Suffering a spinal injury is devastating in itself, but when that injury is worsened or prolonged because of negligent treatment, the impact can be even more profound. A mistreated spinal injury can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain and a reduced quality of life. Marley Solicitors helps people in Newcastle and across Tyne & Wear who have experienced mistreated spinal injuries to pursue justice and secure compensation that reflects the true extent of their losses.
Understanding mistreated spinal injuries
A spinal injury occurs when the spinal cord or the surrounding vertebrae, discs or nerves are damaged. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, so any damage to it can affect mobility, sensation, and bodily functions. If an injury is not diagnosed promptly, treated incorrectly, or neglected during rehabilitation, the consequences can be catastrophic. Mistreated injuries often result in avoidable complications, such as paralysis, nerve damage, or chronic pain.
Examples of mistreatment include:
- Failure to diagnose a spinal fracture or compression injury.
- Misinterpretation of MRI or X-ray scans leading to incorrect treatment.
- Inadequate surgical technique or postoperative care.
- Delayed referral to a specialist spinal unit.
- Poor management of rehabilitation or physiotherapy programmes.
By recognising how your injury was handled, our solicitors can identify whether substandard care contributed to your current condition.
Common causes of mistreated spinal injuries
There are many ways in which a spinal injury might be mishandled. Some of the most frequent situations we encounter in Newcastle and Tyne & Wear include:
- Accident and emergency errors – A missed diagnosis after a road traffic collision, fall from height or workplace accident can allow a spinal injury to worsen.
- Surgical mistakes – Errors during spinal surgery, such as nerve damage or misplaced screws, can leave patients with severe complications.
- Rehabilitation failings – Inadequate physiotherapy or failure to provide necessary equipment can hinder recovery and increase disability.
- Mismanagement of infections – Post-operative infections or pressure sores left untreated can cause further harm to the spinal cord.
- Inadequate pain management – Poorly controlled pain can impede rehabilitation and affect long-term outcomes.
These errors can occur in NHS hospitals, private clinics, workplaces or care settings. Each case requires detailed investigation to understand exactly what went wrong and who is responsible.
The impact of a mistreated spinal injury
The effects of a mistreated spinal injury are often life-changing. Clients in Newcastle and Tyne & Wear frequently face:
- Loss of mobility – Partial or complete paralysis can drastically alter independence and employment prospects.
- Chronic pain and discomfort – Persistent nerve pain, muscle weakness and stiffness can affect every aspect of daily life.
- Emotional and psychological trauma – Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress are common after a severe injury.
- Financial strain – Loss of earnings, increased care costs and the need for home adaptations can create significant financial pressure.
- Impact on family life – Partners and children may have to provide care or adjust to new routines.
Marley Solicitors takes a holistic approach to claims, ensuring that compensation reflects not just immediate medical costs but also the long-term consequences for you and your family.
Establishing liability in mistreated spinal injury claims
Proving negligence in a mistreated spinal injury case involves showing that a healthcare provider, employer or other responsible party breached their duty to care and caused harm. This may involve:
- Reviewing medical records, scans and treatment notes.
- Obtaining independent medical expert opinions on whether care was substandard.
- Analysing workplace policies or safety measures if the original injury was work-related.
- Collecting witness statements from staff or other patients.
Our team in Newcastle works closely with leading spinal specialists to build strong evidence for your claim. We focus on demonstrating both the errors made and the harm caused by them.
Calculating compensation for mistreated spinal injuries
Because no two injuries are the same, compensation awards vary widely. The factors considered typically include:
- The level and location of spinal damage (e.g. cervical, thoracic or lumbar regions).
- The extent of paralysis or loss of function.
- The impact on bladder, bowel or sexual function.
- Pain, psychological trauma and reduced life expectancy.
- Loss of income and future earning capacity.
- The cost of ongoing care, therapy, equipment and home modifications.
We provide clear, realistic advice on the potential value of your claim based on current guidelines and previous cases. Our aim is to secure a settlement or judgment that gives you the financial security needed to rebuild your life.
Time limits for bringing a claim
In most mistreated spinal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or from when you first realised that mistreatment occurred. There are exceptions for children or for adults who lack mental capacity. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and increases the likelihood of success. Marley Solicitors can guide you through these time limits and ensure that all procedural steps are handled correctly.
Rehabilitation and long-term support
A key part of recovering from a mistreated spinal injury is access to high-quality rehabilitation. In Newcastle and across Tyne & Wear there are specialist spinal units, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and counselling services that can help you adapt to new circumstances. We work to include the cost of these services within your claim so that you can access them without financial worry. Early and effective rehabilitation can make a substantial difference to quality of life.
Supporting families affected by mistreated spinal injuries
Spinal injuries do not just affect the injured person. Families often take on caring responsibilities, experience loss of income and deal with emotional stress. Marley Solicitors can advise family members on potential claims for the cost of care, respite breaks and support for dependants. We recognise that a serious injury changes the dynamics of a household, and we aim to address these issues as part of the legal process.
How Marley Solicitors can help
Choosing the right legal representation can be decisive in a mistreated spinal injury claim. At Marley Solicitors, we:
- Offer specialist expertise in complex spinal injury cases.
- Have a proven track record of representing clients throughout Newcastle and Tyne & Wear.
- Manage the entire legal process from initial investigation to settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
- Work closely with medical experts to produce comprehensive evidence of your injury and its consequences.
- Provide clear communication, practical support and compassionate advice at every stage.
Our approach is to shoulder as much of the legal burden as possible, leaving you free to focus on your health and your family.
Taking the next step
If you or someone close to you has suffered a mistreated spinal injury in Newcastle or anywhere in Tyne & Wear, you do not have to face the future alone. Marley Solicitors will listen to your story, explain your options and outline the steps involved in making a claim. Acting promptly allows us to gather strong evidence and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our Newcastle office today to arrange a confidential discussion about your circumstances. We are here to support you on the path to recovery and to secure the compensation you need to move forward.