Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day is Today!
Barratts Solicitors are proud to be members and firm supporters of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) , especially today when we celebrate Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day (SCIAD) on Friday 21 May 2021. Together with their charity partners Aspire, Back Up and Spinal Research, the SIA will be working hard to raise awareness of spinal cord injury and highlight the challenges that spinal cord injured people face on a daily basis.
For over 30 decades, Barratts Solicitors have represented clients who have sustained spinal cord injury (SCI) either through an accident or due to clinical negligence. We have witnessed the challenges that our clients face after suffering a SCI, from the inaccessible accommodation and/or place of employment to daily painful spasms. A lack of available resources can mean the right equipment is not provided or that much needed rehabilitation is limited. Income is often lost due to difficulties continuing in pre-injury occupations and clients are left trying to navigate the ‘minefield’ of the benefits system.
The lives of the individual and their families are devastated and coming to terms with a SCI is difficult and complex for all concerned. However, we know that with the support of rehabilitation professionals, those with SCI can live a rewarding and happy life. The charities who support SCI make this possible and leading research developing equipment for SCI is continually advancing.
We all know that the pandemic in 2020/2021 has affected everyone, but those with SCI will have particularly struggled. That is why the SIA and other spinal cord injury charity partners will be looking at the impact of successive lockdowns and shielding measures which can manifest as feelings of isolation, frustration, being ignored, and mental ill health. Look out for lots of posts today #SCIAD21.
Whilst at Barratts we will always fight hard for our clients to secure early interim payments to try and put in place much-needed help as soon as possible, such as accommodation and rehabilitation, we appreciate that interim payments are not always possible where liability remains in dispute. Recovery is also not just dependent on money; talking with another person with SCI and tips from someone who has experienced the same injury really can help. The SIA and their charity partners can provide guidance and support through the various services which they offer, and this can prove to be a lifeline for those with SCI.
For further information about Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day and the services available through the SIA please visit their website https://www.spinal.co.uk/
We would also encourage you to go to the SIA’s charity partner websites for invaluable information and support:
https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/
