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Introduction
Spinal Injuries can have life‑changing consequences, affecting movement, sensation and many of the body’s basic functions. In many cases, they can have long-term implications for a person’s health and ability to work.
This Guide explains what a Spinal Injury is, the different types of spinal and spinal cord injuries, and how conditions such as Cauda Equina Syndrome can arise. It also considers how Spinal Injuries can occur, particularly in the context of surgical or medical negligence.
What is a Spinal Injury?
A Spinal Injury is damage to the spinal cord, vertebrae, or nerves of the spine, which can occur as a result of trauma, medical negligence, infection or a delay in diagnosis or treatment.
Spinal injuries can vary greatly in severity. Some may result in temporary pain or reduced mobility, while more serious injuries can lead to permanent disability, paralysis, chronic pain or loss of independence.
In many cases, a spinal injury can have a profound effect not only on the injured person, but also on their family members and carers. The consequences are often both physical and psychological, particularly where the injury results in significant lifestyle changes, loss of employment or ongoing medical needs.
What are the Different Types of Spinal Injury?
There are numerous types of Spinal Injuries, and varying levels of severity. The most common types are:
Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Total loss of motor and sensory function below the site of the injury
Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Partial loss of motor and sensory function below the site of the injury
Open Spinal Cord Injury: Whereby an object has penetrated the spinal cord
If you have experienced Spinal Injuries as a result of an accident or medical error that wasn’t your fault, our dedicated team of specialist Spinal Injury Solicitors can help you bring a spinal injury claim.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A Spinal Cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, interrupting communication between the brain and the body.
Spinal cord injuries can be caused by trauma such as road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, falls, sporting injuries or surgical complications. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, symptoms can include:
Loss of movement
Loss of sensation
Weakness in the arms or legs
Difficulty breathing
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Paralysis
For further guidance, see our Spinal Injuries page including recent spinal injury case studies and frequently asked questions.
What is Paraplegia?
Paraplegia is a form of paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, usually following damage to the lower part of the spinal cord which can occur as a result of an accident or otherwise.
Paraplegia can impact mobility, bladder and bowel function, independence and overall quality of life. Some people may regain limited movement through rehabilitation, while others may require lifelong assistance and mobility supports.
What is Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)?
Quadriplegia, also known as Tetraplegia, occurs where there is serious injury to the cervical (neck) region of the spinal cord, sometimes cause by trauma.
This can result in partial or complete paralysis of all four limbs and the torso. Depending on the level of injury, a person may also experience:
Difficulty breathing
Loss of hand function
Chronic pain
Loss of sensation
Autonomic dysfunction
Quadriplegia is typically a catastrophic injury requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care.
For further details, see Spinal Injury Claims: A Step-by-Step Guide, including applicable timelines and compensation for a Personal Injury claim.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious neurological condition caused by compression of the nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord.
It is considered a medical emergency and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. A delay in treatment can result in permanent damage. Symptoms commonly include:
Severe lower back pain
Numbness around the saddle area
Weakness in the legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Sexual dysfunction
Cauda Equina Syndrome can arise from disc herniation, trauma, tumours or infection. In some cases, medical negligence claims arise where there has been a failure to recognise warning signs or delays in arranging MRI imaging or surgery.
For further guidance, see our Cauda Equina Syndrome page, including frequently asked questions.
Can Surgical Negligence cause Spinal Injuries?
In some cases, sadly yes. Spinal Injuries can occur during or after spinal surgery, injections or other medical procedures involving the spine. Examples of complications can include:
Nerve damage
Infection
Bleeding or haematoma formation
Faulty surgical technique
Failure to diagnose post-operative complications
In some cases, delayed diagnosis or treatment following spinal surgery can worsen the outcome significantly
Can Fatal Injuries occur following a Spinal Injury?
Sadly, Fatal Injuries can occur in severe spinal trauma cases or where complications arise following a spinal injury. These may include:
Respiratory complications
Infection or sepsis
Blood clots
Traumatic brain injury associated with spinal trauma
Fatal complications following surgery
Fatal injuries may arise following accidents, medical negligence, or failures in diagnosis or treatment, depending on the circumstances.
For further details, see our Spinal Injuries page, including case studies, frequently asked questions and practical guidance on bringing a claim.
Why Choose Lavelle Partners?
Spinal Injury claims can be complex, and individuals who have suffered serious injuries need expert legal support, ideally from the earliest stages of their recovery.
At Lavelle Partners, our dedicated team of specialist Spinal Injury Solicitors can support you through every step of the process.
With over 35 years of experience in handling complex Medical Negligence & Personal Injury cases, our firm is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Further Information
For further information on making a claim for Spinal Injury in Ireland, please contact Partner Avril Scally or Solicitor Grace Molloy in our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team.
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