A spinal cord injury causes severe damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of certain body parts. This has an enormous impact on life and often leads to high compensation awards.
Types of Spinal Cord Injury
| Category | Effects |
|---|---|
| Complete spinal cord injury | Total paralysis below the injury |
| Partial 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
- Loss of sensation in affected areas
- Problems with bladder and bowel functions
- Breathing difficulties (in high injuries)
- Persistent pain complaints
- Muscle spasms and spasticity
- Risk of pressure sores (decubitus ulcers)
Heads of Damage Compensation
The financial consequences of a spinal cord injury are significant:
- Home adaptations for wheelchair use
- Specially adapted transport
- Continuous care (especially in tetraplegia)
- Necessary aids such as wheelchairs and hoists
- Loss of income due to disability for work
- Non-pecuniary damages in the highest categories
Non-Pecuniary Damages for Spinal Cord Injury in Rijswijk
In the Netherlands, non-pecuniary damages awards for spinal cord injuries are among the highest:
- Paraplegia: between € 100,000 and € 175,000
- Tetraplegia: between € 150,000 and € 250,000
Total Damage Amounts
The total costs of a spinal cord injury can amount to millions of euros due to:
- Long-term care needs
- Necessary adaptations to or purchase of a home
- Loss of career income
- Costs for aids and transport adaptations
Who funds home adaptations in Rijswijk?
A portion of the costs can be covered via the WMO (Rijswijk municipality), but this is often insufficient. The remainder can be claimed from the liable party. In many cases, moving to a suitable home is necessary.How is the cost of lifelong care determined?
The required care hours per day are calculated at professional rates and projected over the victim's expected life expectancy.Can damage claims really amount to millions of euros?
Yes, especially for young victims with a severe spinal cord injury, claims can amount to € 5 million or more. These are the largest personal injury cases in the Netherlands.Frequently Asked Questions about Spinal Cord Injury in Rijswijk
How do I determine if my spinal cord injury is complete or partial?
In a complete spinal cord injury, there is no function or sensation below the level of the injury. In a partial injury, some function remains. A neurologist can determine this with tests and scans such as an MRI. For advice, you can contact an expertise centre such as the Sint Maartenskliniek.
Can the municipality of Rijswijk help with an adapted home?
Via the WMO, the municipality of Rijswijk offers limited support, such as a stairlift. For larger adaptations or a new home, you often need to file a claim against the liable party. A personal injury lawyer can assist you with this.
What is the amount of non-pecuniary damages for spinal cord injury?
Non-pecuniary damages for paraplegia range from € 100,000 to € 175,000, and for tetraplegia from € 150,000 to € 250,000, depending on the personal impact and circumstances.
Who pays the costs for intensive care?
If a third party is liable, for example after an accident, care costs are reimbursed by them. This includes home care or nursing, calculated over your life expectancy. A lawyer helps in claiming these costs.
Is working still possible after a spinal cord injury?
This depends on the severity of the injury. In tetraplegia, working is often impossible, but in paraplegia, adapted work is sometimes possible. You are entitled to a labour market assessment and compensation for income loss from the liable party.
Relevant institutions in Rijswijk:
- Court: Rechtbank Den Haag (district)
- Legal aid: Juridisch Loket Rijswijk