A spinal cord injury causes damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis of certain body parts. This results in permanent limitations and often extremely high compensation payments.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury
| Category | Effects |
|---|---|
| Complete spinal cord injury | Total paralysis below the injury level |
| Incomplete spinal cord injury | Partial loss of sensation or movement |
| Paraplegia | Paralysis of the legs (lower spinal cord) |
| Tetraplegia | Paralysis of both arms and legs (higher spinal cord) |
Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury
- Loss of mobility in limbs
- Numbness in affected areas
- Complications with bladder and bowel functions
- Breathing difficulties (in higher injuries)
- Persistent pain complaints
- Muscle spasms and spasticity
- Risk of pressure sores (decubitus ulcers)
Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury
The financial impact of a spinal cord injury is significant:
- Home adaptations for wheelchair use
- Specialised transport for mobility
- Continuous care (especially in tetraplegia)
- Necessary aids such as wheelchairs and hoists
- Loss of income due to incapacity for work
- Pain and suffering compensation in the highest categories
Pain and Suffering Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury in the Netherlands
Pain and suffering compensation for spinal cord injury belongs to the highest amounts:
- Paraplegia: between € 100,000 and € 175,000
- Tetraplegia: between € 150,000 and € 250,000
Total Damage Claims
The total costs of a spinal cord injury can run into millions of euros due to:
- Permanent care needs
- Necessity for an adapted or new home
- Loss of career income
- Costs for aids and transport adaptations
Who reimburses home adaptations in Utrecht?
Part of the costs can be applied for via the WMO (Social Support Act) with the municipality of Utrecht, but this is often insufficient. Additional costs are claimed from the liable party. Sometimes moving to a fully accessible home is necessary.How are long-term care costs calculated?
The required daily care is determined and multiplied by professional rates. This total amount is calculated over the victim's expected life expectancy.Can compensation really amount to millions?
Yes, especially for young victims with a severe spinal cord injury, claims can amount to € 5 million or more. These are the highest personal injury compensation amounts in the Netherlands.Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Cord Injury
How do I determine if my spinal cord injury is complete or incomplete?
In a complete spinal cord injury, there is no function or sensation below the injury, whereas an incomplete injury retains some function. A neurologist determines this with tests such as reflex and muscle examinations, supplemented by an MRI scan. For extra certainty, you can request a second opinion at a centre such as the Sint Maartenskliniek.
Can I get an adapted home through the municipality of Utrecht?
The municipality provides basic facilities via the WMO such as a stairlift or bathroom adaptations. For larger adaptations or a new home, this is often not enough. The remaining amount can be claimed from the liable party with the help of a personal injury lawyer in Utrecht.
What is the amount of pain and suffering compensation for spinal cord injury?
Pain and suffering compensation for spinal cord injury is very high: € 100,000-€ 175,000 for paraplegia and € 150,000-€ 250,000 for tetraplegia. The exact amount depends on age, impact on life, and severity of the injury. An expert can estimate this based on previous cases.
Who pays my care costs for 24-hour care?
If a third party is liable (for example, after an accident), care costs are fully reimbursed. This includes home care, nursing, or compensation for informal care. A personal injury lawyer in Utrecht helps with calculating and claiming future costs.
Is working still possible after a spinal cord injury?
This depends on the severity and your job. In tetraplegia, working is often impossible, but in paraplegia, adapted work is sometimes possible. An occupational expert can assess your options. Employers in Utrecht must offer reasonable adjustments under the law.
Legal Assistance in Utrecht
Court: District Court Midden-Nederland, Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
Legal Aid Office: Juridisch Loket Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 55