Back & Spinal Injury Claims* Compensation

Discuss your back injury compensation claim or spinal injury claim today.

Back and spinal injuries can be debilitating, leading to chronic pain, loss of mobility, and significant impact on your quality of life. If you’ve suffered such an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors are here to guide you through the complexities of making a back and spinal injury claim.  

What to do if you have had a Back or Spinal Accident

Immediately following a back or spinal accident, your actions can significantly impact your claim. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, some spinal injuries can have delayed symptoms. A medical professional can diagnose your injury and document it, which is crucial for your claim.
2. Report the Accident: If the accident occurred at work, report it to your employer. If it was a road traffic accident, report it to the Gardaí. For accidents in public places, inform the property owner or manager. Ensure an official record is made.
3. Gather Evidence:
   • Photographs/Videos: Capture the scene of the accident, any visible injuries, and anything that contributed to the accident (e.g., a slippery surface, damaged equipment).
   • Witness Information: Collect names, addresses, and contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident.
   • Medical Records: Keep all records of your diagnosis, treatment, medication, and rehabilitation.
   • Financial Records: Document all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, travel costs for appointments, and any modifications made to your home or vehicle.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility for the accident.
5. Contact a Solicitor: Engage with a solicitor specializing in personal injury claims as soon as possible. They can advise you on your rights and the best course of action.

The Claims* Process

The process of making a back and spinal injury claim typically involves several stages:

1. Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by seeking prompt medical care. Not only is this crucial for your recovery, but it also serves as vital evidence of your injury for your claim.
2. Report the Incident: Depending on where the injury occurred, make sure to report it to the appropriate authorities. For workplace incidents, inform your employer; for traffic accidents, notify the Gardaí. If you are involved in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured or untraced you must report the incident to the Guards within 48 hours.
3. Document Everything: Gather comprehensive evidence, including photographs of the accident scene, witness testimonies, and medical records. This documentation forms the backbone of your claim.
4. Consult with a Solicitor: Engage with Sherwin O’ Riordan Solicitors to ensure expert handling of your claim. Our experienced team will provide personalized advice and manage the legal complexities on your behalf.
5. File with the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB): Most claims in Ireland are initially assessed by the IRB (formerly PIAB). We will assist you in submitting the necessary application and evidence, ensuring that your case is robustly presented.
6. Assessment by IRB: IRB will evaluate your claim and propose a compensation amount. This process includes an independent medical examination to corroborate your injuries.
7. Decision Time: Once the IRB provides an assessment, you have the choice to accept or reject the offer. Acceptance means the process concludes, whereas rejection may lead to court proceedings for further compensation.
8. Court Proceedings (if needed): If the offer is unsatisfactory or the defendant does not consent to the assessment of the claim in the IRB our solicitors will advocate on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations

In Ireland, there are strict time limits for bringing personal injury claims. For most back and spinal injury claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident or the date of knowledge of the injury. This means you must initiate legal proceedings within this timeframe, or you may lose your right to claim compensation. There are some exceptions, particularly for minors or individuals with mental incapacities, but it is crucial to seek legal advice promptly to ensure you do not miss these deadlines.  

Causes of Back & Spinal Injuries

Back and spinal injuries can arise from various incidents, often due to negligence. Common causes include:

• Road Traffic Accidents: Collisions, whether involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, are a leading cause of whiplash, herniated discs, and more severe spinal cord injuries.
• Workplace Accidents: Falls from heights, heavy lifting without proper training or equipment, slips, trips, and machinery accidents can all lead to significant back and spinal trauma.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: These can occur in public places, private property, or workplaces due to hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or defective stairs.
• Medical Negligence: Incorrect surgical procedures, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment of spinal conditions can exacerbate existing problems or cause new injuries.
• Sports Injuries: While often accidental, some sports injuries can be attributed to inadequate safety measures or negligent coaching.

Who is Liable?

