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Long-Term Effects of Back Injuries: Compensation for Chronic Pain
Long-Term Effects of Back Injuries: Compensation for Chronic Pain
Chronic back pain can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, disrupting work, hobbies, and personal relationships. If your long-term pain is a result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that addresses both your immediate and ongoing needs. This blog explores the common conditions linked to chronic pain, the financial implications of long-term injuries, and the importance of expert medical testimony in building a strong claim.
Common Conditions Leading to Chronic Pain
Nerve Damage
- Nerve compression or injury, such as a herniated disc pressing on the spinal cord, can lead to persistent pain or numbness. This is common after accidents involving sudden impacts, like car collisions or workplace mishaps.
Arthritis and Post-Traumatic Conditions
- Osteoarthritis, particularly post-traumatic arthritis, can develop after fractures or joint injuries. The damage caused by these conditions can be progressive, often requiring surgery or long-term therapy.
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Strains and sprains to the muscles and ligaments in the back may initially seem minor but can evolve into chronic pain if left untreated or improperly managed.
Accounting for Ongoing Costs in Claims
When filing a compensation claim for chronic back pain, it’s important to consider both current and future financial burdens:
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
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- Ongoing treatment such as physiotherapy, manual therapy, or alternative treatments like acupuncture may be necessary to manage pain and maintain mobility.
Home Modifications
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- Severe cases may require adjustments at home, such as installing lifts, ramps, or ergonomic furniture to facilitate daily living.
Medical Costs and Prescriptions
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- Expenses for long-term pain management, including medications and specialist consultations, should be factored into your claim.
Loss of Earnings
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- Compensation should reflect past income lost due to the injury and potential future earnings if your condition prevents you from returning to work. Chronic pain conditions often limit career prospects, necessitating claims for loss of earning capacity over time.
Why Expert Medical Testimony is Crucial
A medical expert’s testimony can establish the severity of your condition, the extent of negligence, and the long-term prognosis. Solicitors often rely on these reports to:
- Validate your claim’s connection to the original injury.
- Demonstrate the need for ongoing treatment.
- Quantify the impact of the injury on your life, including emotional and physical distress.
Important Information About Personal Injury Claims
- Time Limits: Personal injury claims in the UK must be filed within three years from the date of the accident or from when you first became aware of your injury. This limit extends to the claimant’s 21st birthday for those injured under the age of 18.
- Our Commitment: At First Personal Injury, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals and their families access compensation and expert care.
- No Win No Fee: We operate on a “No Win No Fee” basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful. A 25% fee (inclusive of VAT) applies to successful claims.
Start Your Claim Today
If you are living with chronic back pain caused by an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact First Personal Injury today. Our expert solicitors can guide you through every stage of the claims process, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you need. Call us on 0333 358 2345 or visit First Personal Injury contact us page to begin your claim.