A serious spinal injury can have life-changing consequences. It can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, mobility loss, or the inability to return to work. These injuries often require long-term care, specialist rehabilitation, and significant changes to the home and lifestyle. You may be eligible to claim compensation if someone else’s negligence or unsafe practices caused your injury.
In Hackney, a busy and fast-paced borough in East London, serious spinal injuries can occur in high-traffic areas like the A10 corridor, Dalston Junction, and Hackney Central. They can result from road traffic collisions, falls on construction sites, or even poor medical treatment. Initial care may be provided at Homerton University Hospital, but long-term rehabilitation often involves multiple NHS and private providers across the city.
At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in supporting those who have suffered catastrophic injuries, including spine trauma. Our legal team helps Hackney residents understand their rights, navigate the claims process, and secure fair compensation to support their recovery and long-term care needs.
What is a serious spinal injury?
A spinal injury involves damage to the spinal cord, vertebrae, nerves, or soft tissue that surrounds the spine. Serious spinal injuries can result in a loss of movement, sensation, or organ control below the point of trauma.
Spinal injuries are often categorised as:
- Complete – no function or feeling below the site of the injury
- Incomplete – some residual movement or sensation remains
These injuries may lead to:
- Paraplegia – paralysis of the lower limbs
- Tetraplegia – paralysis of both arms and legs
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Chronic nerve pain or spasms
- Sexual dysfunction
- Psychological effects, including depression and PTSD
The effects may be permanent or progressive, and they often affect every aspect of a person’s life.
Can I claim spinal injury compensation in Hackney?
Yes. You may have grounds for a personal injury claim if the negligence of another person, company, or public body caused your injury. Compensation can help support your recovery, lifestyle changes, and financial stability.
Common causes of spinal injuries include:
- Car accidents, especially at high-speed junctions like Kingsland Road
- Cycling collisions on narrow or poorly maintained Hackney streets
- Falls from height at work or in public places
- Unsafe working environments, including lack of PPE or fall protection
- Medical negligence, such as surgical errors or delayed diagnoses
- Violent assaults
Our team investigates the cause, identifies the liable party, and gathers the evidence needed to pursue a strong claim.
Where are spinal injuries likely to occur in Hackney?
Due to Hackney’s rapid development, busy roads, and mix of residential and industrial zones, accidents are common in:
- Dalston Junction – a hotspot for traffic collisions and pedestrian accidents
- Hackney Wick construction zones – where falls from height or equipment failure may occur
- Hackney Central Station and Mare Street – where slip, trip, and fall incidents have been reported
- There are cycling routes that pass through London Fields and Shoreditch
We take the borough’s layout and risk zones into account when building your claim, and we may work with local witnesses or accident investigators.
What does spinal injury compensation cover?
Compensation for a serious spinal injury is designed to support your quality of life, financial security, and care needs. It can include:
General damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of amenity (impact on your ability to enjoy life)
- Psychological harm
Special damages:
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Medical treatment (NHS and private)
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Specialist mobility aids (wheelchairs, hoists, and motorised beds)
- Home adaptations (stairlifts, wet rooms, widened doorways)
- 24-hour personal care or nursing
- Travel and accommodation for appointments
- Support for family members and carers
In serious cases involving permanent disability, compensation can exceed £1 million to reflect lifelong care needs.
How do I make a spinal injury claim?
At Marley Solicitors, we make the process as stress-free as possible. We understand that your energy needs to go toward recovery, so we take care of the legal side.
Our claims process includes:
- Free consultation
We discuss your injury, how it happened, and whether you have grounds to claim. - Medical evidence
We work with neurologists, spinal injury consultants, and rehabilitation specialists to document your injury and prognosis. - Establishing liability
We identify the responsible party, whether it’s a driver, employer, property owner, or NHS trust. - Interim payments (if eligible)
If you need urgent care or equipment before the claim settles, we can apply for an interim payment. - Negotiation
We engage with insurers to reach a fair settlement that reflects your long-term needs. - Litigation (if necessary)
Most cases settle without court, but we’re prepared to go to trial if needed. - Settlement and support
Once the claim is complete, we help you manage your award and plan for the future.
We typically operate on a no win, no fee basis. You don’t pay anything unless your claim is successful.
Local treatment and support in Hackney
Spinal injury patients in Hackney often receive care or referrals from:
- Homerton University Hospital – for trauma and surgical intervention
- St Leonard’s Hospital – for physiotherapy and outpatient rehab
- The Royal London Hospital (Whitechapel) – for spinal cord and neurological care
- Hackney GPs – such as The Lawson Practice or Clifden Centre
- Local mental health services – including counselling for PTSD and adjustment disorders
We liaise with these services when building a care plan as part of your claim.
Long-term care and rehabilitation
A serious spinal injury often requires:
- 24-hour care or personal assistance
- Rehabilitation plans spanning months or years
- Mobility aids, like standing frames and electric wheelchairs
- Accessible housing
- Return-to-work support, including vocational rehabilitation
- Mental health care is provided for both the injured individual and their family members.
Our legal team works closely with case managers and therapists to ensure that your settlement supports your ongoing care journey.
Case study: Spinal injury after a fall in Shoreditch
One of our clients, a 42-year-old warehouse worker, suffered a fractured spine after falling through an unsecured mezzanine floor. He was left with incomplete paraplegia and unable to return to work.
We arranged:
- Early interim payments for a powered wheelchair and wet room installation
- A vocational rehab programme
- A full care and accommodation report
The case settled for over £1.1 million, securing funds for future care, pain management, and income replacement.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
We are highly experienced in serious injury law and deeply familiar with the Hackney area. We offer:
- Proven success with complex spinal and catastrophic injury claims
- Clear, honest advice with no hidden costs
- Collaboration with leading spinal consultants and care teams
- In-depth knowledge of Hackney’s road systems, employers, and accident trends
- Full support with rehabilitation planning, even before the claim settles
Clients trust us not just for our legal expertise, but for our compassion and dedication.
FAQs
How long do I have to make a claim?
You usually have three years from the date of injury. For children, the time limit starts at age 18. If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the deadline may be extended.
Can I claim on behalf of a family member?
Yes. If they are unable to claim for themselves due to age or mental capacity, you may act as their litigation friend.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
You may still claim. The amount may be reduced depending on your level of responsibility, but you could still receive meaningful compensation.
Will I have to go to court?
Not usually. Most claims settle during negotiation, but if court becomes necessary, we will represent and guide you throughout.
Can I access treatment before the claim settles?
Yes. We can request interim payments to cover urgent needs such as surgery, equipment, or modifications to your home.
Speak to Marley Solicitors in Hackney today
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal injury in Hackney, do not wait. You deserve to understand your rights and access compensation that can change your future. Marley Solicitors offers expert guidance, personalised support, and a no win, no fee service that puts your wellbeing first.
Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Hackney-based personal injury team is ready to fight for the compensation and care you need to move forward.
