In some of the worst injuries at work or in other accident events, the injury can be so severe that it causes long-lasting and permanent paralysis. Such conditions can cause irrevocable changes to the affected person’s life, significantly restricting their mobility and their ability to perform everyday tasks. While the extent of the paralysis can vary from person to person, anyone affected may be able to claim paraplegia and paralysis compensation for the harm caused.
As one of the more serious conditions we handle as personal injury lawyers, we understand how daunting it can be to begin a paraplegia or paralysis compensation claim. Whether claiming for yourself or on behalf of a family member, we can handle a case like this with the sensitivity that is merited, as we do for all our clients.
We aim to make the claim process smooth and stress-free, whilst we work hard to recover the most compensation we can possibly can for the injured person.
What can I claim for?
In a paraplegia and paralysis compensation claim, as in any other claim, compensation can be typically recovered in two damages categories: General Damages and Special Damages. General Damages accounts for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused to the injured person. As such, it can cover the full breadth of effects on their everyday life, including any negative impact on mental health, as well as the ability to move and perform bodily functions on a daily basis.
Special Damages can then cover any financial losses or expenses incurred. For those claiming paraplegia and paralysis compensation, the Special Damages value can be high, as the nature of this injury can mean that those affected may need round-the-clock care, or may be permanently unable to work, both of which can come with considerable costs.
Paraplegia and paralysis compensation values
We value paraplegia and paralysis compensation claims using our vast experience, as well as according to the Judicial College guidelines, so we have detailed some of the official recommendations for claim values below.
- Paraplegia (paralysis affecting both legs) – for paraplegia claims, the level of the award can fall within the range of £174,620 to £226,610, and can vary according to the following factors: the presence and extent of pain; the degree of independence; depression; age and life expectancy; impact on sexual function.
- Tetraplegia (paralysis affecting the arms and legs) – the award can fall between £258,740 to £322,060. In the mid-range of this bracket, the injured person will not be in physical pain, will have full awareness of their disability, a life expectancy of 25 years or more, powers of speech, sight and hearing, but will need help with bodily functions. In the top end of the bracket, there will be physical pain or a significant effect on the sense or ability to communicate. Such cases can involve significant brain damage. A lack of awareness and significantly reduced life expectancy will lower the award to below average. Other factors to consider include: age, extent of residual movement, degree of pain relief, degree of independence, the presence of respiratory issues, and depression.
Source: Judicial College guidelines.
It is important to remember that these values are only for the General Damages category, so with the addition of Special Damages the claim value could be significantly higher. We have resolved serious injury cases with settlements in the millions of pounds mark.
Getting started with your claim today
If you wish to make a claim for paraplegia and paralysis compensation for yourself, or on behalf of a relative, we are here to help.
At The Injury Lawyers, we all too aware of the life-changing impact of injuries like these, which is why believe it is important to claim compensation to support the continual care of the patient.
Contact us today for free, no-obligation advice on your potential claim.
