Spinal column injuries can involve direct trauma to the vertebrae, discs or spinal cord in the neck or back, or else whiplash type damage to the spine.

Spinal cord damage is usually a catastrophic injury involving paralysis and other neurological problems. General damages are around £220,000 but special damages (including care, accommodation, equipment aids and adaptations) can run into millions in the most serious cases.

These cases are complex, needing numerous medical and other experts and requiring specialist lawyer input. Partners Wendy Wright and Stuart Kightley have experience in running these cases.

Short of catastrophic injuries there are the back or neck vertebra fracture cases, sometimes with neurological damage, or surgery, and often with long term symptoms or complications. The range of general damages is very wide, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms, starting at about £20,000 and going up to £90,000 at the top of this range.

Soft tissue back and neck injuries are very common. In road accidents, vehicle drivers and passengers often suffer whiplash injuries to the spine when the body is thrown forward and then back as the seat belt arrests the forward extension.

Whiplash injuries involve stretching, tearing and inflammation of the soft tissues around the spine, and duration of symptoms can be anything from a few days to several months. In many cases physiotherapy resolves symptoms but a few cases are unresponsive to treatment and chronic symptoms (sometimes amounting to ‘'whiplash syndrome') can develop.

Minor whiplash symptoms start at a few hundred pounds and most settle for between £1000 and £3000 general damages.

Back injuries in particular are common in the workplace, especially amongst those who carry out heavy lifting and other manual work. The damage often occurs when a poor lifting technique is used and the back acts like a crane, putting strain on the lumbar spine. The damage may just be a sprain, usually to the lower back muscles, but can also involve the discs in the spinal column and may sometimes lead to surgery.

Moderate back injuries attract awards from £6750 to £21,500. The range for minor back injuries is up to £7500.

Personal injury compensation is divided into two main categories, one for the injuries themselves (general damages) and a second for the financial losses caused by the injury (special damage). This second category includes compensation for loss of earnings, care, and medical expenses.

Where do I start?

Contact Wendy Wright on 020 7681 8671 or by e-mail to wendywright@osbornes.net. Or Stuart Kightley on 020 7681 8672 or by e-mail to stuartkightley@osbornes.net

We will then discuss the case with you over the phone and if you have a claim we will arrange a free initial interview either here or at your home.