Spinal Injury Claims
If you or someone close to you has suffered a spinal injury, we understand how life can feel suddenly uncertain—physically, emotionally, and financially. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’re here to help you through it, every step of the way.
For over 20 years, we’ve supported individuals and families in Tallaght and across Dublin with dependable, personal legal care. We’re not a distant corporate firm. We’re your local solicitors—based right in the heart of Tallaght Village—offering honest advice, clear guidance, and real results. When you work with us, you deal directly with an experienced solicitor who listens, understands your concerns, and takes the time to explain what comes next.
We’ve handled spinal injury claims of all kinds—from accidents at work and road traffic collisions to serious falls—and we’ve built a strong reputation for securing fair and substantial compensation for our clients. Our approach is always hands-on, grounded, and client-first. You’ll never be left in the dark, and you’ll never be treated like just another case number.
If you’re thinking about making a spinal injury claim, don’t try to manage it alone. Contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today for straightforward, supportive advice from a team that’s on your side and rooted in your community.
Living With a Spinal Injury: What It Really Means
A spinal injury changes more than your health—it changes how you live, work, move, and relate to the world around you. From the moment of injury, your life may be turned upside down, and the recovery process is often slow, unpredictable, and emotionally draining.
Spinal cord injuries are typically classified as either complete or incomplete. A complete injury results in full loss of function and sensation below the point of damage. This could mean total paralysis from the waist down (paraplegia) or from the neck down (tetraplegia). Incomplete injuries vary greatly—some people may retain partial movement or feeling, others may experience long-term pain, weakness, or numbness.
For many people, the initial medical emergency is only the beginning. Hospitalisation is usually followed by months of intensive rehabilitation, and even with excellent care, most people must learn to adapt to lasting limitations. This often includes daily use of wheelchairs or mobility aids, home modifications such as widened doorways or stairlifts, and support with personal care.
But spinal injuries also carry unseen effects. Many clients we’ve worked with have faced emotional strain—shock, anger, anxiety, and depression. The sudden need to depend on others for basic tasks can feel overwhelming. These changes impact not only the injured person but also their spouse, children, and extended family, who must adjust to new roles and routines.
Financially, the burden can be significant. Time away from work—sometimes permanently—can put immense pressure on a household. Add in the cost of physical aids, home adjustments, travel to appointments, counselling, or specialist care, and it’s clear that the long-term impact of a spinal injury goes far beyond the initial trauma.
Every injury is unique, and every person’s journey is different. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve spent over 20 years listening to clients across Dublin and helping them find clarity in the face of life-changing events. When we handle a spinal injury claim, we look at the full picture—not just the diagnosis, but the lived reality that comes with it.
How Spinal Injuries Happen
Spinal injuries can happen in an instant—on a road, at work, in a shop, or even during a routine hospital visit. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve handled spinal injury claims across a wide range of circumstances, each with its own challenges.
One of the most common causes we see is road traffic accidents. These can involve drivers, passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians. Even low-speed collisions can cause serious spinal trauma if there’s a sudden jolt or twisting motion. In more severe accidents, such as rollovers or crashes involving large vehicles, the risk of permanent spinal damage increases.
Workplace injuries are another significant source of spinal claims. Falls from height, poorly secured scaffolding, malfunctioning equipment, or even manual handling in retail or healthcare settings can all lead to serious back and spinal trauma. We often work with individuals in construction, warehousing, and factory roles where physical strain is part of the job.
Slips and trips in public places are also surprisingly common, especially in supermarkets, car parks, and public footpaths. If a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions—such as cleaning spills, gritting icy surfaces, or repairing broken tiles—they may be legally responsible for injuries that occur.
Some spinal injuries result from medical negligence. A delay in diagnosing conditions like Cauda Equina Syndrome, or mistakes during spinal surgery or epidural anaesthesia, can cause irreversible harm. In these cases, the consequences may have been avoidable had timely or competent care been provided.
Finally, we’ve seen cases linked to sports and recreational accidents—including rugby injuries, gym mishaps, and horseback falls. While some level of risk is expected, if poor supervision, faulty equipment, or unsafe facilities contributed to the injury, a legal claim may be appropriate.
Whatever the cause, what matters is how the injury has affected your life—and whether it could have been prevented. That’s where our team steps in, offering practical legal advice to help you move forward.
Do You Have a Valid Spinal Injury Claim?
Not every spinal injury gives rise to a legal claim—but if your injury was caused by someone else’s mistake, lack of care, or failure to act, you may be entitled to compensation. The key question is whether another party had a duty to keep you safe, and whether that duty was breached in a way that caused your injury.
To succeed in a spinal injury claim, three elements generally need to be present:
- A duty of care: Someone had a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to protect you—this could be an employer, another road user, a business owner, or a medical professional.
- A breach of that duty: That person or organisation failed to meet expected standards (e.g. by allowing a hazard, making an error, or ignoring clear risks).