Determining liability is a critical aspect of any personal injury claim. The party deemed responsible for your back or spinal injury will depend on the circumstances of the accident:

• Drivers/Vehicle Owners: In road traffic accidents, the driver at fault is typically liable.
• Employers: Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment. If your injury occurred due to unsafe conditions, lack of training, or faulty equipment, your employer may be liable.
• Property Owners/Occupiers: Owners or occupiers of public or private premises have a duty to ensure their property is safe for visitors. If you slipped or tripped due to a hazard, they might be liable.
• Local Authorities: Councils are responsible for maintaining public roads and pathways. If your injury resulted from a poorly maintained public area, the local authority could be held liable.
• Medical Professionals/Hospitals: In cases of medical negligence, the healthcare provider or institution responsible for the negligent act may be liable.
• Manufacturers: If a defective product caused your injury, the manufacturer could be held responsible.

Types of Injuries

Back and spinal injuries can range from mild to severe, with varying impacts on a person’s life. Some common types include:

• Whiplash: A common neck injury caused by a sudden forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, often seen in rear-end car collisions.
• Herniated/Slipped Discs: Occurs when the soft cushion between vertebrae pushes out, pressing on nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Fractured Vertebrae: Breaks in the bones of the spine, which can range from minor compression fractures to severe burst fractures.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): These are among the most serious, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions. The severity depends on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord.
• Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments (sprains) or muscles/tendons (strains) in the back, often caused by sudden movements or heavy lifting.
• Sciatica: Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg, often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the nerve.
• Chronic Back Pain: Persistent back pain that lasts for more than three months, often a result of underlying injuries or conditions exacerbated by trauma.

What to do if you have suffered a Back or Spinal Accident

If you have suffered a back or spinal accident, the steps outlined in the “What to Do If You Have Had a Back or Spinal Accident” section are crucial. Beyond immediate actions, it is vital to:

• Follow Medical Advice Diligently: Adhere to all treatment plans, attend all appointments, and take prescribed medication. This not only aids your recovery but also provides strong evidence for your claim.
• Keep a Pain Diary: Document your pain levels, symptoms, limitations, and how your injury affects your daily life. This can be invaluable in demonstrating the impact of your injury.
• Avoid Discussing Your Case with Insurers Directly: Let your solicitor handle all communications with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Do Not Settle Prematurely: Be wary of early settlement offers from insurance companies, as they may not fully account for the long-term impact and costs of your injury.
• Consult with Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors: Our experienced team will provide expert legal advice, assess your claim’s potential value, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take and are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you.

How Sherwin O’Riordan LLP Can Help with your Back or Spinal Injury Claim*

Speak with a Solicitor Today – Call 01 663 2000

Contact us today through our online contact form.

Our Expertise in Personal Injury Law

If you’ve suffered a back injury or spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, contacting Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors is a crucial first step towards securing the compensation you deserve. Our expert team specializes in spinal cord injury claims, herniated disc claims, whiplash claims, sciatica claims, and other back pain injury claims.

We understand the profound impact a serious back injury can have on your life, from chronic pain and loss of mobility to significant medical expenses and lost earnings. Whether your injury resulted from a car accident, workplace accident, slip and fall, or medical negligence, our dedicated personal injury solicitors will provide comprehensive legal guidance.

We will meticulously assess your case, gather essential evidence, including medical reports and expert opinions, and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and future care needs.

Don’t delay – there are strict time limits for personal injury claims; contact Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors today for a confidential consultation to discuss your back injury compensation claim or spinal injury lawsuit.

Our personal injury solicitors specialize in cases involving Back or Spinal injuries. We understand the profound impact these injuries can have on individuals and their families. Therefore, we can assist you by:

Guiding You Through the Legal Process

First, we will guide you through the legal process. From gathering evidence to filing your claim, we will be with you every step of the way.

Ensuring Proper Documentation

Moreover, we emphasize the importance of proper documentation. Medical assessments play a crucial role in thoroughly documenting your injuries.

Negotiating for Fair Compensation

Additionally, we focus on negotiating for fair compensation. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.

Contact Us for Assistance

If you have suffered a back or spinal injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure your story is heard.  

Sherwin O’ Riordan Solicitors, with their expertise in personal injury and medical negligence law, have experienced Solicitors to handle back or spinal injury accident claims, providing essential support and legal representation to those affected by negligence.

With Sherwin O’ Riordan, you’re never just a case number, you’re a person with a story, and we’re here to make sure it’s heard.  

* In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.