This one-day virtual course provides a practical introduction to spinal injury claims for junior practitioners and those new to this area of law. It offers a comprehensive overview of the key medical, procedural, and litigation issues that arise when acting for clients with spinal cord injuries.

The course begins with the fundamentals of spinal anatomy, common mechanisms of spinal injury, and the life-changing consequences that can result from spinal cord damage. Delegates will gain an understanding of how these injuries affect clients physically, psychologically, and financially.

It then moves on to the practical aspects of running a spinal injury claim, including conducting the first client interview, securing appropriate funding, coordinating discharge planning, and working with case managers, the NHS, and therapy providers. The course also explores the importance of suitable housing adaptations and access to welfare benefits, alongside early engagement with insurers and defendants during the pre-action stage.

Further sessions focus on rehabilitation, care, and expert evidence, highlighting the range of specialists commonly instructed in spinal injury litigation and the role they play in supporting both the client’s recovery and the valuation of the claim.

Finally, the course covers the litigation and settlement process, including issuing proceedings, preparing schedules of loss, costs budgeting, alternative dispute resolution, provisional damages, and periodical payments. Delegates will also receive an introduction to financial management and investment considerations following settlement.

By the end of the course, attendees will have a solid grounding in the core principles and practical steps involved in managing spinal injury claims from initial instruction through to resolution.

Aimed at the junior practitioner who is new to the area, this one-day virtual event will cover:

The spine

• An introduction to the anatomy of the spine
• The common modalities of injury to the spine        
• Consequences of spinal cord injury          

Running a spinal claim

• First interview with the client            
• Funding the claim 
• Discharge planning
• Case management 
• NHS input and therapies
• Housing
• Benefits
• Pre-action and early interactions with insurer & defendant

Rehab, care and experts

• Rehabilitation and equipment                
• The experts you are likely to need and why

Litigation and settlement

• Bringing proceedings            
• The schedule of loss
• Case management
• Costs budgeting
• ADR, provisional damages & periodical payments    
• Financial management and investment