A spinal cord injury is a very serious form of injury. Damage to the spinal cord, complete or partial, causes permanent paralysis and drastically changes life.
What does a spinal cord injury entail?
A spinal cord injury means that the spinal cord is damaged, causing the connection between the brain and the body to be partially or completely severed. The severity and location of the damage determine the impact.
Different levels of spinal cord injury
| Level | Location | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical (C1-C8) | Neck region | Quadriplegia (arms and legs) |
| Thoracic (T1-T12) | Chest | Paraplegia (legs) |
| Lumbar (L1-L5) | Lower back | Paraplegia (legs, limited) |
| Sacral (S1-S5) | Sacrum | Mild limitations |
Complete or incomplete injury
- Complete spinal cord injury: no function below the damaged level
- Incomplete spinal cord injury: some functions remain preserved
Impact on daily life
A spinal cord injury affects almost every facet of a person's existence.
Physical effects
Direct consequences
- Paralysis of limbs
- Loss of sensory functions
- Problems with bladder and bowel control
- Sexual limitations
- Difficulty with temperature regulation
- Chronic pain (neuropathic)
Later complications
- Pressure sores (decubitus)
- Urinary tract infections
- Muscle spasms (spasticity)
- Bone demineralization
- Autonomic dysreflexia (with high-level injury)
- Respiratory problems
Emotional and social impact
- Feelings of depression and anxiety
- Change in self-image
- Strains in relationships
- Isolation from social circles
- Loss of job and financial security
Required support
Residents of Zoetermeer with a spinal cord injury often need extensive assistance and adaptations.
Aids and modifications
| Type | Examples | Cost indication |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair | Manual wheelchair, powered variant | €2,000 - €50,000 |
| Home modification | Stairlift, bathroom adaptation, wider doors | €50,000 - €200,000+ |
| Vehicle adaptation | Hand controls, wheelchair-accessible vehicle | €10,000 - €100,000 |
| Other aids | Hoist, shower chair, catheters | Variable |
Care requirements
The intensity of the required care depends on the location of the injury.
Care hours per level
| Level | Care type | Hours per day |
|---|---|---|
| High cervical (C1-C4) | Continuous care | 24 hours |
| Low cervical (C5-C8) | Extensive ADL support | 8-16 hours |
| High thoracic | Support with transfers | 4-8 hours |
| Low thoracic/lumbar | Less intensive assistance | 1-4 hours |
Damage claims for spinal cord injury in Zoetermeer
In personal injury law, spinal cord injury claims are among the most substantial. Contact the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for advice or referral to a specialized lawyer. Cases can be submitted to the District Court of The Hague.
Types of compensation
Loss of income
For young victims, future loss of income can run into millions, based on what they could have earned minus remaining work capacity.
Care and nursing costs
For a high spinal cord injury, lifelong care costs can amount to €3-5 million, depending on life expectancy and care intensity.
Costs for adaptations
Regular replacement of home adaptations, wheelchairs and other aids can cost €500,000 to €1 million over a lifetime.
Pain and suffering compensation
For a complete spinal cord injury, pain and suffering awards of €150,000 to €350,000 or higher are granted.
Practical advice
- Seek help immediately from a personal injury lawyer in the Zoetermeer region
- Have a rehabilitation physician assess your care needs
- Request advances as soon as possible for urgent adaptations
- Account for future adaptations in the damage claim
- Involve local rehabilitation centers in the process