A personal injury is never a pleasant experience, but thankfully, most personal injury claims we handle are for relatively minor injuries such as sprains, bruises and simple fractures, and dislocations. However, there are times when an accident can lead to major, life-changing injuries, such as brain injuries, burn injuries and paralysis. These major accidents often mean the victim is unable to live a normal life and earn a living, while the victim’s family and friends are likely to become their carer for the rest of the victim’s life.

Injuries which result in limited or complete paralysis fall, as you would expect, in the major, life-changing category. When someone is paralysed in an accident that wasn’t their fault, they are likely to be affected for the rest of their life, and will require special medical care and requirements that only compensation can provide. That is why major accident claims result in significantly larger compensation packages compared to those for minor or moderate cases.

Paralysis can occur from any accident, but injuries leading to a degree of paralysis are more frequently caused by road traffic accidents, accidents at work (especially while performing manual labour), and sports injuries. This is because accidents at work, on the road or through sports are more likely to result in injuries such as head injuries, brain injuries, strokes and spinal cord injuries, all of which are the most common causes of paralysis in the UK today.

How to make a paralysis claim for compensation

Depending on the severity of your paralysis, you may need help making your personal injury claim from a close family member or friend, or your close friend or family member may need to become a ‘litigation friend’ and act on your behalf. Either way, your claim will follow a similar procedure to all claims, in that you’ll need to prove that your injuries were sustained as a result of someone else’s negligence. This might mean making a claim against your employer for a work accident, the other party in a road accident, or even the other player/sports club in a sports injury.

When you contact a legal firm such as us here at Fonseca Law, please try to supply as much supporting evidence as possible. This includes a signed medical report from a doctor which highlights and explains the extent of your paralysis, along with the names and details of any witnesses, and photos of the accident injury, and, if the claim is from a criminal offence, the police incident number(s) as these will help us better understand your situation and give you a better estimate to the success of your claim.

Once all your evidence has been submitted, our personal injury solicitors will get in touch with the other party, be it them or their insurers and detail the claim. If the other party admits liability, the level of compensation we agreed on will be awarded to you. If the other party refutes liability, the claim will likely end up in court where a judge will decide on the outcome and the level of compensation to be awarded. In some severe cases, the guilty party may have committed a criminal offence, for which you may be called to give evidence. In addition to the personal injury claim, we are able to provide you with legal help with the criminal investigation should you require it.

Here at Fonseca Law, our team of experienced solicitors are here to help you win the compensation you need. To speak with one of our team about your personal injury claim, get in touch today on 01495 303124, or email enquiries@fonsecalaw.co.uk.