Cauda Equina Special Damages Claim
A compensation settlement is made up of general damages and special damages. Special damages reflect the financial loss that has been incurred. This can cover a variety of things, some of which you may not have considered. In this article we explore a potential special damages claim in more detail, explaining what you might be able to recover in your compensation settlement.
What can be included in a special damages claim?
The following losses can be included within your special damages:
Past and future earnings
While you were be treated for/recovering from cauda equina syndrome you may have had to take time off work. If you were not paid during this time, or lost the opportunity to perform over-time, you can claim your loss of earnings.
You can also claim for any estimated future loss of earnings. For example, some people have to give up work because of cauda equina syndrome, or have to reduce their working hours. Some continue working but move to a less demanding role that pays less. Any of these situations will cause you to lose money that you would not have lost, had your condition been managed properly. You can also claim if there has been a loss of pension, and if you have been put at a disadvantage on the labour market.
Past and future care
While you were recovering from cauda equina syndrome you may have required a significant amount of care. This could have come from family, a spouse or partner, friends or even neighbours. If so, your solicitor can estimate the amount of time people have spent caring for you and apply an hourly rate. This makes up your care claim and can relate to assistance you needed with things such as dressing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, shopping, DIY and travel.
You can also claim for any future care you will need. Some people with permanent cauda equina injuries are severely disabled and require a lot of help. Sometimes a partner or parent will even have to give up work to help look after you. Again, this can be included within your compensation settlement.
Equipment
You can recover the money you have spent on specialist equipment, which you would not have needed were it not for the cauda equina syndrome. For instance, you may have purchased a pair of crutches, a wheelchair, a mobility scooter, a different car, or you may have made adaptations to your home to enable you to move around better.
Travel
You can claim for the cost of travelling to and from hospital and other medical appointments. This includes the amount you spent on fuel, parking or public transport.
Future treatment
You may require medication and treatment to improve your condition and minimise your symptoms. You can include claim for these treatments, such as physiotherapy, sacral nerve stimulation, and the cost of prescriptions.
Find out more
To found out more about claiming compensation for cauda equina syndrome, please get in touch with us today.
Call us now for a free, no obligation assessment on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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