When can you make a child spinal injury claim?
You may be able to bring a claim if your child’s spinal cord injury happened because someone failed in their duty of care. Common examples include:
- Road traffic accidents (including as a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist)
- Falls in unsafe premises (for example, poor maintenance in schools, leisure centres or public spaces)
- Sporting injuries where appropriate safety measures were not in place
- Medical negligence, including delayed diagnosis, surgical errors or avoidable complications during treatment
Different time limits can apply to claims involving children. Even so, it’s usually best to seek advice as early as possible so evidence can be preserved and rehabilitation support can be explored.
Why choose Bolt Burdon Kemp for a child spinal injury claim?
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we support families whose children have suffered serious and life-changing spinal cord injuries. Our specialist spinal injury solicitors act in claims arising from major accidents and medical negligence, with a clear focus on what matters most: early rehabilitation, the right support, and a secure plan for the future.
Whether your child sustained the original injury or their condition worsened due to avoidable complications, we will guide you through the process with care and clarity. Our aim is to secure the compensation needed for rehabilitation, care, therapies, equipment, accommodation and educational support – helping to protect your child’s wellbeing, independence and opportunities as far as possible.
Case example: £5.3 million settlement after negligent scoliosis surgery
Our client was 15 when she sustained a spinal cord injury following surgery for scoliosis. She was left with tetraplegia at C6/C7 and now needs lifelong care. The case involved allegations that her care fell below an acceptable standard, including issues around planning, monitoring during surgery and post-operative observations, leading to a serious neurological injury over around 36 hours. The defendant denied liability, but the claim concluded with a £5.3 million settlement and a letter of apology. The settlement was intended to fund long-term care, rehabilitation and therapy, specialist equipment and suitable adapted accommodation, helping our client access support not always available through the NHS.
Next steps
If you would like to discuss a potential child spinal injury claim, we can talk you through what happened, what evidence may be needed and what funding options are available. We will always explain things clearly and sensitively, with your child’s best interests at the centre of the advice.