- Causation: Your spinal injury was a direct result of their actions—or inaction.
Examples of Where Negligence May Apply
We’ve acted for clients in a wide range of scenarios, including:
- Road users who suffered spinal damage after being rear-ended by a speeding driver.
- Workers injured in avoidable falls on construction sites with poor safety procedures.
- Shoppers who slipped on unmarked wet floors in supermarkets.
- Patients who suffered paralysis due to delayed recognition of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
- Individuals who were hurt during sports activities due to faulty equipment or inadequate supervision.
Sometimes, more than one party may be responsible. And in certain cases, the injured person may share some responsibility—for instance, not wearing a seatbelt or failing to follow workplace protocols. This is known as contributory negligence and doesn’t prevent you from claiming, though your compensation may be reduced.
If you’re unsure whether what happened to you amounts to negligence, we encourage you to reach out. We’ll take the time to review your situation clearly and honestly—without pressure—so you can understand your rights and options from the outset.
What We Consider When Building Your Claim
Every spinal injury case we take on is built carefully, with attention to the full extent of what our client has gone through. It’s not just about the medical diagnosis—it’s about how your life has changed, and what you need to move forward with dignity and support.
When preparing your case, we consider:
- Medical documentation: Reports from hospitals, GPs, and specialists help us understand the severity of your injury, your treatment needs, and your long-term prognosis.
- Personal impact: We listen to your story—how your daily life has changed, what you can and can’t do now, and what assistance you require at home or at work.
- Loss of income: If your injury has stopped you working—either temporarily or permanently—we calculate lost earnings and reduced earning potential for the future.
- Family and care requirements: If your partner or child has become your carer, we factor that into the claim. Many families experience financial strain when a loved one steps back from work to provide care.
- Costs already incurred: From physio sessions to transport costs, medical aids to home modifications—we include all reasonable expenses supported by receipts and records.
- Future needs: We plan ahead. If you’ll need ongoing rehab, personal care, or adapted housing, that’s reflected in the value of the claim.
We also consult with independent medical experts where needed to ensure your needs are fully documented. At every step, our priority is to make sure your claim represents your full experience—without cutting corners or making assumptions.
Timelines and Deadlines
In Ireland, there’s a strict time limit for starting a spinal injury claim. In most cases, you have two years from the date you first knew—or should have known—that you were injured due to someone else’s fault. This is known legally as the date of knowledge.
That date isn’t always the day of the accident. For example, if your injury developed slowly or was misdiagnosed, the clock might only start ticking when a doctor confirms the problem and links it back to the earlier incident. However, it’s vital not to assume you have more time—these cases can be complex, and time can run out quickly.
Exceptions to the Rule
- Children (under 18): The two-year limit doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday, meaning they have until they turn 20 to issue proceedings.
- People lacking mental capacity: In some cases, the clock may be paused while the person is medically unable to manage their own legal affairs.
If you miss the deadline, you may lose the right to claim entirely—regardless of how strong your case might be.
That’s why we always advise speaking with a solicitor as early as possible, even if you’re unsure whether you have a claim. Early legal advice can protect your rights and give you the breathing room you need to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partly to blame for the accident—can I still claim?
Yes, you may still have a valid claim even if you were partially responsible. This is known as contributory negligence. For example, if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt but were hit by a reckless driver, you may still receive compensation—though it might be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility. We’ll give you honest advice on where you stand.
Can I claim on behalf of a family member with a spinal injury?
You can. If your loved one is under 18 or lacks mental capacity, you may act as a ‘next friend’ to pursue the claim on their behalf. This often applies in cases involving serious injury, brain damage, or where the person cannot manage their legal affairs. We’ll guide you through what’s needed to start.
Will I need to go to court to make a spinal injury claim?
Most claims are resolved before they reach a courtroom. We always aim to settle through negotiation where possible, but if court becomes necessary, we’ll prepare the case thoroughly and represent you at every step. You’ll never be left facing it alone.
How is compensation for spinal injuries calculated?
Compensation is based on several factors, including:
- The severity and permanence of your injury
- How your daily life has been affected
- Lost income, care needs, and medical expenses
- Future requirements like mobility aids or home adaptations
We build your case around these real-life impacts—not just what’s in your file.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
To make the most of our first meeting, bring any documents you have—such as:
- Medical letters or discharge notes
- Accident reports or employer correspondence
- Photographs or witness details
- Any receipts for medical or care expenses
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we’ll help gather what’s needed.
Contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP Today
If you or someone close to you has suffered a spinal injury, it’s important to know where you stand—and even more important to have someone you trust by your side. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we offer clear, straightforward advice rooted in decades of local experience.
We know how overwhelming this time can be. That’s why we take the time to listen, explain your options in plain English, and act swiftly to protect your rights. You’ll deal directly with an experienced solicitor who understands both the law and the real-world challenges that come with spinal injuries.
To speak with us in confidence, contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today. We’re based in Tallaght Village, Dublin 24, and we’re ready to help.