Here at Thorneycroft Solicitors, we have seen first how charitable organisations can have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those who have suffered serious injuries.
That is why we are proud to be one of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) corporate members.
What is the Spinal Injuries Association?
The SIA is a national charity that focuses on helping individuals that have suffered spinal cord injuries as well as providing support for their friends and family.
Suffering a spinal cord injury can potentially change someone’s life forever and in many cases, the sufferer will require lifelong care. The SIA aims to try and facilitate this for every individual that needs it.
What happens when you suffer a spinal cord injury?
Sustaining a spinal cord injury can affect various parts of the body depending on the severity of the trauma to the spinal cord itself.
The spinal cord is composed of a thick roll of nerves and bones, which transfer messages from the brain to various parts of the body.
Those signals or messages are responsible for every movement in the human body, from walking, blinking, breathing to bowel movements and bladder control.
Damaging the spinal cord can disrupt all of these functions as it can stop the messages and signals reaching other parts of the body.
Spinal cord injury can be caused in several ways including trauma from an accident or because of an infection.
Whatever the reason for the injury, the consequences can be catastrophic and lead to a loss of sensation or movement depending on the exact location of the injury.
Sustaining an injury to the spinal cord in the neck area can result in a condition called tetraplegia. In this case, sufferers can experience a loss of sensation in both their legs and their arms and on occasion, their stomach.
Those who suffer a spinal cord injury in their back can result in paraplegia. This can cause a loss of feeling in the legs and stomach muscles, however, in both cases of tetraplegia and paraplegia, the symptoms can vary depending on the person and severity of the injury.
The aftermath of a spinal cord injury can be extremely traumatic, with some sufferers having to come to terms with potential disabilities both temporary and permanent.
Some of those who suffer a spinal cord injury can also feel very isolated and emotional.
How can the SIA help?
The SIA believes that everyone who affected by a spinal cord injury should receive the care, treatment and support that is essential to lead a normal and fulfilling life.
One of the greatest strengths of the SIA is that it is led by individuals who have suffered spinal injuries themselves, meaning you will always receive empathetic support and advice from people who have experienced a similar injury first hand.
The SIA offers help to those who need it through various channels.
They facilitate a telephone counselling service that offers a free way for sufferers to talk to qualified support professionals that can help them discuss their issues post-injury.
The SIA also aims to educate those who have suffered spinal injuries and they have developed numerous services and resources that can aid and support people of all ages no matter what stage of the rehabilitative process they’re at.
As well as those who are injured, SIA also provides educational resources for the family of friends of the injured individuals, in order to help them better understand what their loved ones are going through and adapt to life after a spinal injury.
Amongst the numerous services that the SIA offers, are:
- Assistance, guidance and support from the initial injury, right through the person’s life if necessary.
Services and activities that are aimed at improving and enhancing the injured party’s quality of life.
Educational facilities for the individuals and their families to help gain more knowledge of the long-term consequences of spinal cord injury.
Campaigns aiming to change and improve health care policies in order to ensure that spinal cord injury patients get the treatment and support they need from the healthcare system.
If you would like to help SIA make a difference you can discover more about their volunteer service by clicking here.
How can we help?
Over a thousand people each year suffer spinal cord injuries. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury and believe you may be entitled to compensation then we are here for you.
After acquiring years of experience dealing with spinal cord injury cases, we have garnered a reputation for providing the highest levels of customer service and have helped those affected by serious spinal cord injuries secure the compensation that they are entitled to.
We understand the long-term physical and emotional implications that a spinal injury can have on an individual and their loved ones.
We also recognise that suffering a spinal cord injury can have serious financial repercussions, that’s why we offer a free initial interview at your home, hospital or place of work where we will assess your potential claim.
If you would like to know more about how we can help or you would like to arrange an initial consultation to assess your claim, call us for free today on 0800 1979 345 or complete our online enquiry form.
