A spinal cord injury can occur at any stage of life and may be the result of a traumatic injury such as a fall or motor vehicle accident (personal injury); or could be the result of non-traumatic injuries such as those caused by medical or surgical errors (medical negligence), or diseases or conditions such as vascular disorders or tumours which cause compression of the spinal cord.
Whatever the cause, a spinal cord injury can have a devastating impact on many aspects of the injured person’s every day life. When the spinal cord is damaged, it changes the injured person’s ability to control movement and function below the level of injury. Depending on the severity of damage to the spinal cord, this may result in a complete loss of function below the level of injury, or a partial loss of function where some movement or sensory messages are still transmitted. This is why some people with a spinal cord injury can regain the ability to walk (an incomplete spinal cord injury), and others cannot (complete spinal cord injury).
In addition to reducing the ability to control movement, a damaged spinal cord can also result in the loss of sensation below the level of injury, as well as the ability to control bowel, bladder and sexual function.
When the spinal cord injury occurs in the cervical region, at the level of the neck (C1-C7), the injured person will experience reduced function of both upper limbs and lower limbs. Depending on the level of injury, their ability to breath independently may also be impacted.
When the level of spinal cord injury occurs below the cervical (neck) level, in the thoracic or lumbar areas (T1-L5), the injured person will experience reduced ability to use their lower limbs though the ability to use their arms will not be impaired.
The spinal cord does not extend below the lumbar vertebrae, however the nerve roots extend into the sacral area of the spine (S1-S5). A person who has experienced injury to the spinal nerve roots may experience pain and reduced physical strength in one or both of their legs, and experience issues with bowel, bladder and sexual function.
Ironically, people who have endured a spinal cord injury frequently experience spasm (involuntary movement) and neuropathic pain in the areas of their body below the level of injury. This means that although a spinal cord injured person may not be able to voluntarily move their limbs, or feel touch and other sensations in effected areas of their body, they may still experience spasm, and burning or tingling sensations below the level of injury.
Our Process
At Independent OT Medico Legal, when preparing reports for spinal cord injury compensation claims we consider the medical evidence provided in the brief to obtain a clear understanding of the injuries sustained. Prior to the assessment we will have reviewed all medical evidence provided including hospital discharge summaries, and relevant medical records and reports from medical specialists (including treating doctors, spinal rehabilitation consultants, allied health practitioners etc). We will also have completed an analysis of this medical evidence to determine a timeline of events from the time the injury was sustained to the time of our OT assessment.
Where there are any co-morbid medical issues, our reports will define which symptoms are the direct result of the spinal cord injury, and which are due to pre-existing conditions. Or, where relevant, if a pre-existing condition has been exacerbated by the spinal cord injury then our report will highlight the symptoms that were present prior to the spinal cord injury as compared to those present following the spinal cord injury.
This is determined through information obtained from the injured person, as well as through review and evaluation of previous medical documentation and discussion with family where possible in order to form an objective opinion. Our occupational therapists have extensive experience with assessment, and knowledge of trauma informed practice, and are able to conduct interviews in a manner that allows this information to be gathered, whilst always giving consideration to the well-being of the injured person.
What Our Spinal Cord Injury Reports Include
The assessment process for a spinal cord injury is comprehensive and includes a combination of a detailed interview, assessment of physical impairments and abilities, paper-based assessments and clinical observations of both physical and cognitive abilities in order to accurately assess the level of impairment across all domains of daily life.
Cognition is also often assessed as we understand that chronic pain (and related pain medications) can have an impact on cognition; and if the spinal cord injury was the result of a traumatic injury, there may also be some level of brain injury and associated complications.
Where any support has been provided for the injured person by friends or family, this will be detailed in the report with a calculation of hours provided for the justifiable level of past gratuitous support.
Our reports will include discussion of the rehabilitation that has been offered from the time of injury to the date of the assessment, and what impact this has had on improving the injured person’s functional ability. Where there is a need for ongoing rehabilitation, or treatments to maintain the level of function or prevent further decline, this will also be included.
Some people who have sustained a spinal cord injury may experience complications with bowel and/or bladder function, spasm, pain or other symptoms which have a significant impact on their ability to engage in day-to-day tasks. Where these complications are present, further investigation is crucial to determine what treatment has been undertaken to address these issues, and what may still be available. This includes review of the medical evidence provided and discussion with treating therapy providers where relevant to explore what/ if any other treatment options may be applicable, such as further allied health input, spinal surgery etc. If it is considered likely that future treatment will have a significant impact on the functional ability of the spinal cord injured person, this will be discussed in detail. Alternatively, if it is considered that the complications may result in permanent impairment, then additional assistive equipment or support services will be recommended.
Whilst we do not undertake formal fitness for work assessments, we will consider the extent to which the spinal cord injury has impacted the person’s ability to return to their previous employment position, and if the duties of the previous work role cannot be undertaken in a modified manner due to the level of permanent impairment, then suggestions or guidance will be offered as to the type of role that may be suitable.
Understanding the Importance of Spinal Cord Injury Medico Legal Reports
One of the biggest misconceptions about a spinal cord injury is that one person who has sustained an injury at a specific spinal cord level will have the same symptoms or experience of life as another person with the same level of spinal cord injury. A text book will outline what motor and sensation deficits will be experienced with a complete injury at any particular level, though very few people who have sustained a spinal cord injury will find that their experience is exactly as stated in a text book.
Our medico legal reports detail the experience of day-to-day life for the individual with a spinal cord injury, using our knowledge of the textbook, as well as our detailed examination of the individual claimant.
How Our Specialists Assist in Spinal Cord Injury Claims
At Independent OT Medico Legal, our commitment is to examine all data and evidence to ensure we capture the full scope of the spinal cord injury, including all associated complications, and deliver a balanced and objective report for every individual that we assess.
We use selected disability assessments combined with clinical expertise to support our opinion and have a proven track record of delivering quality medico legal reports in this field.
We have a particular interest and expertise in complex spinal cord injury cases and have provided expert witness testimony as part of legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is advisable to seek a medico-legal report as soon as possible after diagnosis to document the injury’s impact and progression accurately.
While we prefer comprehensive in-person assessments, we can accommodate remote assessments where required. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and assessment needs.
We require all relevant medical documents, including hospital discharge summaries, medical records, and specialist reports from treating doctors, rehabilitation consultants, and allied health providers. These records help us accurately assess the injury’s impact and build a thorough timeline of events.
Yes, if a claimant’s condition evolves, we can update the report to reflect any changes. This ensures the report remains accurate and relevant for ongoing claims or court proceedings.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but we strive to complete the process, including assessment and report preparation, within 6 weeks. Contact us to discuss specific timelines based on your case.
Yes, we provide impartial and objective reports for both plaintiff and defendant lawyers. Our goal is to deliver balanced evaluations that help all parties reach informed decisions.
Contact Us for Professional Spinal Cord Injury Medico Legal Reports
Need an expert report to support a spinal cord injury claim? Our experienced occupational therapists provide detailed, impartial assessments that address the full impact of spinal injuries on daily life and future care needs.
Reach out today to book an assessment, call for a consultation, or email us your inquiry—we’re ready to assist you in achieving fair and accurate outcomes.