably adapted home.
Preserving Evidence A solicitor can help gather evidence while it’s fresh – witness statements, accident reports, CCTV footage – which will strengthen any future claim. Understanding Your Rights A Thompsons lawyer will inform you about the compensation you or your loved one might be entitled to (for pain and suffering, lost earnings, cost of care, etc.) and any time limits for making a claim. In the UK, generally, there’s a 3-year limit from the accident date to file a personal injury claim (exceptions for those who lack mental capacity), however, importantly they will immediately start looking at whether any rehabilitation can be paid for through interim payments. Interim Payments for Rehabilitation If there’s a good case that someone else was at fault, a lawyer can help you obtain interim payments – this means getting a portion of the compensation paid before the final case is settled. Interim payments can be a godsend: they can cover immediate expenses like specialist rehabilitation, home modifications, nursing care, or mobility equipment. In serious injury claims, courts (or insurance companies) often agree to interim payouts once liability is clear, so the injured person doesn’t have to wait years for the case to finish to get financial help.
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